No Trick ... and certainly No Treat! ICBC premium rates to increase for some drivers today

The season of haunting will continue on into Thursday morning for those who drive with a heavy foot or put too much focus on their personal devices while driving.

That as the Province of British Columbia and ICBC increase the level of fines and other punishments for those who break the law.

As of this morning, the penalty amounts for excessive speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and other violations will be going up, with the 20 percent increase to accounted for in two driver programs:

The Driver Risk Premium (DRP) is charged annually to drivers who are convicted of dangerous driving offences such as excessive speeding, two or more distracted driving violations, impaired driving convictions, roadside suspensions or prohibitions. Drivers could pay for the same offence multiple times, as the DRP depends on a person’s driving record in the last three years.

The Driver Penalty Point (DPP) premium is a penalty for collecting four or more points from traffic violations. The premium amount depends on the total number of points accumulated in a 12-month period.

The Driver Penalty Point premium currently ranges from $175 for four points to $24,000 for 50 or more points.

With the 20% increase starting Nov. 1, 2018, these penalties will go up to $210 for four points and $28,800 for 50 or more points.

 “Reckless drivers put others at risk, and they’re contributing to the rise in crashes we’re seeing on our roads,”  ... “To help make our roads safer and hold people accountable, we’re bringing in higher penalties for drivers who engage in dangerous behaviour behind the wheel.” -- David Eby, Attorney General of British Columbia

This statement from the Province provides more background on the fine increases and future plans for risky driving from the announcement from the office of the Attorney General.

Of course, there is one way to ensure that your money doesn't end up in the cash drawer over at ICBC, keeping to posted speeds and leaving your personal electronic devices alone could go a long way towards making sure that you don't have to do the math above, or face the additional penalties that the new penalty regimen calls for.

More items of note related to the provincial government can be found from our Legislature Archive page.