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Failing To Drive In A Marked Lane - Case Law

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 6:25 am
by Stanton

Did a quick search and couldn't find this decision on the forums. The case is R. v. Capobianco, a somewhat recent Court of Appeal decision.


The Courts have ruled that for the offence of failing to drive in a marked lane, the Crown must show:

1) The accused failed to drive in the marked lane AND

2) The manoeuvre was not made in safety


It used to be sufficient to simply show that you weren't driving in the marked lane. The requirement to show the action was unsafe adds a further burden to the Crown.


Case law link: http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onca/doc/20 ... ca589.html


Re: Failing To Drive In A Marked Lane - Case Law

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:50 am
by hwybear

IMO = terrible decision if you read that case.


So in other words everyone can drive anywhere, blastin down ramps (passing many motorists in the normal lanes) then wait until very last minute of the ramp and then swing across the "bull-nose" and back into line.


Re: Failing To Drive In A Marked Lane - Case Law

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:17 am
by Radar Identified

hwybear wrote:So in other words everyone can drive anywhere, blastin down ramps (passing many motorists in the normal lanes) then wait until very last minute of the ramp and then swing across the "bull-nose" and back into line.


Looks like it. :shock:


Garden-variety Toronto driving.


Re: Failing To Drive In A Marked Lane - Case Law

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 8:44 pm
by Squishy

You still have passing off roadway, HTA 150 (2). The definition of "roadway" specifically excludes the shoulder.


Re: Failing To Drive In A Marked Lane - Case Law

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:43 am
by Stanton
Squishy wrote:You still have passing off roadway, HTA 150 (2). The definition of "roadway" specifically excludes the shoulder.

Yes and no. The two sections really cover different types of offences. And 150(3) goes on to state that 150(2) doesn't apply to paved shoulders, where most of the idiotic passing takes place.


Re: Failing To Drive In A Marked Lane - Case Law

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:58 am
by Squishy

That exception only applies where the vehicle being passed is intending to turn left. On a divided highway, the only time that would really apply is when a vehicle is merging left with the tail end sticking out. Then you could take the shoulder to pass that vehicle and proceed farther up the merge lane.


Can't use the shoulder to pass vehicles that aren't turning left.