BC motorcyclist fined for dangerous passing on highway right shoulder

Dashcam footage released by BC Highway Patrol illustrates the dangers of passing on the right, following a recent incident where a motorcyclist was fined and his bike impounded. The video shows a black Harley-Davidson attempting to maneuver past a line of cars on the right shoulder of Highway 1 near East 1st Avenue in heavy traffic.

As a patrol officer activated lights and sirens, a blue pickup truck lawfully pulled to the right. However, the motorcyclist continued his attempt to pass on the right, ultimately colliding with the pickup truck. The rider, a 37-year-old man from Chilliwack, was not seriously injured but appeared to confront the pickup driver before being arrested by the officer.

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Passing on the right enrages other motorists, but that’s not the main reason that it’s illegal.

Corporal Michael McLaughlin of the BC Highway Patrol stated that passing on the right is illegal not only because it can anger other drivers but primarily due to the inherent dangers. "The side of the road has rocks, sand, garbage, shredded truck tires and other hazards, and if someone pulls off the road suddenly, you could end up badly hurt or worse," McLaughlin explained.

The motorcyclist received over $300 in fines and his motorbike was impounded as it was too damaged to be ridden. The incident serves as a stark reminder of traffic laws and the potential consequences of unsafe driving practices, particularly in congested conditions.

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The side of the road has rocks, sand, garbage, shredded truck tires and other hazards, and if someone pulls off the road suddenly, you could end up badly hurt or worse.