Case Law

Driving related decisions by the courts.

Police Ticketing the Police

BC Courts Coat of ArmsDo the police ever charge a fellow officer with a traffic offence? I suspect that members of the public would respond "no" to that assertion and would be skeptical of protests to the contrary.  This case involves an unmarked police car speeding on the Okanagan Connector near Merritt.

Dashcam Video Used as Evidence

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThe case of Huettner v Lo involves an unsafe lane change made by the driver of a white Kia Rondo in front of a transit bus  that was northbound on Burrard Street in the HOV-dedicated far right lane beside the Hotel Vancouver sidewalk, approaching Georgia Street. Dashcam video was enhanced to identify that vehicle's licence number.

Left Turns Through Stopped Traffic

left turns permitted at intersection signMost drivers believe that if they are facing a green light at an intersection they have the absolute right of way to drive through without any need to consider stopping. A recent case in the B.C. Supreme Court on making left turns through stopped traffic illustrates that this is not a reasonable expectation.

Plea Bargain and Penalty Points

BC Courts Coat of ArmsAlexander Holliday was issued a traffic ticket for not having a valid driver's licence and failing to display a new driver sign. The ticketed amounts would be $276 and $109 respectively along with 3 penalty points for the no driver's licence infraction. Mr. Holliday disputed the ticket.