Immediate 30-Day Driving Ban for Reckless Driving

Summary#

• This bill creates a new “reckless driving” rule in B.C. and lets police issue an immediate 30‑day driving ban when they reasonably believe a driver was reckless.

• It defines reckless driving to include dangerous stunts and extreme speeding. It also makes driving while under this ban a punishable offence with fines and possible jail.

• The province’s driver licensing authority (the superintendent) must review cases and can issue longer bans under existing powers.

• Key changes:

  • Sets a clear list of reckless acts, including wheelies, drifting/burnouts, “donuts,” blocking oncoming lanes, riding with a person in the trunk, or driving when not seated in the driver’s seat.
  • Treats very high speeds as reckless: over the limit by 40 km/h where the limit is under 80, over by 50 km/h where the limit is 80 or higher, or any speed of 150 km/h or more.
  • Lets police (peace officers) hand you an immediate 30‑day driving prohibition and take your licence on the spot. There is no appeal of this 30‑day ban.
  • Requires police to file the notice quickly with the superintendent; if they do not, the ban is invalid for that driver.
  • The superintendent must consider a longer prohibition; any days already served count toward any longer ban.
  • Driving while prohibited brings fines of $500–$2,000 and possible jail (up to 6 months on a first conviction; 14 days to 1 year on later convictions). A certificate from the superintendent can be used in court to show you knew about the ban.
  • Government can add more reckless behaviours and set evidence rules by regulation. The law would take effect on a date set later.

What it means for you#

• Drivers

  • If police reasonably believe you did a reckless act, they can ban you from driving for 30 days right away and take your licence. You cannot appeal that 30‑day ban.
  • You must not drive during the ban. If you do, you face fines and possible jail. It will be hard to argue you “didn’t know,” because a certificate from the superintendent can be used to show you were notified.
  • You may need to arrange other ways to get to work, school, or appointments during the ban.
  • The superintendent may later issue a longer ban for the same incident. Any days already banned will count toward that.
  • The ban is administrative. It does not require a criminal charge.
  • This would start on a date set by the government, not right away.

• Motorcyclists

  • Doing a wheelie (one wheel on the ground) would count as reckless driving and could trigger an immediate 30‑day ban.

• Car enthusiasts and street racers

  • Drifting, burnouts, spinning “donuts,” or driving side‑by‑side into or blocking oncoming lanes longer than needed to pass would count as reckless.
  • Meeting up for stunts could mean many drivers receive immediate bans.

• Anyone speeding

  • Very high speeds are flagged as reckless:
    • More than 40 km/h over the limit when the limit is under 80.
    • More than 50 km/h over the limit when the limit is 80 or higher.
    • Any speed of 150 km/h or more.

• Passengers

  • Riding in a car trunk would count as reckless driving by the driver.

• Commercial drivers and employers

  • Using lift axles on commercial trucks is not counted as a stunt. But the speeding rules and other reckless acts apply the same as for all drivers.
  • A 30‑day loss of licence could affect job duties and scheduling.

• Other road users

  • The goal is to remove high‑risk drivers from the road quickly to improve safety for everyone.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents’ View#

• This will make roads safer by stopping dangerous stunts and extreme speeding right away, without waiting months for court.
• Clear speed thresholds and listed behaviours give police practical tools to deal with reckless driving.
• Stronger consequences for driving while banned will deter people from ignoring a prohibition.
• Letting the superintendent review cases and issue longer bans targets repeat or high‑risk drivers.
• The government can update the list of reckless acts as new risky trends appear, keeping the law current.
• Requiring police to file reports, and crediting time served, adds some fairness and accountability.

Opponents’ View#

• There is no appeal for the 30‑day ban, which raises fairness and due process concerns. People could be punished before any hearing.
• The definition of “reckless” is broad and includes a catch‑all for driving “without due care.” Honest mistakes could be swept in.
• Wide police discretion could lead to uneven enforcement or profiling.
• A sudden 30‑day loss of licence can harm workers, caregivers, and rural residents who depend on driving.
• Allowing the government to expand “reckless” by regulation may add new offences without full debate in the legislature.
• Using a superintendent’s certificate to prove notice may make it harder for drivers to defend against “driving while prohibited” charges.