Vancouver police have demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach to distracted driving, issuing a significant number of tickets during a targeted enforcement operation.
Two-Hour Enforcement Blitz Nets Multiple Violations
In a span of just two hours, officers with the Vancouver Police Department ticketed 20 drivers for using electronic devices while behind the wheel. This concentrated enforcement effort highlights the ongoing challenge of distracted driving on city streets.
The blitz took place on November 28, 2025, with police focusing on high-traffic areas where the dangerous behaviour is most prevalent. Despite repeated public warnings and stiff penalties, many drivers continue to engage with their phones while driving, creating serious safety risks for themselves and others.
The Serious Consequences of Distracted Driving
Under British Columbia's driving laws, penalties for distracted driving are severe. A ticket for using an electronic device while driving comes with a fine of $368 and four penalty points. For new drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP), a single distracted driving violation can result in an immediate driving prohibition.
Beyond the financial penalty, distracted driving remains a leading cause of collisions in the province. Police emphasize that no text, call, or social media update is worth risking lives on the road.
Ongoing Police Efforts and Public Safety
This enforcement action is part of broader road safety initiatives undertaken by Vancouver police throughout the year. Officers conduct regular targeted enforcement against dangerous driving behaviours, including speeding, impaired driving, and failure to yield to pedestrians.
The Vancouver Police Department continues to remind all drivers that driving requires your full attention. They recommend silencing phones or placing them out of reach while driving to eliminate temptation. For essential communication, drivers should pull over safely to a designated parking area before using their devices.
With holiday travel increasing in the coming weeks, police have indicated that enforcement of traffic safety laws will remain a priority to protect all road users.
