Provincial police are reminding drivers in eastern Ontario to ensure any aftermarket vehicle modifications comply with provincial law before taking to the road.
The Ontario Provincial Police say officers across the East Region continue to encounter vehicles altered in ways that affect safety, visibility or compliance with the Highway Traffic Act.
Police say while custom parts are widely available through retailers and online, vehicle owners remain responsible for ensuring any modifications meet legal requirements, regardless of where the parts are purchased.
Among the common violations cited by police are modified or excessively loud exhaust systems, including muffler bypasses or cut-outs, which are prohibited under the act.
Officers also report issues with licence plates, including covers, improper mounting or alterations that make them difficult to read.
Other concerns include unsafe suspension changes such as lift or lowering kits, tires extending beyond fenders and missing mudflaps, all of which may pose safety risks or breach provincial standards.
Police say visibility-related infractions are also frequent, including overly tinted windows or windshields and the use of non-compliant or coloured lighting.
Depending on the offence, penalties can include fines, licence plate seizure, towing or orders to undergo a vehicle safety inspection.
The OPP says enforcement efforts are focused on modifications that create safety concerns, not on accessibility-related equipment such as wheelchair ramps or hand controls.
Drivers seeking more information are encouraged to consult the Highway Traffic Act or the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.
(Steve Berard)
