Motor Vehicle Act Offences (Traffic Tickets)
Motor Vehicle Act offences can raise insurance, add points, and cause bans. Our lawyers defend BC drivers against costly traffic-related penalties.
Not all driving offences lead to criminal charges, but that doesn’t mean they’re without consequences. In British Columbia, Motor Vehicle Act violations can still result in substantial fines, insurance premium increases, driving prohibitions, and accumulated penalty points on your driving record. In some cases—particularly for professional drivers or individuals with multiple infractions—these seemingly minor offences can create serious legal and financial stress.
At Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers, we help clients challenge and resolve provincial traffic tickets and Motor Vehicle Act offences across B.C. Whether you’ve been issued a citation in error, need to protect your driving record, or are dealing with the cumulative effects of multiple violations, we can guide you through your options and help you respond strategically.
Speeding
Speeding tickets are one of the most common traffic violations issued in British Columbia. However, not all speeding allegations are straightforward. Factors like radar calibration, officer positioning, and signage can all impact the validity of a ticket.
We help clients with:
- Regular speeding violations
- Excessive speeding (40 km/h+ over the limit)
- Speeding in construction or school zones
- Speed-related driving prohibitions
If left unchallenged, these tickets can result in Driver Risk Premium (DRP) assessments, ICBC points, and potential driving prohibitions for high-risk drivers. In some cases, they may be used to justify insurance increases or further administrative action.
Use of Electronic Devices
Under B.C. law, it is illegal to use a hand-held electronic device while driving—even while stopped at a red light. This includes:
- Texting or emailing
- Holding a phone to make or receive a call
- Checking maps or GPS manually
Violations come with steep fines and penalty points. For novice drivers (L or N licenses), a single ticket may result in a license suspension. For experienced drivers, repeat offences can lead to driving prohibitions and significant ICBC penalties.
We can help assess whether the charge is valid, whether discretion was exercised properly by the officer, and whether legal defences apply in your case.
Fail to Remain at the Scene
A “fail to remain” charge may be issued when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without exchanging information or providing assistance. While often misunderstood as a criminal charge, many of these matters are prosecuted under the Motor Vehicle Act, especially where there are no injuries or minimal damage.
We assist clients in situations involving:
Accidental property damage (e.g. parked car, fence, signpost)
Alleged hit-and-run reports
Insurance claims that result in police involvement
These offences carry serious implications, including ICBC penalties and civil liability. Our team can help protect your driving record and ensure your side of the story is heard.
Other Provincial Offences
We also represent clients charged with a range of additional Motor Vehicle Act violations, including:
- Driving without a valid licence or insurance
- Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign
- Failing to yield to a pedestrian
- Improper lane changes or unsafe passing
- Driving with an expired or suspended licence
Even if the offence appears minor, it’s important to understand how it may affect your record, insurance, and future ability to drive—especially for commercial or new drivers.
If you’ve received a traffic ticket or notice of driving prohibition, don’t simply pay the fine without understanding the impact. In many cases, tickets can be reduced, challenged, or resolved in a way that protects your driving privileges and record.