driving offence

If you’ve received a traffic ticket in British Columbia, you might be wondering if it’s worth disputing your ticket in court. 

One of the most common questions drivers ask is: “What are the odds that the police officer who issued my ticket will actually show up to traffic court?” Many people believe that if the officer doesn’t appear, the ticket will be dismissed automatically. While this is sometimes true, the reality is a bit more nuanced.

In British Columbia, when you dispute a traffic ticket, a court date is set and the officer who issued the ticket is notified and expected to attend. If the officer fails to show up without a valid reason, the ticket is usually dismissed. This is because the officer is required to present evidence and answer questions about the circumstances of the alleged offence. Without their testimony, the court typically cannot proceed with the case.

So, what are the actual odds? While there is no official statistic published by the courts or police, anecdotal evidence and reports from lawyers suggest that police officers attend traffic court in the vast majority of cases—often estimated at 80% to 90% of the time. Police departments in BC take traffic enforcement seriously, and officers are generally scheduled and required to appear for court dates. In some cases, officers are assigned specific court days as part of their regular duties, making their attendance even more likely.

However, there are situations where an officer may not attend. Scheduling conflicts, illness, vacations, or emergencies can sometimes prevent an officer from appearing. In rare cases, administrative errors or changes in employment status may also lead to an officer’s absence. If the officer provides advance notice and a valid reason for not attending, the court may adjourn the case to another date rather than dismissing it outright.

It’s important to understand that relying solely on the hope that the officer won’t show up is a risky strategy. Even if the odds seem favourable, there is no guarantee. If you have a strong defence or believe the ticket was issued in error, it’s always better to prepare your case thoroughly and consider seeking legal advice.

If you’re facing a traffic ticket in British Columbia and want to maximize your chances of a successful outcome, contact Acumen Law Corporation or lawyer Kyla Lee. Their experience in traffic law can help you navigate the process and give you the best possible chance in court.