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
Missouri Hands-Free Law: What You Can Do and the Fines
Missouri bans holding a phone while you drive. See what is allowed, what is banned, the fines of up to $150, $250 or $500 and the penalties after a crash.
Mississippi Texting and Driving Law: What Is Banned and the Fine
Yes, texting while driving is illegal in Mississippi. See what the law bans, what hands-free use is allowed, the $100 fine and the hardship license rule.
New Hampshire Hands-Free Law: Phone Rules, Fines and 2027 Changes
New Hampshire bans hand-held phones while you drive, even at a red light. See what is allowed, the fines now and from 2027, and the rule for drivers under 18.
How to Drive a Roundabout in North Carolina (2026 Rules)
Who yields, which lane to use, and what to do about pedestrians, bicycles, large trucks and emergency vehicles in a North Carolina roundabout.
North Dakota Winter Driving Tips from the Driver's Manual
North Dakota winter driving tips: the $250 closed-road fee, braking on ice, following distance, snowplows, studded tires and what to carry.
New Mexico Four-Way Stop and Traffic Circle Rules: Who Goes First
Who goes first at a New Mexico four-way stop? Learn the first-to-arrive and right-hand rules, left turns, traffic circles, and the points for failure to yield.
Newfoundland Roundabout and Four-Way Stop Rules: Who Goes First
Who goes first at a four-way stop in Newfoundland and Labrador, what to do when traffic lights fail, and which lane and signal to use in a roundabout.
NJ Traffic Circles, Roundabouts and Jughandles: Who Has the Right of Way
Who goes first at a New Jersey traffic circle, how a roundabout is different, and how to use a jughandle to turn left or make a U-turn.
Nova Scotia Learner's Test Cost ($15.03) and Retake Rules
The Nova Scotia Class 7 Knowledge Test costs CAD 15.03. See how to pay, which part you retake after a fail, how long you wait, and the next fees.
Nevada Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Who Goes First?
At a Nevada four-way stop, the first driver to arrive goes first after a full stop. In a roundabout, yield to traffic inside. See the steps and the points.
NY School Bus Laws: When You Must Stop for Red Lights
In New York, stop when a school bus flashes red lights, even across a divided highway. See the 20-foot rule, when you can go, the fines and the 8 points.
Ohio Four-Way Stop Rules: Who Goes First
Who goes first at a four-way stop in Ohio? See the stop-first rule, the same-time rule, where to stop, and what to do at a dark or flashing red signal.