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March’s Richmond Road Safety Report saw over 800 traffic violation tickets given out.

Photo by Jaana Björk

Monthly road report: Richmond RCMP highlights traffic safety outcomes for the month of March

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:59 PDT, Fri April 11, 2025

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In March, Richmond RCMP ramped up enforcement targeting distracted drivers and illegal-ride-hailing services. Officers issued 814 traffic violation tickets throughout the month, as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and hold unsafe drivers accountable.

Key categories of offenses included:

Speeding: 170
Distracted driving: 94
Impaired drug/alcohol infractions: 31
Vehicle-related infractions: 216
Driver Licence infractions: 160

Throughout March, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU) focused on distracted driving, in partnership with ICBC and the provincial enforcement campaign calendar. A major distracted driving joint forces operation was conducted on March 11, resulting in 75 charges and $36,423 in fines.

Targeted enforcement on unlicensed ride-hailing operators

On March 27, RSU partnered with Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement and Commercial Passenger Vehicle (CPV) Officers to target unlicensed ride-hailing services operating in Richmond. Drivers using these apps are not licensed to operate passenger-directed vehicles in B.C., bypass required safety inspections and criminal record checks, and circumvent the Canadian economy by utilizing alternative payment providers. None of the vehicles involved have undergone any kind of safety check through a Designated Provincial Inspection Facility that licensed ride-hailing vehicles or taxis would have to go through. During this operation, four drivers were stopped and charged with:

Operate Without a License – s.57(1) Passenger Transportation Act
Wrong Class Drivers License – s.24(1) Motor Vehicle Act
Fail to Display Certificate – s.25.07(1) Motor Vehicle Act Regulations
Operate Without Business License – s.4.1.1 City of Richmond Business Bylaw No. 7360

Richmond RCMP warns the public of the safety risk posed by using unlicensed ride-hailing services. For a full list of approved ride-hailing providers in BC, please visit the Passenger Transportation Registry: Approved Ride-Hail Companies.

Community engagement and volunteer support

Throughout the month, Richmond RCMP Community Policing Office volunteers supported road safety initiatives such as Speed Watch and distracted driving outreach. Volunteers distributed “Think of Me” postcards created by local elementary school students, reminding drivers stay focused on the road and put away devices.

Richmond RCMP extends sincere thanks to our volunteers for their contributions to public safety. To learn how to get involved, please visit our website.

April enforcement priorities

In April, RSU will focus enforcement in response to increased collisions and unsafe driving reports in the following areas:

No. 3 Road & Capstan Way
No. 3 Road & Bennett Road
Steveston Hwy & Gilbert Road

RSU has also identified River Road and the area around St. Edwards Drive & Cambie Road for targeted enforcement, reminding drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and follow the rules of the road.

"Whether its putting your phone away or ensuring your ride is properly licensed, your decisions behind the wheel—or in the passenger seat—matter. Distracted driving and unlicensed ride-hailing put everyone at risk. We’re committed to proactive enforcement to protect the public,” said Sergeant Eric Baskette, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit.