Two Vancouver motorcyclists had their bikes impounded and were issued multiple tickets after allegedly weaving through traffic without visible licence plates on Highway 1 last weekend.
According to a BC Highway Patrol press release, the incident happened around 3 p.m. on August 17 near the Cassiar Connector. Officers observed two BMW sport motorcycles riding in tandem with no visible licence plates. Police say the riders crossed highway dividers, drove over painted medians, and lane-split through traffic without signalling before being stopped near the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge.
Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol said some sport bike riders attempt to conceal plates by mounting them on folding brackets under the rear tire. “That is completely illegal. A motorcycle must have a fender and a licence plate that is mounted vertically, with a light, at the rear-most portion of the fender,” he said.
When pulled over, officers reported that the riders tried to bend their plate mounts back into a vertical position. “It was not very convincing,” McLaughlin said.
The first rider, a 23-year-old Vancouver man, received a seven-day vehicle impound for stunt driving, a $368 ticket for driving without due care and attention, and a $230 ticket for improper display of a licence plate.
The second rider, an 18-year-old Vancouver man, received a seven-day vehicle impound for stunt driving, a $196 ticket for driving without consideration, a $109 ticket for failing to display an “N” sign, and a $230 ticket for improper display of a licence plate.
Both riders also received six demerit points each, which will trigger high-risk driver premiums, and the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles will review their licence status.
Corporal McLaughlin warned riders that reckless behaviour comes at a high cost. “If you make an effort to follow the rules, it’s less stressful for everyone and you probably won’t get verbal abuse from passing motorists as you watch your motorcycle get towed,” he said.
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