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Traffic tip of the week
This week’s tip: ‘L’ and ‘N’ driver’s licences
By Cpl. RP Hrehirchuk
New driver sign condition for Class 7L, 8L, 7 and 8 licences
30.10 (1) In this section, “new driver sign” means a sign, issued by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia for the purposes of this section, to indicate that a motor vehicle is being driven by a person who is learning to drive or by a novice driver.
(2) Subject to the exception set out in subsection (3), a person to whom a Class 7L or 8L licence is issued must not operate a motor vehicle of a category designated in section 30.01 (2) for that class of driver’s licence unless a new driver sign depicting the letter “L” is clearly visible and prominently displayed from the rear of the motor vehicle or trailer, as the case may be.
(3) The new driver sign condition under subsection (2) does not apply in the course of the person receiving practical driver training conducted in accordance with Division 27 by a licensed driver training instructor, unless the practical driver training is being conducted in a private vehicle under section 27.09 (7).
(4) Subject to the exception set out in subsection (5), a person to whom a Class 7 or 8 licence is issued must not operate a motor vehicle of a category designated in section 30.01 (2) for that class of driver’s licence unless a new driver sign depicting the letter “N” is clearly visible and prominently displayed from the rear of the motor vehicle or trailer, as the case may be.
(5) The new driver sign condition under subsection (4) does not a apply in the course of the person receiving practical driver training conducted in accordance with Division 27 by a licensed driver training instructor, unless the practical driver training is being conducted in a private vehicle under section 27.09 (7).
[en. B.C. Reg. 257/98, App. 1, s. 6; am. B.C. Reg. 354/2003, Sch. s. 4.]
No-alcohol restriction for Class 7L, 8L, 7 and 8 licences
30.11 (1) A person who holds a Class 7L, 8L, 7 or 8 licence must not operate a motor vehicle while having alcohol in his or her body.
(2) For the purposes of section 90.3 of the Act, the following devices are prescribed:
(a) the Alcolmeter S-L2;
(b) the Alcotest ® 7410 GLC;
(c) the Alcotest ® 7410 PA3;
(c.1) the Alco-Sensor FST;
(d) the Alco-Sensor IV D WF;
(e) the Alco-Sensor IV PWF;
(f) the Alco-Sûr;
(g) the Intoxilyzer 400D.
These laws were put in place by the Government of B.C. after consultation with multiple groups and agencies that would promote safety for young drivers. It is not meant to punish young drivers but to keep them safe.
Young drivers do not always understand the severe consequences or risks from poor judgement or bad decision making as a result of their driving behaviour. Only allowing one passenger reduces the number of victims if they should become involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Limiting L and N drivers to only one passenger allows the person to concentrate more on their driving and not be influenced by their friends.
Immediate family members are exempt.
Young drivers are required to display their L or N signs at all times or they could receive a violation which carries a penalty of $109.
If the young driver has more than one passenger they are required to have a supervisor aged 25 or older who has a valid drivers licence.
An L or N driver must have a clean record for two years before they can graduate to another level of licence.
As well L or N drivers cannot have any alcohol in their body, if they do they will lose their licence for a certain period of time depending on their alcohol level and will receive further penalties from the Motor Vehicle Branch. So don’t drink and drive as you are responsible for everyone in your vehicle when driving.
Cranbrook RCMP encourages all young drivers to obey all laws. This will promote safe driving habits, which ensures the safety of everyone. Obeying traffic laws also reduces injuries and helps avoid costly insurance claims.
– Cpl. RP Hrehirchuk is NCO Municipal Traffic Cranbrook RCMP
