Roadworthiness

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

There are very strict regulations about what you may import or manufacture 
in the way of vehicles, with the strictest regulations reserved for cars, 
but once you get that puppy home there's not much you can't do in most 
jurisdictions. We have some window dressing type lighting, windshield 
washers, seat belts,  and tinting of window glass regulations. But tire 
tread depth, braking systems, steering systems, oil burning? You're kidding 
right?

I'm not sure our cars are required by law to have four wheel brakes (though 
2 wheelers must have brakes on each wheel and three wheelers are not 
specifically mentioned) but the brakes must be capable of stopping the 
vehicle from a speed of 30 km/hr in 30 meters (100 ft) on dry pavement!, or 
tires with tread, or steering that works. We do have to have windshield 
wipers and washers if the car was manufactured after a certain date. The 
range of the headlights on low beam must meet the minimum performance 
requirement of 30 meters (100 ft!)and certainly there is no system to 
verify compliance or roadworthiness. The inference to be drawn is that the 
braking and lighting specifications are based upon the premise that you 
must be able to see an object at night in sufficient time to just knock it 
down if you immediately apply the brakes while travelling at 30 km/hr under 
ideal conditions. Get the idea?

We see unfit vehicle all the time here. To the point that having ABS brakes 
is a distinct disadvantage in that most vehicles then cannot stop as well 
as you do!!!

Chryslers are fine here, having no real brakes isn't considered a defect. 
Cupholders are important though, and an interior compass, in case you 
forget which way is North.

Cheers


Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta,Canada
91 Alfa 164L
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