Always carry your licence when driving. This ensures you are always able to provide proof of your authorization to drive.
Ensure your driver's licence is always up-to-date. Notify ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) immediately if there are any changes to your name or address.
Never lend your driver's licence to anyone. Your licence is personal and only valid for your use.
Do not use a licence that is expired, suspended, or otherwise invalid. Operating a vehicle with an invalid licence is against the law and can result in fines and other penalties.
Never make any changes or alterations to your driver's licence. Tampering with official documents is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
To minimize the risk of loss or theft, keep your driver's licence in a secure place. If your licence is lost or stolen, report it to ICBC immediately.
Engaging in fraudulent activities related to driver's licences is a serious offence. The penalties include fines ranging from $400 to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. Offences include making false statements, using or possessing fraudulent licences, and altering licences.
Penality Points for Unsafe Driving
If you drive 1–20 km over the speed limit in a school zone, you will get 3 penalty points on your record.
If you drive 1–20 km over the speed limit in a regular area, you will also receive 3 penalty points on your record.
Running a red light will add 2 penalty points to your record.
Making an improper turn at an intersection will lead to 3 penalty points.
Passing without a clear view will cause you to receive 3 penalty points.
Failing to yield to a pedestrian will result in 3 penalty points on your driving record.
If you use an electronic device while driving, you will get 4 penalty points on your record.
Driving while impaired or with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over .08
For the 1st offence, you will face a driving prohibition from 1 to 3 years. A minimum fine of $1,000 and up will be imposed. Jail time can range from 0 to 5 years.
For the 2nd offence, you will face a driving prohibition from 2 to 5 years. There is no maximum fine limit. Jail time ranges from 30 days to 5 years.
For the 3rd offence, you will face a driving prohibition from 3 years to a lifetime ban. There is no maximum fine limit. Jail time ranges from 4 months to 5 years.
Impaired driving causing bodily harm will result in a driving prohibition of up to 10 years. There is no maximum fine limit, and jail time can be up to 10 years.
Impaired driving causing death will result in a lifetime driving prohibition. There is no maximum fine limit, and jail time can be up to life imprisonment.
Vehicle impoundment:
Reasons for Vehicle Impoundment:
Excessive Speeding: Driving at a speed greater than 40 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Driving While Prohibited or Suspended: Operating a vehicle while under a driving prohibition or suspension.
Street Racing: Engaging in street racing or other forms of dangerous driving competitions.
Driving Without a License: Driving without a valid driver’s license.
Vehicle Not Insured: Operating a vehicle without valid insurance.
Duration of Impoundment:
First Offense: Vehicle is typically impounded for 7 days.
Second Offense: Impoundment duration can increase to 30 days.
Subsequent Offenses: Further offenses can lead to impoundment for 60 days or more.
