Receiving a speeding ticket in British Columbia can be stressful, but many drivers are even more concerned about how multiple tickets might affect their ability to keep their licence. The rules around licence suspensions for speeding tickets in BC are strict, and understanding them is crucial for anyone who spends time on the road.
How the ICBC Point System Works
In BC, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) uses a point system to track driving offences, including speeding. Each speeding ticket carries a certain number of penalty points—typically three points for regular speeding and three to six points for excessive speeding (driving more than 40 km/h over the limit). These points accumulate on your driving record, and if you collect too many within a certain period, you risk a licence suspension.
How Many Points Lead to Suspension?
Generally, if you accumulate between 9 and 15 driver penalty points within a 12-month period, ICBC may issue a driving prohibition. For new drivers with an N (Novice) or L (Learner) licence, the threshold is even lower. Novice drivers can face a suspension with as few as four penalty points in a 12-month period. This means that just two regular speeding tickets could put a new driver at risk of losing their licence.
Excessive Speeding Carries Heavier Consequences
It’s also important to note that excessive speeding is treated very seriously in BC. If you are caught driving more than 40 km/h over the speed limit, not only will you receive higher penalty points, but your vehicle may also be impounded on the spot for seven days or longer. Multiple excessive speeding tickets can quickly lead to a driving prohibition, regardless of your total points.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspension Notice
ICBC reviews driving records regularly and will send a notice if you are at risk of a suspension. If you receive such a notice, you have the right to dispute the prohibition, but it’s a complicated process that often requires legal assistance.
Get Legal Help for Speeding Tickets Licence Suspension BC
If you’re worried about how many speeding tickets could lead to a licence suspension or if you’ve received a notice from ICBC, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Acumen Law Corporation or lawyer Kyla Lee for advice on your specific situation and to help protect your driving privileges in British Columbia.
