Signals +9British Columbia · CDL · English

Red means stop; yellow means caution; green means go if the intersection is clear. After a full stop on a steady red you may turn right, or turn left onto a one-way street, unless a sign forbids it. Flashing red means stop then continue when safe; flashing green is a pedestrian-controlled light (go only if the intersection is clear); flashing yellow means proceed with caution. Green arrows permit turns in the arrow direction; a yellow arrow means the advance left turn is ending. A transit priority steady white rectangular signal permits only buses to go.

• ✓On a steady red, after a full stop, you may turn right or turn left onto a one-way street unless a sign forbids it
• ✓Flashing red requires a full stop then proceed when safe; flashing yellow requires proceeding with caution
• ✓A transit priority white rectangular signal permits only buses to proceed

Lane control signals are placed over lanes to indicate which are open for driving. A red X means do not drive in that lane; a green arrow means drive in that lane; and flashing yellow means move out of that lane into a lane with a green arrow. If all lane control signals over the lanes flash yellow, slow down and proceed with caution.

• ✓A red X over a lane means do not drive in that lane; a green arrow means the lane is open
• ✓A flashing yellow arrow means move out of that lane; if all flash yellow, slow down and proceed with caution

Air brake systems include a low-air warning device (wig-wag or buzzer/light) that activates when reservoir pressure falls too low, alerting the driver to stop safely before brakes fail.

• ✓The low-air warning device must activate before dangerous pressure loss
• ✓Stop safely when the low-air warning activates
• ✓Understand the wig-wag mechanical low-air indicator

A dual air brake system uses primary and secondary (supply/wet tank) reservoirs to provide redundancy. If the primary air system fails, the secondary system provides braking capacity.

• ✓Dual systems have separate primary and secondary reservoirs for redundancy
• ✓The supply reservoir (wet tank) collects moisture and feeds other reservoirs
• ✓Braking remains available if one circuit fails

Air brake systems use various valves including the safety (pop-off) valve, quick release valve, relay valve, one-way and two-way check valves, relay emergency valve, parking brake control valve, and pressure protection valves. Each controls air flow for braking and safety.

• ✓The safety valve releases excess air pressure to protect the system
• ✓Quick release and relay valves speed brake application and release
• ✓Check valves prevent air backflow between reservoirs

Spring parking brakes apply mechanically when air pressure is lost, providing emergency and parking braking. Trailer spring brakes and safety actuator parking brakes are engaged via the parking brake control valve.

• ✓Spring brakes apply automatically when air pressure drops too low
• ✓Use the parking brake control valve to set spring parking brakes
• ✓Trailer spring brakes provide emergency braking on air loss

S-cam drum brakes use a slack adjuster to convert air chamber push-rod movement into braking force. Slack adjusters may be manual or automatic and must be kept within free-stroke limits. Free stroke is measured using the pry method.

• ✓Keep slack adjuster free stroke within manufacturer/legal limits
• ✓Adjust manual slack adjusters when stroke exceeds limits
• ✓Measure free stroke using the pry method during inspection

Combination vehicle air brakes include the supply (emergency) line and control (service) line connecting tractor and trailer. Bobtail proportioning and slippery road valves modulate braking. Understand primary system failure procedures.

• ✓The supply/emergency line charges trailer reservoirs and applies trailer brakes on disconnection
• ✓The control/service line delivers braking signal to the trailer
• ✓Bobtail proportioning limits tractor braking when running without a trailer

Besides air brakes, drivers should know vacuum brakes, wedge brakes, water-cooled brakes, and ratchet-and-pawl brakes. Brake failure warning systems alert the driver to problems.

• ✓Recognize different brake types including wedge and vacuum brakes
• ✓Respond immediately to brake failure warning systems
• ✓Use runaway lanes if brakes fail on a descent

An engine is a heat conversion machine converting heat energy to motion. A brake works oppositely, converting the energy of motion back into heat through friction between brake drums/rotors and linings/pads. Heat is absorbed and dissipated into the atmosphere primarily through brake drums/rotors. Traction between tires and road is the final factor in stopping.

• ✓Brakes convert the energy of motion into heat energy through friction
• ✓Heat is dissipated primarily through the brake drums/rotors
• ✓The final factor in stopping is contact between the vehicle and road through the tires

A heavy tractor-trailer can weigh up to 63,500 kg loaded. Stopping quickly requires a stopping force of nine times the acceleration force (approximately 4,000 hp). With 8 axles and 16 brakes, each provides about 1/16 of braking force. If brakes are out of adjustment, others do more work, resulting in longer stopping distance and possible brake overheating, damage, and failure.

• ✓A heavy tractor-trailer combination can weigh up to 63,500 kg when loaded
• ✓If brakes are out of adjustment, other brakes must work harder resulting in longer stopping distances
• ✓Unequally loaded axles can cause lighter-loaded wheels to skid, increasing stopping distance

Animals are a major hazard in B.C. Watch for animal crossing signs and slow down, be alert at dusk and dawn, watch for eye reflections at night, and take extra caution in spring and fall. Animals often move in herds. If an animal is directly ahead, check mirrors, assess risk, slow down without slamming brakes, and leave a wide margin.

• ✓Slow down at animal crossing signs and when wildlife is near the highway
• ✓If unavoidable with a large animal, brake firmly, steer to strike at an angle, and let up on brakes just before impact to raise the front end
• ✓Don't slam on brakes, as this could send the vehicle out of control
• ✓Expect more animals if you see one, since they move in herds

Get the feel of the road by testing steering and brakes at slow speed. Reduce speed to suit conditions and use chains if necessary. Apply light brake pressure and avoid quick or erratic steering. Keep windows/windshields clear and maintain wipers, lights and defroster. Ensure ventilation is good and exhaust has no leaks.

• ✓Test steering and brakes at slow speed when starting out
• ✓Reduce speed for conditions and put on chains if necessary
• ✓Apply light brake pressure and avoid quick/erratic steering
• ✓Keep windows clear and don't use air recirculation in cold weather (causes fogging)

You can't see as far in the dark. Travel at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see. Most headlights illuminate only 100 m on high beam. A loaded truck at 80 km/h can take over 100 m to stop, further than high beams illuminate. Reduce speed after sunset.

• ✓Travel at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see, even below posted limits
• ✓Switch from high to low beam at least 150 m from oncoming or followed vehicles
• ✓It's illegal to drive at night using only parking lights
• ✓Don't flash lights at drivers who forget to dim; slow down and focus on the right road edge

Vehicles transporting logs or poles must be equipped with bunks, bolsters, stakes or other means of cradling the logs (Standard s.29(1)). Stakes and extensions must form a 90-degree or lesser angle with the bunk cross member (MVAR 35.05). Stakes must be secured by an engineer-approved method, by a pin and closed-loop stake lines of wire rope at least 22 mm diameter, or with properly welded gussets. Before entering a highway from a private road, the driver must inspect the vehicle, logs and securing devices and add devices if required. Short logs loaded crosswise must be secured with a device that maintains tension and takes up slack as logs settle.

• ✓Vehicles must have bunks, bolsters, stakes or other means of cradling logs
• ✓Stakes must form a 90-degree or lesser angle with the bunk cross member
• ✓Closed-loop stake lines must be wire rope at least 22 mm in diameter
• ✓Inspect vehicle, logs and securing devices before entering a highway from a private road

Secure cargo within intermodal containers per general or commodity-specific requirements. On a container chassis, use integral locking devices; chain can be an interim measure only if the locking device is damaged/missing. On other vehicles, secure by chains/wire ropes/integral locking devices fixed to all lower corners and/or crossed chains fixed to all upper corners, with an aggregate working load limit of 50% of the container weight. Pass chains around an entire corner link, not just through it.

• ✓Use integral locking devices to secure containers on a container chassis
• ✓Aggregate working load limit must be at least 50% of the container weight
• ✓Chain is only an interim measure when the integral locking device is damaged or missing

Vehicles under 4,500 kg GVW must be secured front and rear with a minimum of two tiedowns (a winch may serve as a front tiedown). Vehicles over 4,500 kg require a minimum of four tiedowns, each with a working load limit of at least 2,268 kg, with additional tiedowns as needed to reach an aggregate WLL of at least 50% of cargo weight. Accessory equipment (e.g., hydraulic shovels) must be lowered and secured. Stacked/flattened/crushed vehicles need containment walls and/or tiedowns (WLL at least 2,268 kg, not synthetic webbing) and equipment to prevent loose parts falling.

• ✓Vehicles under 4,500 kg: minimum two tiedowns at front and rear
• ✓Vehicles over 4,500 kg: minimum four tiedowns, each with WLL of at least 2,268 kg
• ✓Aggregate tiedown WLL must be at least 50% of the cargo weight
• ✓Accessory equipment such as hydraulic shovels must be lowered and secured

Livestock can move in the trailer, making turns difficult and risking collision or injury; use false bulkheads to bunch animals with less than a full load and reduce speed on curves since animals can lean and shift the centre of gravity, causing rollover. Hanging meat sways and has a high centre of gravity — secure to prevent shift/sway and reduce speed on curves and ramps. Liquid or dry bulk tank loads have a high centre of gravity and surge if unbaffled — reduce speed on curves and be careful on stops and starts.

• ✓Use false bulkheads to bunch livestock when carrying less than a full load
• ✓Reduce speed on curves for livestock, hanging meat and bulk tank loads due to high or shifting centre of gravity
• ✓Unbaffled liquid loads surge forward, backward and side to side — take care on stops and starts

Bundles of lumber, drywall and plywood (Division 2 of the Standard) placed side by side must contact each other or be prevented from shifting by dunnage/blocking. If blocked laterally by stakes or friction devices, secure with tiedowns over the top layer, minimum two for bundles longer than 1.52 m. If stacked directly, use tiedowns over the top and second layers (or at 1.85 m above the deck, whichever is greater). Tiers over 1.85 m must be secured independently.

• ✓Side-by-side bundles must contact each other or be prevented from shifting toward each other
• ✓Minimum two tiedowns for bundles longer than 1.52 m
• ✓Tiers exceeding 1.85 m in height must be secured independently per general requirements

Specific requirements apply to metal coils and paper rolls weighing 2,268 kg or more. Coils with eyes vertical must be prevented from tipping forward, rearward and sideways using blocking, bracing, friction mats or tiedowns; coils with eyes crosswise or lengthwise must be secured against rolling and against forward/rearward movement. Paper rolls in sided vehicles need blocking/bracing/friction mats/tiedowns to prevent sliding, tipping or rolling; stacks and flatbed loads need additional securement.

• ✓Specific coil/paper roll requirements apply when the shipment weighs 2,268 kg or more
• ✓Vertical-eye coils must be prevented from tipping forward, rearward and sideways
• ✓Coils with eyes crosswise or lengthwise must be secured against rolling

Secure boulders over 5,000 kg or greater than two cubic metres (Division 9) on their flattest/largest side on the deck, supported by at least two hardwood blocks or a crib, using at least two chains; unstable-base boulders need additional tiedowns. Roll-on/roll-off and hook-lift containers on vehicles without a functioning integral securement system (Division 8) must be blocked against forward movement, secured to the front against sideways/vertical movement, and secured to the rear with tiedowns, two lengthwise tiedowns, two hooks or equivalent mechanisms.

• ✓Secure boulders over 5,000 kg or over two cubic metres with at least two chains on their flattest side
• ✓Support boulders with at least two hardwood blocks or a crib
• ✓Roll-on/roll-off containers without integral securement must be blocked against forward movement and secured front and rear

Loads projecting beyond the vehicle take up extra road space and may intrude on other lanes, especially when turning. Follow standard limits unless you hold a permit. A front load cannot extend more than one metre beyond the front wheels, or one metre beyond the front bumper if equipped. For TAC (BC) trailers, front projections cannot extend more than a two-metre radius beyond the articulation point; for non-TAC (BC) vehicles the limit is 2.25 m.

• ✓Front load cannot extend more than 1 m beyond the front wheels or bumper
• ✓Trailer front projection: max 2 m radius from articulation point (TAC BC)
• ✓Non-TAC (BC) vehicles: max 2.25 m front projection
• ✓A permit is required to exceed standard projection limits

Loads on a straight truck cannot extend more than four metres beyond the turn centre. If a load projects more than 1.2 m beyond the rear, attach a red flag or cloth to the tip during daylight, or a red light at night. Allow extra room when transporting projecting cargo.

• ✓Straight truck rear load cannot extend more than 4 m beyond the turn centre
• ✓Projections over 1.2 m require a red flag/cloth by day
• ✓Projections over 1.2 m require a red light at night

Total stopping distance uses see-think-do: perception time (about 3/4 second) plus reaction time (about 3/4 second), then braking. Air brakes have a brake lag time of approximately 4/10 second between applying the brake and when brakes function—unlike car brakes which work almost instantly. Total stopping time = perception + reaction + brake lag + braking time.

• ✓Total stopping time includes perception time, reaction time, brake lag time, and braking time
• ✓Air brake lag time is approximately 4/10 of a second before brakes begin to function
• ✓Average perception time and reaction time are each about 3/4 of a second

Passenger cars and light trucks should use the two-second rule. Drivers of buses, trucks, and other large heavy vehicles should never be less than five seconds behind the vehicle ahead at highway speeds. Stay even further back when conditions are less than ideal.

• ✓Large heavy vehicle drivers should never follow less than five seconds behind at highway speeds
• ✓Passenger cars and light trucks should use the two-second rule
• ✓Increase following distance when conditions are less than ideal

Speed and weight affect stopping power required. Doubling vehicle speed requires 4 times the stopping power. Doubling vehicle weight requires 2 times the stopping power. Doubling both speed and weight requires 8 times the stopping power. There's only so much stopping power available, so drive at safe speeds and following distances.

• ✓2x vehicle speed requires 4x the stopping power
• ✓2x vehicle weight requires 2x the stopping power
• ✓2x speed and 2x weight together requires 8x the stopping power

The slope or grade of the road affects stopping distance. A vehicle travelling downhill needs a longer stopping distance than on level ground because of gravity. A vehicle travelling uphill stops in a shorter distance than on level ground due to the grade.

• ✓A vehicle travelling downhill needs a longer stopping distance due to gravity
• ✓A vehicle travelling uphill stops in a shorter distance due to the grade

Rolling wheels flex tires, creating friction and heat. Correctly sized and inflated tires on a non-overloaded vehicle release heat safely. Underinflation, overloading or excessive speed increase flexing and heat, potentially causing overheating and bursts. Underinflation is a major cause of recap tire failure. Check and adjust pressure when tires are cool.

• ✓Check and adjust tire pressure only when tires are cool, using a gauge
• ✓Keep vehicle and load weight below the load rating for each tire/axle
• ✓Underinflation is a major cause of recap (retread) tire failure
• ✓Don't reduce a warm tire's pressure, as it upsets the cooling balance

Never operate a vehicle with bald or damaged tires. Tires are defective with tread damage (cuts, cracks, snags) longer than 2.5 cm and deep enough to expose ply cords. Minimum tread depths vary by tire position and vehicle weight.

• ✓Front tire on vehicle GVW 5,500 kg+: minimum 3 mm (1/8 in) tread
• ✓Rear tire on vehicle GVW 5,500 kg+: minimum 1.6 mm (1/16 in) tread
• ✓Trailer tire: minimum 1.6 mm (1/16 in) tread
• ✓Winter tire: minimum 3.5 mm (3/16 in) tread
• ✓Tread damage over 2.5 cm exposing ply cords makes a tire defective

All vehicles using air or vacuum brakes must have warning devices that alert the driver if the air-pressure or vacuum system fails. Every motor vehicle must have at least two separate braking systems, one of which must be mechanical (e.g. ratchet and pawl or spring brake). If the primary foot brakes fail, use the emergency mechanical brake, which needs more time and distance to stop.

• ✓Air/vacuum brake vehicles must have a warning device for system failure
• ✓Every vehicle must have at least two separate braking systems, one mechanical
• ✓The emergency (mechanical) brake requires more time and distance to stop

Improper inflation causes faster wear and reduces steering control. Overinflation causes excess wear in the centre tread and less road contact (less traction). Underinflation causes excess wear on outer edges and increases hydroplaning risk in wet conditions.

• ✓Overinflation causes centre tread wear and reduced traction
• ✓Underinflation causes outer-edge wear and increases hydroplaning risk
• ✓Reduced tire-road contact reduces steering control

Common tire problems include incorrect pressure, tread wear/separation, cuts, sidewall separation, bulges, tires contacting each other or the vehicle, and cracked/leaking valve stems. Radial and bias-ply tires or different sizes can be mixed on the same vehicle but not on the same axle. After changing a tire, recheck wheel nut tightness with a torque wrench.

• ✓Never mix radial and bias-ply tires or different sizes on the same axle
• ✓Always use a torque wrench to tighten and check wheel nuts
• ✓After changing a tire, stop after a short while to recheck wheel nut tightness

Check wheels before every trip. Don't drive disk wheels with loose/missing lug nuts, stripped studs, or rim cracks. Don't drive cast spoke wheels with missing/loose nuts or clamps, or cracked rims/hubs. Investigate metal/paint flakes (wheel movement), oil/grease from the hub, rust streaks (loose lug/cracks), and rim wear near clamps.

• ✓Don't drive disk wheels with loose/missing lug nuts, stripped studs, or rim cracks
• ✓Don't drive cast spoke wheels with missing/loose nuts, clamps, or cracked rims/hubs
• ✓Metal/paint flakes around nuts may indicate wheel movement
• ✓Rust streaks on the rim may indicate a loose lug nut or rim cracks
• ✓Check the brake drum area if oil or grease leaks from the hub

Flashing lights are restricted by colour: red only on emergency vehicles, blue only on police vehicles, and amber on construction, towing, snow-removal, sanding, pilot cars, and permitted oversize vehicles. A permit from Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement is required to mount amber flashing lights.

• ✓Red flashing lights only on emergency vehicles; blue only on police vehicles
• ✓Amber flashing lights used on construction, tow, snow-removal, sanding, and pilot cars
• ✓A permit from Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement is required to mount amber flashing lights

Vehicles required to carry warning devices: those seating more than 10 passengers, or with overall width or load width over 2.3 m. When disabled, move as far off the road as possible and place warning devices about 30 m ahead and 30 m behind. In the dark, a minimum of two warning devices is required.

• ✓Vehicles seating over 10, or over 2.3 m in overall/load width must carry approved warning devices
• ✓Place warning devices approximately 30 m ahead and 30 m behind a disabled vehicle
• ✓Daylight: two red flags (min 30 cm x 30 cm) or two approved devices; night: flares, fuses, reflectors, red lanterns
• ✓At night, disabled vehicles need a minimum of two warning devices

Dangerous goods present serious hazards to handlers, the public and the environment. Anyone involved with dangerous goods has significant legal responsibilities and must be properly trained and appropriately certified. When transporting these goods, all shipping documents must be complete, correct and readily available in the cab, and must accompany the shipment. Any incident related to the dangerous goods cargo must be reported immediately.

• ✓Persons handling dangerous goods must be properly trained and appropriately certified
• ✓Shipping documents must be complete, correct, readily available in the cab and accompany the shipment
• ✓Report any incident related to the dangerous goods cargo immediately

When taking on or letting off passengers on a highway: signal to warn traffic you're stopping, stop where other drivers can see your vehicle from at least 85 metres (285 ft) in front and behind, and leave at least three metres (10 ft) to the left so traffic can pass. Whenever safe, pull off the travel portion of the highway while passengers get on or off.

• ✓Stop where drivers can see the vehicle from at least 85 metres front and behind
• ✓Leave at least three metres (10 ft) to the left for passing traffic
• ✓Pull off the travel portion of the highway when safe

You must have a passenger transportation licence if you're responsible for a vehicle transporting passengers on a for-hire basis, and be familiar with all relevant acts and regulations.

• ✓A passenger transportation licence is required to transport passengers for hire
• ✓Drivers must be familiar with all relevant acts and regulations

It's illegal to smoke in any motor vehicle when there are passengers under 16 years old. Children are especially vulnerable to second-hand smoke in enclosed spaces. Drivers must not smoke if passengers are in the vehicle, whether moving or not.

• ✓Illegal to smoke in a vehicle with passengers under 16 years old
• ✓Drivers must not smoke if passengers are in the vehicle, moving or not

Any time the vehicle is moving you must not collect fares, make change, or take on/let off passengers. Save unnecessary conversation until stopped. You must be able to see clearly ahead, right and left, move your arms and legs, and reach emergency equipment. In a sedan-type vehicle you may have up to two passengers on your right side only if there's room for safe operation and designated seating positions with seatbelts.

• ✓Do not collect fares, make change, or take on/let off passengers while moving
• ✓Up to two passengers may sit on the right side of a sedan only with seatbelted designated positions and room for safe operation

Passengers may not stand while a vehicle is in motion unless the passenger transportation licence for that vehicle allows standing passengers, which limits the number allowed. The standing passenger capacity must be displayed in an easily seen location. Don't allow a passenger to stand where it hinders your view or movement.

• ✓Passengers may not stand while the vehicle is moving unless the licence allows it
• ✓Standing passenger capacity must be displayed in an easily seen location

You must provide transportation to all paying customers, but may refuse if your vehicle is already at maximum capacity or if the passenger is smoking, using profane/offensive language, or acting disorderly. If you order a person out, ensure they can disembark safely where they can reasonably find alternate transportation.

• ✓May refuse passengers when at maximum capacity or when a passenger is smoking, offensive or disorderly
• ✓Ordering a person out requires ensuring they can disembark safely and find alternate transportation

You need special skills and sensitivity, and cannot refuse to transport someone just because they have a disability. Allow service animals (e.g. guide dogs) in your vehicle. Speak directly to the person, don't assume they need help—always ask, remember needs vary, and be patient and flexible. Properly secure wheelchairs, scooters and mobility aids and provide safe space for service animals in case of a collision.

• ✓You cannot refuse to transport a person just because they have a disability
• ✓Service animals must be allowed in the vehicle with their owners
• ✓Properly secure wheelchairs, scooters and mobility aids

Under the Passenger Transportation Act, you must have a licence or permit before using a let-down or jump seat. These seats may be used only in the rear of sedans and only if the manufacturer designed the vehicle to carry them.

• ✓A licence or permit is required before using a let-down or jump seat
• ✓Jump seats may only be used in the rear of sedans designed to carry them

Some municipalities require all limousine and taxi drivers to have a chauffeur's permit, usually issued by municipal police. You may have to allow a police check and complete a hospitality course (such as the TaxiHost program).

• ✓Some municipalities require a chauffeur's permit for taxi and limousine drivers
• ✓A police check and hospitality course may be required for the permit