With distracted driving fees increasing on what seems like a yearly basis, there are more reasons than ever to keep your eyes on the road.

Of course, the risk of injury to yourself or others should be more than enough reason to keep those eyes fixated in the first place — but it’s worth noting that there are several possible financial consequences for being a careless driver. In this article, we will take a look at the most recent reiterations of the BC distracted driving law, including a look at what the distracted driving fine is for 2022.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving can be expanded to refer to performing any activity while driving that interferes with your ability to focus on the road. While this can certainly include the obvious, like alcohol or drug use, it also includes texting, a (non-hands-free) phone call, eating, putting on makeup, or performing any other activity other than driving while driving.

Much like society saw a shift in attitudes surrounding driving while inebriated, there is now a shift occurring around attitudes towards distracted driving. While it was once considered acceptable by many to pick up a cell phone and speak while operating a vehicle, such behavior is now outlawed across Canada, not to mention frowned upon. With more cars coming with wireless speaking options and Bluetooth capabilities,  it is becoming more and more unacceptable to text or operates a mobile phone while driving — to the betterment of everyone.

What is the Cost of a Distracted Driving Fine in 2022?

Distracted driving is not only detrimental to your safety, but your wallet as well. But just how much will a distracted driving fine in 2022 cost you? Well, the provincial licensing bureau can grant multiple penalties for this offense, one of which is a distracted driving fine in BC. First time offenders will be ticketed with a distracted driving fine of $368. Furthermore, with each ticket received, offenders will have four penalty points added to their driving record resulting in an additional distracted driving fine in BC. According to ICBC, if a driver receives four or more points over a 12-month period, they’ll need to pay a driver penalty point (DPP) premium that starts at $252 and increases as the points accumulate. In total, the cost of a distracted driving fine in BC in 2022 starts at $620 for first-time offenders. However, if a driver receives more than one ticket for distracted driving in BC within a three-year period, they’ll be on the hook for a driver risk premium, potentially costing thousands of dollars.

What is the Latest Fine for Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is dangerous, and can cost you your life or the life of others. It can also cost your wallet, as well as the confidence of the provincial licensing bureau.

Consider this — in British Columbia, the recipient of a distracted driving ticket can face a fee of $368 for first-time offenses, as well as four points off their point premium in the eyes of the ICBC. That is nearly $600 in fines in total.

How Common is Distracted Driving?

Despite its danger, distracted driving is quite common. In fact, according to the CAA, texting while driving alone leads to around 1.6 million crashes every day (and remember, texting is only one kind of distracted driving).

How Can We Stop Distracted Driving?

As we mentioned earlier, there is hope that distracted driving is becoming less acceptable and therefore less common. You can even do your part by sharing your concerns with friends and family who admit to distracting behavior while driving, or by teaching younger individuals in your life about the dangers of partaking in unsafe driving habits.

You can also practice defensive driving and keep your eyes out for those around you who aren’t keeping their eyes on the road — chances are you will be sharing the road with them every single time you go out.

Get Home Safe With Safe Designated Drivers

With more and more hazards out on the road thanks to technology, it makes more sense than ever to invest in a designated driver service. Safe Designated Driver is proud to be your designated driver in Vancouver, offering a designated driver service to individuals, companies, and everyone in between. No matter where you are coming home from, get there safely with help from Safe Designated Drivers — get in touch today to discover how we can best help you.

References:

https://www.canadadrives.ca/blog/tips/distracted-driving-laws-penalties-canada#:~:text=Before 2020%2C a distracted driving, fine and four demerit points.

https://www.canadadrives.ca/blog/driving-tips/distracted-driving-laws-penalties-canada

https://www.icbc.com/road-safety/crashes-happen/Distracted-driving/Pages/default.aspx

https://globalnews.ca/news/7565395/distracted-driving-cup-holder-ticket-thrown-out/

https://www.halifaxtoday.ca/police-beat/distracted-driving-puts-everyone-at-risk-rcmp-3428899