Kamloops drivers can’t leave the phone alone

KAMLOOPS – Stiffer penalties for distracted driving are in effect; drivers caught using a hand-held device will face three license penalty points and a $167 fine.

Kamloops RCMP Supt. Brad Mueller says despite efforts from the RCMP in partnership with ICBC and Community Safety, the message Leave the Phone Alone isn't getting through.

Mueller told attendees at the round table discussion about an article which said it took law enforcement nearly 40 years to successfully get drivers to wear seatbelts.

“I’m hoping it’s not going to take us 40 years to get to that point with cell phone use and distracted driving,” Mueller said. “We continue to monitor that and set up different initiatives across the city. I think we’re making inroads in regards to that."

With the new legislation, drivers can face penalties for talking, holding or dialing a cellphone, operating a hand-held audio player or programming a GPS.

Receiving more than one distracted driving ticket in a year will cost the ticketed driver $634, which would include the cost of two fines plus a $300 penalty for six points.

The penalty points remain on a driver’s license for five years and could result in further penalties — including a driving prohibition.

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