The Hidden Risks of Traffic Tickets in British Columbia: A Bait-and-Switch Tactic
In most provinces, traffic enforcement is visible: marked police cars are regularly seen pulling drivers over, which serves as both a deterrent and an immediate reminder of traffic laws. In British Columbia, however, our approach is unique and far less transparent. Here, unmarked police vehicles are more common, and you rarely see officers pulling people over. Instead of consistent, visible enforcement, BC relies on a system that comes down hard on drivers after they’ve received a ticket—a bait-and-switch strategy that leaves many unaware of the full consequences until it’s too late.
On the surface, the consequences of a traffic ticket in BC may seem relatively minor. For instance, a typical speeding ticket averages under $200 and comes with three points on your driving record. But what many don’t realize is that these penalties trigger far more severe consequences once they’re added to your driving record.
Here’s where it gets harsh:
If you accumulate more than three points, your insurance rates will rise. If you’re a Class 7 driver, such as a Learner (L) or Novice (N), it only takes one ticket to face serious repercussions. Once you’ve paid the ticket or you’re convicted in court, the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles in Victoria will initiate a review of your driving record. If they find it unsatisfactory—which can happen even with just a single ticket—they will issue a Notice of Intent to Prohibit you from driving.
The key problem here is that drivers are rarely informed of these consequences up front. When you get a ticket, there’s no warning that paying it or not disputing it might lead to a license suspension. Many people think they’ll just pay the fine, take the three points, and move on. They don’t realize that one minor infraction can lead to losing their driving privileges. For young drivers or those new to the road, this can be devastating—your first mistake could cost you your license.
This approach stands out across Canada for its harshness.
In other provinces, a single ticket doesn’t automatically trigger a license suspension, and drivers are more clearly informed of their options. BC’s bait-and-switch tactic targets drivers after they’ve committed an offence, often catching them by surprise with consequences that seem disproportionate to the original fine.
At BC Driving Lawyers, we want to ensure that drivers are fully aware of what they’re facing when they receive a ticket. Contact us if you receive any traffic ticket—no matter how minor it seems. We can explain the full implications before you make a decision. By understanding your options up front, you can avoid the shock of unexpected license suspensions or insurance increases down the road.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out to us to protect your driving privileges and stay informed.