BC Highway Patrol is issuing a warning to drivers to remember that it is illegal to pass vehicles on the right.
This comes after a Chilliwack man crashed his motorcycle and was hit with heavy fines following passing cars on the right on Highway 1 near East 1st Avenue in Vancouver.
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A BC Highway Patrol officer was monitoring the area on June 18 around 9:20 a.m. when the black Harley Davidson motorcycle driver passed them on the right shoulder.
The officer turned on his lights and siren and a blue pick-up truck in front of the patrol car activated its right signal and pulled to the right as is law.
The motorcyclist however ignored the officer and continued passing on the right which ended with the rider running over a road sign and into the back of the pick-up truck.
“Passing on the right enrages other motorists, but that’s not the main reason that it’s illegal,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with the BC Highway Patrol.
“The side of the road has rocks, sand, garbage, shredded truck tires and other hazards, and if someone pulls off the road suddenly, you could end up badly hurt or worse.”
The motorcyclist, a 37-year-old man was arrested for flight from police before being released with a violation ticket for passing on the right and a violation ticket for driving without consideration.
His motorcycle, which was too damaged to ride, was also impounded for seven days.
The rider had no serious injuries.
“We’re glad no one was hurt, but too many motorcyclists are passing on the right on Highway #1,” said Cpl. McLaughlin, “Consider this a warning to everyone; BC Highway Patrol can and will ticket drivers who pass on the right.”
