New Distracted Penalties in Effect

New distracted driving penalties are now in effect meaning higher fines, more penalty points and possible driving prohibitions for repeat offenders.

As of June 1, 2016, each distracted driving offence is calculated using the fine of $368, (up from $167) combined with escalating Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) driver penalty point premiums and possible driving prohibitions:

• The number of penalty points per infraction is now four (up from three).
•  ICBC driver penalty point premiums start at $175 for the first four penalty points and escalate to a minimum $520 for a second offence within the same 12-month period.
• First-time offenders face a minimum $543 in financial penalties.
• Repeat offenders, upon a second offence 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.

Distracted driving is now considered a high-risk driving offence, which makes it equivalent to excessive speeding, driving without due care and attention, and driving without reasonable consideration.

Distracted driving and inattention was a contributing factor in killing 66 people and seriously injuring 630 more on B.C. roads in 2014.