Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - As promised, the territorial Department of Transportation has released its official policy on right-hand drive vehicles.

While the policy only affects about 10 cars across the territory, one right-hand drive (RHD) owner was refused licensing in May on grounds that the policy was still in the process of being created.

In the meantime, one other RHD driver was given the green light on the basis that his car had gone through the B.C. system - upon which the NWT has largely based its new policy.

But that car and the handful of others in the territory will have to be approved yet again now the policy is in place. Earl Blacklock, manager of public affairs and communications with the Department of Transportation, said letters will be sent out to all known RHD vehicle owners.

"We've done our due diligence, we've learned what we need to learn and we've looked at the issues that came up," said Blacklock, who added he thinks the department has done an excellent job with the policy.

All information regarding the department's official stance on allowing RHD vehicles on roads in the NWT can be found on its website. To be licensed, RHD vehicles must pass an inspection, which can be booked - free of charge - in Hay River, Inuvik or Yellowknife.

Jeff Corradetti, founder of the NWT Automobile Council, is not satisfied with the policy.

"It's misinformation at best," Corradetti said. "Their policy is not clear. It does not show you what changes they want to be made or if parts are available for change-over."

Shawn McKnight, an RHD vehicle owner who recently moved to Yellowknife from B.C., where he drove his RHD 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser on B.C. roads for more than a year, added the new policy goes beyond B.C. regulations and common sense safety requirements.

"Side reflectors? A centre-mounted stop lamp? What is all that? What does it have to do with my steering wheel?" McKnight asked.

"This is a place where there are ATVs driving around on the streets. This is ridiculous."

Blacklock said the department's principal concern has always been the safety of the driving public as well as the safety of pedestrians.

He also recommended potential RHD owners should check out the "before you buy" section of the website.

"These vehicles are not designed to be driven on North American roads," he said.