Stephanie Bakalar
Stephanie has spent over a decade advising small and family-owned auto repair shops on growth, hiring, and customer experience. With an MBA from Western and a background in small-business lending, she has worked directly with more than 200 independent Canadian shops on pricing, marketing, and CRA-compliant bookkeeping. She writes about the operational and regulatory side of running a profitable independent garage in Canada.
1417 articles by Stephanie
Ohio Distracted Driving Law: Phone Rules, Points and Fines
No, you cannot hold your phone while you drive in Ohio. See what the law bans, the exceptions, the fines and points, and the rule for drivers under 18.
Rhode Island Teen Driver Penalties: Permit Breaks, Phone Ban, .02 Rule
See the Rhode Island fines for breaking permit or provisional license limits, the under-18 phone ban, and the .02% alcohol rule for drivers under 21.
Moving to Saskatchewan: Driver's Licence Rules for New Residents (90 Days)
You can drive on a valid licence from another jurisdiction for 90 days after you become a Saskatchewan resident. See who needs tests, what an expired licence means and which documents SGI asks for.
Driving in South Dakota with a Foreign License: Visitors and Students
Visitors 16 or older may drive in South Dakota on a valid home license. After 90 days here, you need a South Dakota license. See the documents, tests and fee.
How to Get a Tennessee Driver's License at 18 or Older
At 18 or older, Tennessee does not use the Graduated Driver License levels. See the steps, tests, documents and fees for your first Class D license.
Washington Drive Test: What to Bring, What Is Tested and the Passing Score
Find out what to bring to the Washington drive test, which vehicle checks the examiner makes, which maneuvers you must do, and the passing score of 80 out of 100.
Alberta Class 5-GDL Rules for Probationary Drivers
Alberta Class 5-GDL drivers need zero alcohol and drugs, no more passengers than seat belts and under 8 demerit points. See what makes probation longer.
California 4-Way Stop Rules: Who Goes First?
Who goes first at a four-way stop in California: the arrival rule, two cars at the same time, T-intersections, left turns and pedestrians.
Moving to Wisconsin: How to Transfer Your Driver's License in 60 Days
New to Wisconsin? Apply for a Wisconsin license within 60 days, in person at the DMV. See who needs tests, what to bring and what changes for teens.
Moving to Wyoming: How Long to Get a Wyoming Driver's License
New to Wyoming? You have one year after you establish residency to get a Wyoming license, and some drivers must apply sooner. See the steps, tests and cost.
Driving in Alaska With a Foreign License: 90 Days, IDP, Students
Can you drive in Alaska on a foreign license? See the 90-day rule, why you do not need an IDP, and what students and new residents must do next.
Moving to Colorado: The 30-Day License Rule and What to Bring
You have 30 days to get a Colorado license after you become a resident. See who counts as a resident, who is exempt and what to bring to the DMV.