Yukoners should be extra-careful when purchasing used vehicles from Alberta and Ontario because of the increased possibility of buying a vehicle damaged by flooding.

On Thursday, the Yukon government sent out a public advisory. It includes tips to avoid buying a vehicle that has been damaged by flooding, but hasn't been officially or unofficially identified as such.

It is illegal to register a flood-damaged vehicle in the Yukon or anywhere in Canada, says the advisory.

Vern Janz, the Yukon's registrar of motor vehicles, said today his branch has not encountered any issue to date.

Rather, it was felt a heads-up at this time would be a benefit, with the higher chance that vehicles damaged by recent flooding in Alberta and Ontario could hit the used vehicle market, he explained.

"We did the same thing following Hurricane Katrina and Rita,” Janz said. "Given the proximity of Alberta to the Yukon, and it being quite a bit easier to move vehicles within Canada than from the United States to Canada, we thought it would be a good idea to provide an advisory to people to be a little bit more cautious if they are considering buying a vehicle from Alberta or Ontario.”

Janz said even if a flood-damaged vehicle passes a mechanical inspection, there are still safety issues with certain parts and components that may not be detected during an examination.

There are, for instance, components in the anti-lock braking system that may not show immediate signs of water damage but will keep eroding, he said.

Janz said the same applies to the vehicle's electrical system, controls for air bags and other features managed by computers.

Insurance companies are required to brand vehicles that have been water-damaged, and not resell them, he said.

Janz explained with the volume of claims, however, there may a delay in the paper work catching up to a vehicle that's been sold by the insurance company for parts.

The government is recommending that Yukoners buying used vehicles in Alberta go over the vehicle with a fine-toothed comb, and check for mold and a damp smell.

Look for silt or other debris falling from the dashboard.

Talk to the seller about the vehicle's history and record the response, the government urges.

It recommends testing all the electronics, the lights, gauges, heater and so forth.

"Make sure they are all working,” Janz adds. "It's always a good idea to have the vehicle inspected by a certified technician.”

Helen Lialias of the Insurance Bureau of Canada said today from Toronto that officials have not had the opportunity to compile statistics around the number of vehicle claims coming out of Alberta and Ontario.

Generally speaking, the only vehicle covered for flooding would be ones carrying comprehensive insurance coverage, above the standard collision, and public liability and public damage provisions, she explained.

Lialias said selling a vehicle that has been damaged by water is a safety issue, and people shouldn't do it.

In some jurisdictions across Canada, it's illegal to sell a vehicle damaged by water, she pointed out.

Spokesman Trent Bancarz of Alberta Transportation said today it's not illegal in Alberta to sell a flood-affected vehicle.

Practically speaking, he said, it would be next to impossible.

Bancarz said a mechanic could spot a vehicle damaged by water in a heartbeat.

Alberta Transportation is estimating 50,000 vehicles were damaged in the flood water which tore through the province last month, he said.

Bancarz said Albertans can sell a flood-impacted vehicle, but they must declare it has been soaked by flooding, or face a $250 fine.

"Once it has been flooded, we could classify it as non-repairable,” he said.

"So as long as the buyer is aware he is buying a non-repairable vehicle, the buyer can sell it.

"You are buying it for parts.”