Kamloops RCMP say they’ve partnered with Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers to target “altered vehicles” during a two-day blitz last week.

RCMP say there were check points set up in a number of areas including Sahali and Juniper, as they looked for polluters, as well as vehicles with insecure loads, lifts, and large tires.

One of the vehicles pulled near the hairpin turn on Summit Drive over was a large, lifted pickup truck. Police say it had tires that were too wide for its wheel wells, as well as “what they call a suspected altered exhaust system and mud flaps that were too small.

“These people are just driving down the highway pushing smoke out so we’re going to be cleaning that up,” RCMP Cpl. Wayne Chung said, in a statement.

Chung says some vehicle owners choose to alter their exhaust system to increase horse power, leading to an increase in pollution as well as noise. He also says exhaust modifications can create more of a fire risk especially if the vehicles are used off-road on dry grass.

RCMP also say people who modify their exhaust systems risk being ticketed for having a defective vehicle.

“Word to the wise, if you’re going to modify your vehicle, you may want to be familiar with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations,” added Chung, noting these vehicles may also require an inspection before it is allowed back on the road.

And with summer driving conditions upon us, Chung is also reminding drivers to remove their studded tires to increase their stopping time as well as prevent damage to the road surface.

The Kamloops RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit will also be holding a trailer awareness event to educate drivers about weight guidelines and load distribution as they set out on camping trips.

It comes as officers noted a high percentage of trailers which were either not connected properly or had uncovered loads of debris.

“Drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles, including trailers, are fit for the road and set up properly,” Chung added. “This should include a walk around pre-trip inspection.”