The BC government is taking action to curb distracted driving and improve safety in the province
UnderĀ the ICBC Driver Risk Premium program, a driver with two distracted driving tickets in a three-year period will see their total financial penalties rise to as much as $2,000 - an increase of $740 over the existing penalties. This is in addition to their regular insurance premium.
The changes to high-risk driving behaviour require changes to the ICBC Basic Insurance Tariff. Government will issue directions regarding the changes to both ICBC and the B.C. Utilities Commission and the changes would be in effect for convictions beginning March 1, 2018.
Distracted driving relates to those drivers caught using a hand-held electronic device while behind the wheel. In other instances of distraction or inattention, police also have the ability to issue violation tickets for those offences, such as driving without due care and attention.