If you're convicted of a motor vehicle offence

This page outlines the consequences of Criminal Code and Motor Vehicle Act convictions.

Criminal Code offences

Motor vehicle-related offences under the Criminal Code include:

• Criminal negligence in the operation of a motor vehicle
• Driving while prohibited
• Engaging police in a pursuit
• Failing to give a breath sample
• Dangerous driving
• Failing to stop after an accident
• Causing bodily harm or death
• Impaired driving (see Alcohol and drug related driving prohibitions and suspensions for more information)

Motor Vehicle Act offences

The consequences below apply if you're convicted under the Motor Vehicle Act for:

• Failure to stop for a peace officer, or
• Driving while prohibited or suspended

The consequences

You'll receive a Notice of Suspension if you’re convicted. Once you're received it, you must surrender your licence to an ICBC driver licensing office.

The length of your suspension depends on how many convictions you have.

A first conviction will result in a one-year licence suspension.

A second conviction within ten years will result in a three-year licence suspension.

Three or more convictions will result in an indefinite licence suspension. You must wait at least five years before re-applying for a licence. This period can be longer if you don't follow other requirements or licensing conditions.

Other consequences

• The court may sentence you to prison and impose a fine.
• If your conviction is alcohol related, you may have to:
  • Complete the Responsible Driver Program
  • Install an ignition interlock
• RoadSafetyBC may issue more prohibitions under the Driver Improvement Program.

You'll also have to pay a driver risk premium. For more information on the risk premium, see ICBC's Driver Risk Premium page.