Tinted Windows
Under section 70(1) it is an offense to place or install window glazing on the windows beside or forward of the driver. Window tint can affect low light visibility but more importantly the plastic glazing impacts the ability of the tempered glass to shatter as per safety design. Automotive glass is meant to shatter into many small pieces but when window glazing is installed it holds all the broken glass together and the sheet of broken glass becomes like a large sheet of miniature knives. Serious injury can result from the glass while attached to the plastic sheet.
Inadequate Splash Protection
This can be broken into two distinct categories; tires extending outside of the fender and inadequate mudguards. Section 64 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulation states that a motor vehicle or trailer must have a part of the body, a fender or mudguard that covers the width of each tire. The mudguard must also extend down to at least the centreline at the rear of each axel.
Colored Lighting to the Front of a Motor Vehicle
Section 6(1) of the Vehicle Equipment Regulation requires that headlamps must be white in color and the bulb must be made of clear untinted glazing. Section 23(2) (c) requires these lamps to emit an amber light plainly visible from at least 250 meters ahead. Section 43 requires daytime running lights to be maintained in good working order and to be maintained to the manufactures specifications which are defined in the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada).
Auxiliary Lamps
Many people have opted to install a light bar on their vehicle. Installing the light bar is not illegal but using it is illegal on a highway as the light bar does not comply with section 42 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulation.
Motorcycle Helmets
There has been an increase in the number of “beanie” style helmets that do not meet the standards as set out in section 108 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulations. Placing a DOT sticker on the helmet does not exempt the helmet as there are a number of standards that must be met to fulfil the standards in the Act. Any illegal helmet can be seized and unless the operator has a second helmet the motorcycle will have to remain where legally parked.
Loud Motor Vehicles
There has been a rise in the number of complaints Regarding loud motor vehicles or excessive noise. Section 61 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulations requires that all internal combustion engines must have a muffler that cools and expels exhaust gases form the motor without excessive noise. This restriction is also defined in the Town of Okotoks Traffic Bylaw which prohibits objectionable noise from a motor vehicle. This included loud exhaust systems, unnecessary use of a horn, and squealing tires noise from an improperly secured load, and loud music that can be heard outside a motor vehicles.