Tougher Distracted Driving Penalties

Posted on 5/9/2016 12:18 PM by Ron Manz 107.5 KISSFM

Penalties for distracted driving in BC will be significantly tougher come June 1st. Effective that date, it will cost you $543 for a first time offence, which includes a fine of $368, and 175 for the 4 driver penalty points. The current fine for a first violation is $167. Repeat offenders, upon a second infraction within 12 months, will pay the $368 fine plus $520, for a total of $888 in financial penalties, which escalate further for any additional offence.

Solicitor General Mike Morris says 66 people died in 2014 due to distracted driving. "British Columbians were clear what they wanted to see done. 90 percent said they were very concerned about distracted driving and wanted higher fines and stiffer penalties for repeat offenders. Today we are responding with stronger penalties," Morris told a news conference. Further stiffening these consequences, distracted driving is being elevated to the threshold for "high-risk" driving offences, making it equivalent to excessive speeding and driving without due care and attention. "Repeat offenders will also have their driving record subject to automatic review,
which could result in a three-to-12 month driving prohibition," says Morris. Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) drivers face intervention after a first distracted driving offence and a possible prohibition of up to six months. There will be longer prohibitions for repeat offences. The superintendent of motor vehicles also has discretion to prohibit drivers based on referrals from ICBC or police.