legal advice

Sleeping it Off in Your Car is Not Always Lawful

Many people think sleeping in their vehicle is a safe alternative to driving home after a night out. But in reality it is actually one of the most common ways people end up with a criminal record.

We have all heard the advice that if you have had too much to drink, you should just sleep it off in your car. However, the case of His Majesty the King v. Michael Alan Loney is a perfect example of why that plan can go sideways very quickly.

If you are sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine running, even if you are fast asleep and have no intention of moving an inch, the law in Canada views you very differently than you might expect.

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No Mercy March: What to Know If You Got an “Electronic Device” Ticket This Month

If you got pulled over this month for using your phone while driving, you are not alone. March is Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Month in BC, and police agencies across the province are not treating it as a formality. This year’s enforcement has been coordinated, aggressive, and province-wide.

Here is what you need to know.

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Timelines for Traffic Court Hearings in British Columbia

Traffic court proceedings in British Columbia are governed primarily by the Motor Vehicle Act and are dealt with in the Provincial Court of British Columbia. We are often asked how long people have to wait for the traffic court hearing to be scheduled and the answer depends on several variables, most notably the jurisdiction in which the ticket was issued.

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How to Dispute Accident Liability with ICBC

Lawyer discussing legal documents with a client at a desk.

Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is stressful enough—disputing who is at fault can make it even more overwhelming. In British Columbia, ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is the public auto insurer responsible for determining liability in crashes. If you disagree with their decision, you do have options. This article outlines the process for disputing accident liability with ICBC and what to expect along the way.

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Episode 422: Strikes, Snow Tires, and the Phantom F1

This week on Driving Law, Kyla Lee and Paul Doroshenko unpack a whirlwind of legal and political developments in British Columbia. From the October 1 snow tire requirement to the far-reaching fallout of strikes across the province, drivers are finding themselves caught in a web of cancelled hearings, delayed decisions, and confusion over even the basics like how to pay a traffic ticket.

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How Long Does a 24-Hour Suspension Stay on Your Record?

Police officer issuing a ticket to a driver in a car during a roadside stop.

A 24-hour driving suspension in British Columbia is typically issued for suspected impaired driving or unsafe driving behaviour that causes an officer to believe on reasonable grounds that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by either a drug or by alcohol.

While this suspension may seem like a temporary inconvenience, it’s important to understand its potential impact on your driving record and how it could affect you moving forward.

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How Many DUIs Do You Need to Get a Breathalyzer in Your Car?

In British Columbia, one of the most significant consequences for multiple DUI offences or prohibitions is the installation of an Ignition Interlock in your vehicle. 

If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, particularly for a second or third offence, you may be required to have this device installed for a specified period. In addition, multiple alcohol or drug-related suspensions on your license in a five-year period, even without a criminal conviction, can still trigger these referrals. 

But how many DUIs do you need to get a breathalyzer in your car?

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How Long is Ignition Interlock Required in BC?

Man using an ignition interlock device in his car

In British Columbia, an ignition interlock device (Ignition Interlock) is often required for individuals convicted of impaired driving or other alcohol-related incidents that have been added to their driving records. These can include 24-hour driving prohibitions, Administrative Driving Prohibitions, and Immediate Roadside Prohibitions. 

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Understanding Hit and Run Offences in Canada

Police roadblock at night with cars stopped, officers in discussion, and bright lights reflecting off wet pavement.

In Canada, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, commonly referred to as a “hit and run,” is a serious criminal offence under section 320.16 of the Criminal Code. A recent sentencing decision from the Provincial Court of British Columbia, R. v. Singh, 2025 BCPC 126, illustrates the gravity of such offences and the types of sentences they attract.

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