Kamloops RCMP crackdown on distracted driving

KAMLOOPS – Police handed out over 50 tickets to drivers using an electronic device while behind the wheel during two days of targeted enforcement in Kamloops last week.

RCMP say members of the Central Interior Traffic Services and the City Traffic unit issued 52 tickets to drivers using electronic devices like cell phones on March 9 and March 10.

The ticket comes with a fine of $368 and four points on the offender’s driver’s licence, according to an RCMP media release. The fine for a second offence in the same year is $888.

During the crackdown, officers also handed out 59 tickets to for failing to wear a seatbelt and two tickets for driving while prohibited, police say. Drugs were seized during one stop and a person was arrested on an immigration warrant.

As well, RCMP handed out 70 warnings for things like intersection infractions and failing to produce a driver’s licence.

March is Distracted Driving Awareness Month in B.C.

“The RCMP will continue to focus on distracted driving throughout the year,” Cpl. Jodie Shelkie says in the release.

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