Students are back to school next week and BC Highway Patrol will be out making sure the roads are safe for their first days back.
Police are stepping up enforcement, with a focus on making sure everyone is wearing a seatbelt and has their full attention on the road this September.
"We have seen far too many fatal collisions in 2025 that would never have happened if the victims were properly restrained by seatbelts," Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol, said in a media release.
"We don’t want anyone to be a victim."
Meanwhile, distracted driving is now one of the top three killers on B.C. roads alongside speeding and impairment.
Picking up a phone while driving, even at a stoplight, is distracted driving, McLaughlin said.
Even if the phone is mounted, and you do more than a single screen touch, then you are distracted.
"Before tragedy strikes, we ask you to get your eyes back on the road and make sure everyone is properly belted," McLaughlin said.
"If you ignore those laws, it could be deadly to you, your passengers, and the people around you."
What it costs to not follow the rules
- Fail to wear seatbelt, section 220(4) of the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) with a fine of $167;
- Operate vehicle with inoperative seatbelt, section 220(3) of the B.C. MVA ($167);
- Child unrestrained or improperly restrained, section 36.03(1) of the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act Regulations (MVAR) $109;
- Inappropriate infant restraint system for child’s height/weight, section 36.06 of the B.C. MVAR ($109);
- Use electronic device while driving, section 214.2(1) of the B.C. MVA ($368);
- Use an electronic device while driving in violation of driver’s licence restriction, section 30.072(1)(a) of the B.C. MVAR ($368).
