.....except I'm not convinced.

After three years of driving my 98 without any doors or windows from basically May to October here in Montreal, I actually got pulled over for it today in Pointe Claire.

I live across the street from a police officer, I have sat at many red lights with a cruiser next to or close to me, I have passed thousands of cops on the roads in those three years and never had a problem but this guy was like a dog with a bone.

Anyways, the jerk checked my credentials, lectured me about his particular interpretation of the highway code, and basically tied up traffic for a while.

I essentially told him I'd be happy to dispute any ticket he gave me in court.

When all was said and done, there were smiles all around, he handed me my papers and said there was no ticked but I had 48 hours to put my doors on.

So what's the deal here. Two questions:

1) Is a verbal 48 hour warning legitimate and;

2) Are there any legal precedents in favor of riding without doors?

I'm hoping there's at least one lawyer on here who can provide an answer.

I really need to print out something to wave in this guy's face if he pulls me over again. He's stationed between me and where I work, so I'm sure I'll see him soon.

 

Wish I knew the law. Put the doors back on within 48 hrs, then on the 49th hour takem back off....did the officer say thay HAD to remain on. LOL!!

 

Interesting to find that the officer pulled you over for driving without doors. However, looking at the Quebec Highway Safety Code, the following could apply but it would be a stretch:

381. No person may leave unattended a road vehicle that is in his custody without previously removing the ignition key and locking the doors.

430. No person may open the door of a road vehicle until the vehicle is stopped and he has ascertained that it can be done in safety.

1986, c. 91, s. 430.

431. No person may leave the door of a road vehicle open except to take on or discharge passengers or to load or unload property.

1986, c. 91, s. 431.

So there appears to be legislation in Quebec that could affect a persons decision to go doorless.

In Ontario (The Highway Traffice Act) is less clear:
Here is the only section that may apply but very unlikely that a police officer would bother use it for someone driving a jeep with the doors off.

Opening of doors of motor vehicles

165. No person shall,

(a) open the door of a motor vehicle on a highway without first taking due precautions to ensure that his or her act will not interfere with the movement of or endanger any other person or vehicle; or

(b) leave a door of a motor vehicle on a highway open on the side of the vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than is necessary to load or unload passengers. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 165.

Note: There are issues with mirrors as well.

In Ontario all vehicles must have at least one rear viewing mirror. The rear view mirror on the windshield should suffice.

In Quebec you must have at least 2 mirrors, one in the centre of the windshield (like Ontario) and one on the left (Driver's) side.

Just so you know

Happy Jeeping

-The Jeepster-

 

In Ontario you don't need doors. You do need mirrors, If you only have a mirror on the drivers side then you need a rear view as well. If you have a mirror on your left and right side of the car then you don't need the rear view.

 

It is my understanding, that in certain provinces, doors must be on at all times,
ie. Quebec, Alberta & BC.

In Ontario, we can take off the doors, but require 1 (one) rearview mirror.

Billy

 

Next is lets get technical on the meaning of a DOOR is? Is it a bar that is secured across the opening? is it a net, a strap. And actually call anyone from the mot in quebec (speak french cause when they cannot answer you they all of a sudden don't understand or speak english anymore)
I wud say just make sure you have a mirror on and a box of fresh donuts on the dash in clear view...:)

 

If you have doughnuts on board, you're for sure getting stopped.

 

Iv driven my yj with no doors in mtl a few times and on the sought shore....never have i bean bouthered...yet...but i do have bike mirrors on bout sides..

 

Jeep says it's self doors and roof are not to keep people in but to keep weather out....... make sur when you take the doors off you have mirrors on your jeep. Wonder what the cops would say if you have the windsheild down.......

 

In any province in Canada, the Jeep has a special anotation in the rule book as it Was at one time optional to have doors and they are removeable on newer ones. The only stipulation is that you need some kind of restrain in the opening as the old Army Jeep had ie: a chain or steel cable. It would be even better to have a tube half door that can still let you feel "naked" when you drive but provide some security.

Good luck and make them read the full rule book..