BC Driving Laws

Policing

Your parents will do most of the rule setting as you learn to drive. But police will enforce the traffic laws such as:

  • Seat belt use
  • Cellphone use
  • Drinking and driving
  • Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) restrictions

Breaking the law can lead to fines, licence suspension and other penalties. If you are stopped by police:

  • Present your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance
  • Cooperate and be respectful
  • Talk to your parents about it

Courts

If you get a ticket or are involved in a crash, you may need to go to court. Judges deal seriously with teen traffic violations. You may receive a fine or have your driving privileges suspended – even for a first offence.

GLP – Impaired Driver Consequences

Learner (L) and Novice (N) drivers who are found to have any alcohol or drugs in their system are subject to the regular impaired driving consequences and costs and face the following:

  • 12-hour immediate roadside licence suspension (24-hour for drugs)
  • Automatic driving record review by the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles and further driving restrictions according to the Drive Improvement Program (DIP) guidelines
  • Will have to apply the reinstatement of their driver’s licence after any prohibition longer than 24 hours and pay the licensing fee
  • Start over at the beginning of their 12-month (L) or 24-month (N) licensing period

BC Cellphone Laws

Since January 1, 2010, the use of cellphones by all drivers is restricted in BC. Learner (L) and Novice (N) drivers are not allowed to use a cellphone (hand-held or hands-free) or other electronic devices. This means no talking and no texting.

For more information:

Additional resources:


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