The Return of Traffic Enforcement in BC?
For several years, traffic enforcement in British Columbia was on the decline. The RCMP were even more short staffed during the pandemic. In Vancouver, the city government shifted priorities, and many of the most experienced traffic officers retired. Dedicated traffic enforcement units that were once a regular sight on the roads seemed non-existent.
Perception vs. Reality: The Law Didn’t Change
The law had not changed. What changed was how often drivers saw officers enforcing them. For a time, the chance of being stopped felt low. In Vancouver, many drivers began to assume the roads were not policed.
A Slight Pendulum Swing
In recent months, we have seen signs that enforcement is returning. After a quiet spring, several traffic blitzes took place across BC. These were not random. In some areas, they followed tragic collisions that drew public attention. Often it takes a serious incident or a community outcry to prompt dedicated campaigns. The pattern is not yet consistent, and in Vancouver the presence of traffic enforcement remains light. Outside the city, it is clear the pendulum is swinging back.
The Cost of Light Enforcement
The lack of visible enforcement in Vancouver is difficult to reconcile with the years preachy messaging. It sends the message that the rules may not matter on city streets. Still, the legal consequences of a single ticket remain severe. Every traffic ticket in BC carries more than just a fine. Convictions can lead to higher insurance costs, driver penalty point premiums, risk premiums, and even a driving prohibition issued weeks or months after the conviction. The financial and personal impact of one ticket can be significant which you should keep in mind even when there is inconsistent police presence on the roads.
The Bigger Picture
This return of enforcement highlights a larger problem. Traffic enforcement in BC often comes in waves. For a time, the focus is low, then after a serious event the attention rises. This reactive approach is common. It is also unsettling. It suggests the institution of traffic enforcement is fickle and in that sense unreliable. It opens the door for those who argue that traffic policing should be done by cameras, which seems to only change behaviour at particular locations and undermines faith in government.
What You Can Do
Drivers should not assume that a lack of enforcement means freedom from consequences. One ticket can have lasting effects. If you are facing a traffic ticket in BC, it is important to understand the real risks before you simply pay the fine. Contact BC Driving Lawyers to discuss your case. We can explain your options and give you a good idea of how the traffic ticket may affect you.