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On March 11, Richmond RCMP conducted a major distracted driving operation resulting in over $36,000 in fines.
Photo courtesy Richmond RCMP
Richmond RCMP hosts major distracted driving enforcement operation
Published 10:18 PDT, Fri March 21, 2025
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Richmond RCMP conducted a major distracted driving operation at multiple locations on March 11, 2025, resulting in 75 charges and $36,423 in fines and penalty point premiums.
The event was a joint-force operation and included partners from ICBC and the City of Richmond. Participating Police agencies included Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit, B.C Highway Patrol and Metro Vancouver Transit Police – Mobile Enforcement Team.
Richmond RCMP Community Policing Office Volunteers played a crucial role, bringing an education and awareness component to the day’s enforcement operation through signage and the issuance of 67 warning letters.
Distracted driving enforcement summary:
The day’s operation resulted in $36,423.00 in fines and penalty point premiums and 75 charges laid, including:
- Use of an Electronic Device While Driving: 59
- No Drivers License: 1
- Fail to Wear Seatbelt: 1
- Fail to Stop for Yellow Light at Intersection: 1
- Fail to Stop for Red Light at Intersection: 1
- Vehicle-related infractions: 12
Notable mentions:
Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU) deployed a Police Officer in an aerial bucket truck provided by the City of Richmond at one of the busiest intersections in the city. The officer was equipped with a long-lens camera and photographed drivers who were illegally handling an electronic device in traffic. The officer then radioed the vehicle’s position and description to one of 15 Police Officers waiting half a block away, then watched those officers stop the same vehicle described. Those spotted and “snapped” were charged with Use of An Electronic Device While Driving which carries a fine of $368.00 and 4 driver penalty points.
One of the drivers called out also happened to be an unlicensed driver who had previously been convicted for No Drivers License under s.24(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act. This meant that, along with the charges laid, their vehicle was also impounded for no less than 7 clear days.
A word from Sergeant Eric Baskette, RSU:
“The strength and success of these operations truly comes from partnership between all of the agencies and volunteers involved. March is distracted driving awareness month, and it’s a reminder to all of us that drive that we need to put the phone away and focus on driving safely. We all share the road—drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike—we need have our eyes up to be alert for changing road conditions.”
Engage with us:
Richmond RCMP encourages all residents and drivers to stay informed through our monthly road reports and to participate actively in road safety initiatives. For ongoing updates and safety tips, follow us on social media, visit our website, and download the City of Richmond’s Community Safety App.
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