Tough new fines for distracted driving come into effect today

Distracted drivers, watch out: tough new sanctions come into effect today.

Earlier in May, it was announced that the minimum penalty for a first-time offence in B.C. would rise to $543 – a $368 ticket, along with $175 worth of ICBC driver penalty points. The fine escalates to $888 for a second offence within a 12 month period.

Previously, the fine for distracted driving was $167, along with three demerit points on your license.

Beyond the new financial consequences, distracted driving is also now considered a “high-risk” activity, placing it in the same bracket as excessive speeding and driving without due care and attention.

Chronic offenders may lose their licenses for up to a year.

“Distracted driving, like drinking and driving, is entirely avoidable, yet too often has devastating consequences,” says Minister of Public Safety Mike Morris. “By deploying tough new sanctions for distracted driving, we want to see our drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians get home to their families safely as we take another step towards reaching our goal of having the safest roads in North America by 2020.”

The move comes as part of a public consultation that saw 90% of respondents voting to increase distracted driving penalties.

It seems Vancouver might have a problem with distracted driving. During a distracted driving blitz in March, the Vancouver Police Department issued 1,600 tickets to drivers, and one woman in Richmond lost her license after receiving 12 separate offences.