November 29, 2024
Cape Breton Regional Police caught 5 vehicles for operating with improper mufflers that cause loud noise, during targeted traffic enforcement with Nova Scotia Vehicle Compliance, in Northside areas of the CBRM on November 27th. Traffic Safety officers issued Summary Offence tickets for Operating a Motor Vehicle Not Equipped with a Muffler in Good Working Order, which carries a fine of $180.
This is part of ongoing targeted traffic enforcement for road safety across the CBRM, in response to citizen concerns about excessive speed and noise. Mufflers modified from their original design do not meet the intended purpose of reducing engine noise and officers check equipment in an effort to limit noise and ensure drivers comply with safe driving practices. Police also urge motorists to follow posted speed limits, which vary on different roadways throughout the CBRM and are set carefully for the safety of everyone using them. Driving too fast reduces your reaction time and can lead to other dangerous behaviours like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and failing to yield to the right of way. A first offence for exceeding the speed limit by just 1-15 km/hr is $237.50.
Over the last month Traffic Safety officers caught 75 drivers for speeding, clocked at speeds exceeding limits by 1-15 km/hr and 16-30 km/hr, and an additional 3 vehicles operating with improper muffles. They issued another 120 tickets for other driving violations, including Failing to Stop, Not Wearing a Seatbelt, Driving with a Revoked or Suspended Driver’s License, and Driving without valid Insurance, Registration, Inspection or License. Officers are also traveling on ATVs to make sure off-road riders are following the rules. If you own an off-road vehicle, remember that you are to drive in DESIGNATED areas ONLY. That means No driving an ATV, dirt bike or other off-road vehicle on streets, sidewalks or highways. You will be ticketed and fined between $00 and $1,000 for driving an off-road vehicle on regular roadways. You must also wear a helmet, maintain a valid permit & insurance and travel with adult supervision if you’re under age 16.
If you see any driving behaviours that pose a risk to public safety, please call 9-1-1 with as much information about the vehicle as possible, including make and model, license plate and direction of travel. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and police remind all road users to stay alert, avoid distractions, follow traffic signs and signals, stay visible with headlights or reflective clothing and always think before you move.
