Vehicle Safety: Tires and Wheels +10British Columbia · CDL · English

Rolling tires flex, creating friction and heat. Improper inflation, overloading or excessive speed increases flexing and heat, which can raise pressure until a tire bursts. Underinflation is a major cause of recap (retread) failure. Check and adjust tire pressure when tires are cool using a gauge. Never reduce pressure of a warm tire — it can upset the cooling balance. Keep vehicle and load weight below the tire's load rating.

• ✓Check and adjust tire pressure when tires are cool using a gauge
• ✓Underinflation is a major cause of recapped (retread) tire failure
• ✓Never reduce a warm tire's pressure as it upsets cooling balance
• ✓Keep vehicle and load weight below the tire's load rating

Tires are defective if they have tread damage (cuts, cracks, snags) longer than 2.5 cm and deep enough to expose ply cords. Minimum tread: 3 mm on a front tire and 1.6 mm on a rear tire (vehicle GVW 5,500 kg or more); 1.6 mm on a trailer; 3.5 mm for a winter tire. Different sizes or radial and bias-ply tires may be mixed on a vehicle but never on the same axle. After changing a tire, recheck wheel nuts with a torque wrench.

• ✓Front tire minimum tread is 3 mm and rear tire is 1.6 mm on vehicles with GVW 5,500 kg or more
• ✓Trailer tire minimum tread is 1.6 mm; winter tire minimum is 3.5 mm
• ✓Never mix radial and bias-ply or different sizes on the same axle
• ✓Always use a torque wrench to tighten and recheck wheel nuts

Overinflation causes excess wear in the centre of the tread and reduces road contact and traction. Underinflation causes excess wear on the outer edges and increases hydroplaning risk in wet conditions. Reduced tire-to-road contact also reduces steering control.

• ✓Overinflation wears the tread centre and reduces traction
• ✓Underinflation wears the outer tread edges and increases hydroplaning risk

Check wheels before every trip. For disk wheels, don't drive with loose/missing lug nuts, stripped studs or rim cracks; investigate paint/metal flakes (wheel movement) and hub oil/grease leaks. For cast spoke wheels, don't drive with missing/loose nuts or rim clamps, or cracks on rims/hubs; investigate mismatched/bent/cracked lock rings, hub leaks, and rim wear near clamps. Rust streaks may indicate a loose lug nut or crack.

• ✓Don't drive with loose/missing lug nuts, stripped studs or cracked rims
• ✓Metal/paint flakes around nuts may indicate wheel movement
• ✓Rust streaks on the rim may indicate a loose lug nut or a crack

All commercial trucks and trailers with air brakes have been manufactured with automatic slack adjusters since 1996. They adjust themselves during normal brake applications but must still be checked during pre-trip inspection. Manual adjustment is dangerous — it gives a false sense of security and can cause wear leading to early failure. Excessive stroke usually indicates other brake problems needing a qualified mechanic.

• ✓Automatic slack adjusters have been standard on air brake vehicles since 1996
• ✓Automatic slack adjusters must still be checked as part of a pre-trip inspection
• ✓Manual adjustment of automatic slack adjusters is dangerous and gives a false sense of security
• ✓Excessive stroke indicates the adjuster failed, was incorrectly installed, or a foundation brake problem

Manufacturers recommend automatic slack adjusters be checked by a mechanic at every lubrication interval, every 40,000 km, or every three months, whichever comes first. Pushrod strokes are usually slightly longer than well-adjusted manual adjusters. With a Type 30 chamber, brakes need repair if free stroke exceeds ¾ inch (20 mm) or applied stroke exceeds two inches (50 mm).

• ✓Check by a mechanic every 40,000 km, every three months, or every lubrication interval, whichever comes first
• ✓Repair if free stroke exceeds ¾ inch (20 mm)
• ✓Repair if applied stroke exceeds two inches (50 mm)

Adjustment procedures for automatic slack adjusters are emergency procedures only — repair or replacement must be made as soon as possible. Park safely with wheels blocked, full air pressure, and spring parking brakes released. Record any emergency adjustment on your daily post-trip inspection report and verify clearance by re-measuring free stroke.

• ✓Automatic slack adjuster adjustment is for emergencies only; repair as soon as possible
• ✓Record any emergency adjustment on your daily post-trip inspection report
• ✓Verify sufficient clearance by re-measuring the free stroke after adjusting

Hexagonal adjusting bolt: set up by turning clockwise until lining contacts drum, then back off ½ turn (may hear or feel ratcheting, which is normal). Square adjusting bolt: disengage the spring-loaded pawl first (pry button up 1/32 inch or remove hex cap/spring/pawl), set up counter-clockwise until lining contacts drum, then turn ½ turn clockwise to restore clearance.

• ✓Hexagonal bolt: turn clockwise to set up, back off ½ turn to restore clearance
• ✓Square bolt: disengage pawl first, set up counter-clockwise, restore clearance with ½ turn clockwise
• ✓Ratcheting when backing off a hex bolt is normal

Yellow lines divide traffic moving in opposite directions; traffic on the far side of a yellow line to your left comes toward you. A broken yellow line permits passing when safe; a broken-and-solid line permits passing only when safe and the broken line is on your side; a double solid line means no passing; a single yellow line permits passing with extra caution. A double broken yellow line marks a reversible lane controlled by lane control signals. Two-way left-turn lanes are shared by opposing traffic for left turns.

• ✓Double solid yellow lines mean no passing is allowed
• ✓With a broken-and-solid line combination, you may pass only when the broken line is on your side and it is safe
• ✓Yellow lines separate traffic travelling in opposite directions

White lines separate lanes moving in the same direction and mark crosswalks, stop positions and right shoulders. A solid white line means do not change lanes; a broken white line permits lane changes when safe. Stop before the stop line, and stop for pedestrians in marked or pedestrian-activated crosswalks. It is illegal to drive over freshly painted, wet pavement markings.

• ✓A solid white line means do not change lanes; a broken white line permits changing when safe
• ✓Stop before the stop line and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks
• ✓It is illegal to drive over freshly painted, wet pavement markings

Reserved lanes for HOVs, buses and bicycles are marked with thick solid or broken lines and white diamond symbols; additional signs state which vehicles are allowed. Bicycle lanes are for cyclists only, who must travel in the same direction as adjacent traffic. Painted islands must not be driven on or over — keep to the right.

• ✓Reserved lanes are marked with white diamonds; signs state which vehicles may use them
• ✓Do not drive on or over painted islands — keep to the right

Pre-trip inspection requirements differ by licence class: passenger vehicle, Class 1 tractor-trailer, Class 3 single-unit truck, and Class 2/4 buses. Candidates must complete a mechanical circle check and under-hood check and file a pre-trip inspection report for the road test.

• ✓Complete the correct pre-trip inspection for your licence class
• ✓Perform the mechanical circle check and under-hood check
• ✓File a pre-trip inspection report before the road test

Drivers must perform pre-hill inspections before descending grades to verify brakes are ready, and post-trip inspections to identify defects. Defects or deficiencies must be reported.

• ✓Conduct a pre-hill inspection before long or steep descents
• ✓Perform post-trip inspections and report any defects or deficiencies
• ✓Do not operate a vehicle with unsafe defects

Operators must manage taking on and letting off passengers safely, control standing passengers, avoid distractions, and know rules on smoking, refusing passengers, and transporting people with disabilities. A chauffeur's permit may be required.

• ✓Take on and let off passengers only in safe locations
• ✓Focus on driving and manage standing passengers safely
• ✓A chauffeur's permit is required for certain passenger vehicle operation

Passenger vehicle operators must inspect vehicles, ensure emergency equipment and exits are functional, and report defects or deficiencies. Unfit vehicles must not be operated.

• ✓Inspect the vehicle and check emergency equipment and exits before operating
• ✓Report defects or deficiencies and do not operate unfit vehicles
• ✓Ensure emergency exits are accessible and functional

Emergency vehicle operators have special responsibilities and privileges but must still operate with due care and follow rules governing emergency operation.

• ✓Emergency vehicle operators must drive with due care and safety
• ✓Emergency privileges do not remove responsibility for safe operation

Passenger vehicle drivers must prioritize safety when leaving the curb, passing parked cars, and managing right-of-way. Buses have specific right-of-way privileges when leaving stops.

• ✓Ensure passenger safety when leaving the curb and passing parked cars
• ✓Buses have right-of-way when re-entering traffic from a stop where required by law

Drivers must handle passengers safely, focus on driving, follow rules for standing passengers, and know when passengers may be refused. A chauffeur's permit is required.

• ✓Focus on driving and manage standing passengers safely per regulations
• ✓A chauffeur's permit is required to operate a bus, taxi, limousine or ride-hailing vehicle

School bus operation has strict rules including vehicle inspection, brake maintenance, mirror use, seating passengers, school bus signs, and emergency equipment.

• ✓School bus passengers must be seated while the bus is in motion
• ✓Do not operate an unfit school bus; maintain brakes, mirrors and emergency equipment

Passenger vehicles must carry emergency equipment and have accessible exits. Defects and breakdowns must be reported and unfit vehicles must not be operated.

• ✓Maintain emergency equipment and keep emergency exits accessible
• ✓Report defects and deficiencies and do not operate unfit vehicles

Drivers must properly accommodate and safely transport people with disabilities, including assistance and securement where needed.

• ✓Provide appropriate assistance and securement for passengers with disabilities
• ✓Follow accessibility requirements when transporting people with disabilities

A heavy trailer endorsement (code 20) for a Class 4 or 5 licence allows towing trailers of any weight provided neither the truck nor trailer has air brakes. The process requires studying the guide, obtaining a learner's licence, supervised practice, and passing a road test including a pre-trip inspection.

• ✓Heavy trailer endorsement (code 20) requires that neither truck nor trailer has air brakes
• ✓The learner supervisor must be at least 19 and hold a Class 1, 2 or 3 licence, seated beside or immediately behind and to the right of the driver

Logs/pole vehicles must be equipped with bunks, bolsters, stakes or other means of cradling logs (Standard section 29(1)). Under MVAR 35.05, stakes and extensions must form a 90-degree or lesser angle with the bunk cross member. 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 securement if needed. Short logs loaded crosswise must use a device maintaining tension and automatically taking up slack as logs settle.

• ✓Log vehicles must have bunks, bolsters or stakes to cradle logs
• ✓Stakes must form a 90-degree or lesser angle with the bunk cross member
• ✓Stake lines must use wire rope at least 22 mm in diameter
• ✓Inspect logs and securement before entering a highway from a private road

Bundles of lumber, drywall, plywood and similar products are secured under Division 2 of Part 2 of the Standard. Side-by-side bundles must be in direct contact or prevented from shifting toward each other. Bundles blocked from lateral movement by stakes, blocking or friction devices require a minimum of two tiedowns over the top layer for bundles longer than 1.52 m. Multiple layers use combinations of tiedowns based on the 1.85 m height threshold; tiers over 1.85 m may need independent securement.

• ✓Side-by-side bundles must be in contact or prevented from shifting toward each other
• ✓Minimum two tiedowns over the top layer for bundles longer than 1.52 m
• ✓Layer securement is determined using the 1.85 m height threshold
• ✓Secure bundles per Division 2 of Part 2 of the Standard

Metal coils weighing 2,268 kg or more (Division 3) transported 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. Paper rolls weighing 2,268 kg or more (Division 4) in sided vehicles use blocking, bracing, friction mats or tiedowns to prevent sliding, tipping or rolling, with additional securement for stacks and flatbed loads.

• ✓Metal coil rules apply to shipments of 2,268 kg or more
• ✓Vertical-eye coils must be prevented from tipping forward, rearward and sideways
• ✓Paper roll rules apply to rolls of 2,268 kg or more
• ✓Use blocking, bracing, friction mats or tiedowns to prevent sliding, tipping or rolling

Concrete pipe loaded crosswise on a flatbed (Division 5) must be grouped by size and secured separately, with front and rear pipes immobilized by blocking, wedges or vehicle structure, and tiedowns run through front and end pipes to hold inner pipes. Boulders over 5,000 kg or greater than two cubic metres (Division 9) must be placed flattest/largest side down, supported by at least two hardwood blocks or a crib, and secured with at least two chains; unstable-based boulders need additional tiedowns.

• ✓Group concrete pipes by size and secure separately
• ✓Immobilize front and rear pipes by blocking, wedges or vehicle structure
• ✓Boulders over 5,000 kg or over 2 cubic metres follow Division 9 requirements
• ✓Support boulders on at least two hardwood blocks and secure with at least two chains

Intermodal containers on a container chassis must be secured with integral locking devices; chain may be used as an interim measure if the locking device is damaged or missing. On other vehicles, containers are secured by chains, wire ropes or integral locking devices fixed to all lower corners and/or crossed chains to all upper corners, with an aggregate working load limit of 50% of the container weight. Hook a chain around an entire corner link, not simply through it.

• ✓Use integral locking devices for containers on a container chassis
• ✓Aggregate working load limit of tiedowns must be 50% of container weight
• ✓Fix devices to all lower corners and/or crossed chains to all upper corners
• ✓Hook chains around an entire corner link, not just through it

Under Division 7, 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). Heavy vehicles over 4,500 kg require a minimum of four tiedowns, each with a working load limit of at least 2,268 kg, and additional tiedowns so the aggregate WLL is at least 50% of cargo weight. Accessory equipment must be lowered and secured. Flattened/crushed vehicles use containment walls and/or tiedowns of at least 2,268 kg WLL (not synthetic webbing), with equipment to prevent loose parts falling.

• ✓Vehicles under 4,500 kg: minimum two tiedowns front and rear
• ✓Vehicles over 4,500 kg: minimum four tiedowns each with WLL of at least 2,268 kg
• ✓Aggregate WLL must be at least 50% of cargo weight
• ✓Crushed vehicle tiedowns must not be synthetic webbing

These containers are usually carried on vehicles with integral securement systems. Where a front stop or lifting device is missing, damaged or incompatible, use manually installed tiedowns providing the same level of securement. Without an integral system the container must be blocked against forward movement, secured to the front to prevent sideways/vertical movement, and secured to the rear using a chassis-and-container tiedown, two lengthwise tiedowns, two hooks or equivalent mechanisms.

• ✓Use integral securement systems where available (Division 8)
• ✓Manually installed tiedowns must equal the securement of the component they replace
• ✓Block container against forward movement and secure front and rear
• ✓Secure rear with a tiedown, two lengthwise tiedowns, two hooks or equivalent

Ambulance drivers use flashing red lights only when responding to an emergency call or transporting a patient. You may exceed posted speed limits and drive through red lights or past stop signs if you give other drivers appropriate warning using both lights and siren. Use caution because other drivers may not see or hear your warning. Consider highway conditions, traffic amount, and emergency seriousness when exceeding limits.

• ✓Ambulance flashing red lights are used only when responding to an emergency call or transporting a patient
• ✓You may exceed speed limits and drive through red lights or stop signs only if you give appropriate warning using both lights and siren
• ✓Use caution at all times because other drivers may not see or hear your warning
• ✓Consider highway condition and use, traffic amount, and the seriousness of the emergency when exceeding limits

In normal stopping, brake components heat to about 120°C, and can handle up to about 250°C under hard braking. Excessive hard braking builds heat beyond the components' ability to dissipate it. As brake drums heat, they expand away from the linings. Too much heat causes brake fade, brake damage, and/or brake failure—components or tires may catch fire.

• ✓Brake components operate best at around 120°C and should not exceed 250°C
• ✓Brake fade occurs when overheated brakes stop working properly, requiring longer stopping distance or failing to stop
• ✓As brake drums heat up, they expand away from the brake linings reducing braking effectiveness

Retarders provide auxiliary slowing for controlling speed on long downgrades without the main braking system, saving the brakes for emergencies. The four types are engine, exhaust, hydraulic driveline, and electric driveline retarders. Engine retarders are more efficient at higher rpm and lower speed—select the right gear before starting down a hill. Be cautious on slippery surfaces as some can lock drive wheels, cause loss of control, or jackknife.

• ✓The four main types of retarders are engine, exhaust, hydraulic driveline, and electric driveline
• ✓Engine retarders are most effective at higher rpm with the transmission in a low gear
• ✓Select your gear before starting down a hill, not on the downgrade
• ✓Use caution with retarders on slippery surfaces as they can cause drive wheel lockup and jackknifing

Every commercial passenger vehicle with seating capacity over 10 including the driver must have one first-aid kit (meeting WorkSafe BC guidelines), one spare tire, and at least one fire extinguisher. The carrier is responsible for ensuring this equipment is available and working. Vehicles seating more than 12 including driver must have an emergency exit door or emergency windows. Vehicles seating more than 10 passengers must carry warning devices such as flags and flares.

• ✓Vehicles seating over 10 including driver need a first-aid kit, spare tire and fire extinguisher
• ✓The carrier is responsible for ensuring emergency equipment is available and working
• ✓Vehicles seating more than 12 including driver need an emergency exit door or windows
• ✓Vehicles seating more than 10 passengers must carry flags and flares

Public passenger vehicles with seating capacity of more than 12 occupants including the driver must have interior lights that illuminate the passenger aisle behind the driver. These lights must be on between sunset and sunrise for safe passenger movement. Passenger vehicles must also have a light at each entrance that turns on when the door opens.

• ✓Vehicles seating more than 12 including driver need aisle lights behind the driver
• ✓Inside lights must be on between sunset and sunrise
• ✓A light at each entrance must turn on when the door opens

Your bus or taxi must be clean and sanitary at all times. If your vehicle is licensed in B.C. with a passenger transportation plate, it must display a valid commercial vehicle inspection decal, and you must carry the certificate in the vehicle.

• ✓Buses and taxis must be clean and sanitary at all times
• ✓A vehicle with a passenger transportation plate must display a valid inspection decal and carry the certificate

You must end the trip if your vehicle develops a problem that could endanger passenger safety or comfort — fix the problem before continuing. If a crash or breakdown prevents continuing, make immediate arrangements to transport passengers with minimal delay. Report any defect or deficiency that could make the vehicle unsafe in writing to your carrier at the time you find it or by the end of that day.

• ✓End the trip if a problem could endanger passenger safety or comfort
• ✓Make immediate arrangements to transport passengers after a breakdown
• ✓Report any unsafe defect in writing to the carrier by end of that day

Don't refuel while the engine is running, the on-board radio is transmitting, or when any open flame is present. Keep the fuel nozzle in contact with the filler pipe to ground the connection; if there's a ground strap, connect it to the filler pipe.

• ✓Don't refuel with the engine running, radio transmitting, or open flame present
• ✓Keep the nozzle in contact with the filler pipe to ground the connection

You're responsible for all baggage brought into your vehicle and must load it safely so it doesn't interfere with passengers boarding or fall on any passenger. Cargo in buses must be carried in properly designed overhead racks, stowed under seats against a barrier, in a separate enclosed compartment, or on a passenger's lap. Baggage must not block any aisle or exit, obscure the driver's view, obstruct emergency equipment, or interfere with the driver's movement.

• ✓The driver is responsible for safe loading of all baggage
• ✓Baggage/cargo must not block or partially block any aisle or exit
• ✓Baggage must not obscure the driver's view or obstruct emergency equipment

Hours of service rules under the National Safety Code limit driving and on-duty time to reduce fatigue. Drivers must track on-duty time, off-duty time and daily limits.

• ✓Hours of service are governed by the National Safety Code
• ✓Drivers must track on-duty and off-duty time
• ✓Daily driving and on-duty limits must not be exceeded

Compliance is checked using a three-point daily check covering work shift limits, daily driving hours, and cycles. Drivers must ensure they meet all daily limits before and during driving.

• ✓Use the three-point check for daily hours of service compliance
• ✓Work shift and daily driving hours have specific limits
• ✓Daily cycles limit total accumulated on-duty time

Drivers may defer up to two hours of off-duty time from one day to the next under specific conditions. A reset provision restarts the cycle after sufficient off-duty time.

• ✓A maximum of two hours of off-duty time may be deferred to the next day
• ✓The reset provision requires sufficient consecutive off-duty time
• ✓Deferral rules must be documented on the record of duty status

Sleeper berth provisions allow drivers to split required off-duty time. A personal use exemption applies when the vehicle is used for personal reasons under set conditions.

• ✓Sleeper berth time can be split according to specific rules
• ✓Personal use of a commercial vehicle is subject to daily distance and condition limits

Drivers must maintain a Record of Duty Status, typically using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), or other permitted forms. Drivers within 160 km of the home terminal may qualify for exemptions.

• ✓Drivers must maintain an accurate Record of Duty Status
• ✓ELDs are the standard method for recording duty status
• ✓Drivers within 160 km of home terminal may be exempt from log requirements

Commercial drivers are governed by National Safety Code hours of service rules that limit driving and on-duty time and require off-duty rest. Understanding on-duty, off-duty and day definitions is essential.

• ✓Hours of service rules limit daily driving and on-duty time and require off-duty rest
• ✓On-duty time, off-duty time and 'day' have specific definitions under the National Safety Code

There is a simple three-point daily check for compliance covering work shift limits and daily hours within cycles. Drivers must not exceed these limits.

• ✓Comply with daily driving and on-duty limits and work shift maximums
• ✓Follow daily hours limits within the applicable cycle

Drivers may defer a limited amount of off-duty time from one day to the next under specific conditions. A reset provision allows the cycle to restart after sufficient off-duty time.

• ✓A driver may defer up to two hours of off-duty time from one day to the next under conditions
• ✓The reset provision requires a minimum off-duty period to restart the cycle

Drivers using a sleeper berth may split required off-duty time under specific rules. A personal use exemption allows limited personal driving under conditions.

• ✓Sleeper berth time may be split according to specific hours of service provisions
• ✓The personal use exemption allows limited personal driving under defined conditions

Drivers must record duty status using an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) or other permitted Record of Duty Status. Drivers within 160 km of home terminal may qualify for exemptions.

• ✓Maintain a Record of Duty Status using an ELD or other permitted form
• ✓Drivers operating within 160 km of the home terminal may be exempt from keeping a log

Different hours of service rules apply when driving north of the 60th parallel or into the United States. Drivers must know which rules apply where.

• ✓Different hours of service rules apply north of the 60th parallel
• ✓U.S. hours of service rules apply when driving into the United States