by Unusual Traffic Violation in Ontario
In Ontario, police stopped a Smart ForTwo microcar driver who was transporting a huge ladder that significantly exceeded the dimensions of the car itself. The ladder appeared more than twice as long as the car, which measures only 98.4 inches (2500 mm) in length.
Incident Circumstances
According to reports circulating on social media, the incident occurred in the town of Carleton Place. Police indicated that the ladder was insecurely fastened: its upper part was resting against the dashboard, while the remaining three-quarters of its length were held by a regular rope, creating a safety hazard.
Consequences for the Driver
Law enforcement officers issued the violator a fine for transporting an insecure load. According to Ontario’s traffic rules, such an offense is punishable by a fine of 130 Canadian dollars (approximately 92 US dollars). If it had been a commercial vehicle, the fine would have been 310 Canadian dollars.
Irony of the Situation
This case sparked ironic comments because the driver was operating a car of the Smart brand, but acted clearly foolishly. The ForTwo model, which is out of production, is not designed for transporting oversized loads.
Future of the Smart Brand
Although the ForTwo is no longer produced, the Smart company has announced a new model called #2. It is expected to be fully electric and built on a specialized platform for ultra-compact vehicles. However, even in the new model, it’s better to refrain from transporting ladders.
Similar incidents remind us of the importance of following cargo transportation rules, especially when it comes to compact cars. Even minor violations can lead to serious accidents, and using inappropriate vehicles for large objects creates risks for both the driver and other road users. In many countries, there are special rental services for cargo vehicles for such needs, making such improvisations even less justified.
