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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - As sunlight hours dwindle in the coming month, RCMP around the NWT will be cracking down on vehicles with non-functioning headlights, taillights, and signal lights.

"The focus is visibility," said Cpl. Michael Carter of the G division Traffic Services.

He said members around the territory have seen a significant number of vehicles operating without working lights. The traffic division has decided to make the issue a priority.

"It is the dark season so we're involved with weather-related incidents where visibility is an issue," said Carter.

Under the Northwest Territories' Motor Vehicle Equipment Regulations (MVER), it is illegal for a driver to operate a motor vehicle or trailer without working headlights, taillights, or signal lights.

Officers will be using checkpoints and general patrols to look for any vehicles or trailers that have non-functioning lights.

Once stopped for non-functioning lights, vehicles may be subject to further inspection for other mechanical issues such as bald tires.

Drivers who are not in compliance with the MVER could be subject to fines, demerit points, or having the vehicle removed from the road if officers find it is in unsafe working condition. Carter said this campaign is about safety for everyone.

"The potential is there to lay tickets but the objective is to increase public awareness and create responsible drivers," said the corporal.

The NWT Department of Transportation's 2007 publication on traffic collisions shows that on average, more collisions take place in December, January and February.

Carter said weather is obviously one reason for that spike but visibility is also a factor in the winter months.

RCMP are encouraging drivers to do a quick walk-around inspection of their vehicle while the engine is running to ensure all lights are working properly.

"Some of these things can be done with one person," said Carter. "For instance if you drive into your driveway, your headlights will reflect off your house," he said.

All vehicles built after 1989 are required to have daytime running lights. Carter said anyone driving a vehicle older than that cannot be ticketed for having headlights off in the day, but he said it is a safe practice.

"There's no obligation for them to turn their lights on, but is it a good practice? Absolutely," said Carter.