What to Do If You Get a Traffic Ticket in British Columbia — And When to Hire a Lawyer
Getting pulled over and receiving a traffic ticket can be stressful, frustrating, and expensive. In addition to fines, a conviction can lead to Driver Penalty Points, increased insurance costs, or even driving prohibitions if your record already includes other infractions.
If you’ve received a ticket, it’s important to act quickly and make informed decisions. In some cases, hiring a lawyer can significantly improve your chances of achieving a better outcome.
Step 1: Review the Ticket Carefully
After receiving a violation ticket, read it thoroughly. A traffic ticket in BC typically includes:
The alleged offence(s)
The fine amount
The due date to either pay or dispute the ticket (within 30 days of issuance)
Instructions for how to dispute
Note that paying the ticket is considered an admission of guilt and results in a conviction being registered against you. This could impact your driving record and lead to further consequences down the line.
Step 2: Decide Whether to Pay or Dispute the Ticket
You have two options:
1. Pay the Ticket
This is the simplest option, but it means you accept responsibility for the offence. A conviction will appear on your driving record and may lead to:
ICBC Driver Penalty Points
Driver Risk Premiums (which increase your annual insurance fees)
A possible driving prohibition if you accumulate too many points
2. Dispute the Ticket
If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly or you want to reduce the potential consequences, you may choose to dispute it. To do this, you must file a Notice of Dispute within 30 days of the ticket date.
You can submit the dispute:
In person at a courthouse (the recommended option)
By mail to the address on the ticket
In some jurisdictions, online (check with your local court registry)
Once your dispute is processed, you will receive a court date to appear before a Judicial Justice of the Peace.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to dispute a traffic ticket, but in many situations, having legal representation can make a significant difference.
You should consider hiring a lawyer if:
The consequences go beyond a simple fine, such as points on your licence, possible licence suspension, or increased insurance premiums.
You already have prior offences on your driving record, which could lead to a driving prohibition or affect your ICBC status.
You are a professional driver, and your livelihood depends on maintaining a clean driving record.
You believe you were wrongly ticketed, and want to present a solid legal argument or cross-examine the issuing officer.
You missed the 30-day deadline to dispute, or you missed a hearing and need help filing a late affidavit to reopen the matter.
You are unsure how to navigate the court process, prepare evidence, or articulate your defence in front of a Justice.
A lawyer can also appear in court on your behalf, saving you time and helping to reduce the stress of the legal process.
In some cases, legal representation can result in a charge being dismissed or reduced, helping you avoid long-term costs or penalties that go beyond the initial fine.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No legal relationship is formed by reading or relying on this content.
If you’d like to learn more about motor vehicle act offences, aka traffic tickets, or need guidance on a legal issue, reach out to Zachary Dallman for a free consultation. Book or contact Zachary directly at zachary@zacharydallmanlaw.ca or 778.653.6163.
I service the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Northern British Columbia, Kootenays and Okanagan region when dealing with traffic matters.