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
Oklahoma Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Who Goes First
Who goes first at an Oklahoma four-way stop? A vehicle already in the intersection; if two arrive together, the driver on the right. Plus the roundabout rule.
Oregon Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Who Goes First?
Who goes first at an Oregon four-way stop, and how do you drive a roundabout? See the stop rules, who to yield to, and the fines for a violation.
Pennsylvania Four-Way Stop Rules: Who Goes First
Who goes first at a Pennsylvania four-way stop: the order of arrival, two cars at the same time, and where to stop at the line or crosswalk.
Rhode Island Hands-Free Law: What Changed in 2025 and the Fines
Rhode Island now bans phone use for any purpose while you drive, even at a red light. See what changed on July 2, 2025 and the $100, $150 and $250 fines.
South Carolina School Bus Stop Law: When to Stop and the $500 Minimum Fine
Flashing red lights on a school bus mean stop in South Carolina, from either direction. See the four-lane exception, the $500 minimum fine and the 6 points.
South Dakota Cell Phone Law: Hands-On Use, Texting and Teen Permit Rules
South Dakota bans hands-on phone use while you drive, also at a red light. See what is allowed, the Class 2 misdemeanor penalty and the teen permit rule.
Saskatchewan Four-Way Stop Rules: Who Goes First?
Who goes first at a four-way stop in Saskatchewan? See the SGI handbook rule, what to do when two vehicles arrive together, where to stop and the $180 fine.
Tennessee Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Who Goes First
Who goes first at a four-way stop in Tennessee, what to do when two cars arrive together, and how to enter, drive and leave a roundabout.
Texas Four-Way Stop Rules: Who Goes First
Who goes first at a four-way stop in Texas, what to do when two cars arrive together, where to stop, and the rule at an intersection with no signs.
Vermont Hand-Held Phone Law: Fines, Points and Under-18 Rule
You cannot hold a phone at a red light in Vermont. See what is allowed, the $100 to $1,000 fines, the 2 to 5 points and the strict rule for drivers under 18.
Four-Way Stop Rules in Alberta: Who Goes First
At an Alberta four-way stop, everyone stops. Learn who goes first, where to stop, how to yield to pedestrians and what a missed stop costs in demerit points.
Washington School Bus Stop Law: When You Must Stop
When must you stop for a school bus in Washington? See who stops on each road, the center turn lane rule, the double penalty and camera tickets.