Put It Down: BC's Distracted Driving Crackdown

By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | February 23, 2026
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Every March, British Columbia's police services and ICBC join forces for a province-wide distracted driving enforcement campaign — and if you think you can sneak a glance at your phone at a red light, think again. Officers are watching, and the consequences are significant.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that pulls your attention away from the road. Most people think of texting or scrolling, but it goes well beyond that. Eating, adjusting your GPS while moving, applying makeup, reaching for something in the back seat, or even being lost in thought all count. In BC, the law is especially clear about electronic devices: you cannot touch your phone while operating a vehicle — even if you're stopped at a red light or a stop sign.

The Real Cost of Getting Caught

The financial hit from a distracted driving ticket in BC adds up fast. A single ticket runs $368, plus four driver penalty points valued at $214, for a combined total of $582. Drivers with two convictions within a three-year period can face up to $2,000 in fines and penalties — on top of any insurance premium increases. Novice drivers under the Graduated Licensing Program face even steeper consequences, including a possible driving prohibition of three to eight months.

How to Stay Safe and Fine-Free

Avoiding distracted driving is straightforward when you build the right habits. Before you shift into drive, program your GPS, set your playlist, and put your phone on Do Not Disturb. If you're expecting an important call, pull over safely before picking up. Keep your glove box an easy place to stash your phone if temptation is an issue. Every second your eyes leave the road, your car can travel the length of a basketball court — plenty of distance for something to go terribly wrong.

A Cautionary Tale

It can happen to anyone — even the most careful drivers. A close friend learned this lesson the hard way when she pulled up to a red light and, unsure of her route, quickly reached for her phone to check directions. It felt harmless — she wasn't moving, and it would only take a second. What she didn't notice was the police cruiser sitting right beside her at the same intersection. The officer glanced over, saw her holding her phone, and that was that. A few weeks later, a $375 fine arrived in the mail. No warning, no second chance — just a costly reminder that stopped doesn't mean safe when it comes to your phone.

This March, make the roads safer for everyone. Put the phone down, keep your eyes up, and drive like the lives around you depend on it — because they do.

Elke Porter at:
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