In Episode 451 of Driving Law, Paul Doroshenko is joined by articling students Alice and Alison for a special in-car episode discussing photo radar, traffic enforcement, legal education, and the future of law in the age of artificial intelligence.
…Driving Law Episode 451: Photo Radar, AI & Young LawyersRead More »
Driving Law Episode 451: Photo Radar, AI & Young Lawyers Read More »
A Vancouver taxi driver. A police officer on a motorcycle. A cell phone allegedly spotted in heavy traffic on the Dunsmuir Viaduct. And a body-worn camera that the driver thought would save him.
It didn’t.
The recent BC Supreme Court case of R. v. Sandhu is one of those situations that should be required reading for anyone thinking about fighting a traffic ticket on their own. Not because the driver was wrong, but because of how badly the legal process went for him, even when he had what seemed like compelling evidence.
…How Body Cam Video Can Help or Hurt Your Traffic Ticket DisputeRead More »
How Body Cam Video Can Help or Hurt Your Traffic Ticket Dispute Read More »
This week, we discuss Vancouver’s plan to create its own in-house police training academy, examine a traffic court appeal involving distracted driving and cross-examination fairness, and analyze an Alberta motorcycle case where the rider claimed he couldn’t hear police sirens because he modified his exhaust.
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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.
…Timelines for Traffic Court Hearings in British ColumbiaRead More »
Timelines for Traffic Court Hearings in British Columbia Read More »
Many drivers in British Columbia believe that representing themselves in traffic court is a simple way to save money. Some even attempt to use a specific legal “strategy.” That is, waiting until the very last minute to request evidence (disclosure) and then asking for an adjournment. The goal is usually to push the case past the 18-month “unreasonable delay” limit set by the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Jordan, hoping the ticket will be thrown out entirely.
However, a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of British Columbia in R. v. Newby, 2025 BCSC 2483, has made it clear that this tactic is likely to fail. Here is why self-representation and manufactured delays are a risky gamble.
…The “Last-Minute Disclosure” Traffic Court Strategy – And Why it is Bound to FailRead More »
The “Last-Minute Disclosure” Traffic Court Strategy – And Why it is Bound to Fail Read More »
In this episode of Driving Law, Kyla Lee and Paul Doroshenko break down a troubling new BC Supreme Court decision that reshapes how delay and disclosure are treated in traffic court. They explain why the ruling creates serious traps for self represented drivers and why it misunderstands how traffic court actually works in practice.
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Disputing a traffic ticket can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when you’re representing yourself. Self-represented people often do not have the benefit of knowledge of legal procedure or knowledge of the particular quirks of a judge or justice presiding over their case. It is therefore important for the players involved in traffic court, including the officer prosecuting the ticket and the judicial justice, to ensure the trial is fair.
A recent decision from the Supreme Court of British Columbia, R. v. Advincula, 2025 BCSC 1662, has highlighted the importance of procedural fairness in traffic court.
…Your Right to a Fair Hearing: Allegations of Bias in Traffic CourtRead More »
Your Right to a Fair Hearing: Allegations of Bias in Traffic Court Read More »
In British Columbia, once a traffic violation is recorded on your driving record, removing becomes more challenging.
…How Violation Tickets Appear on Your Driving RecordRead More »
How Violation Tickets Appear on Your Driving Record Read More »
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.
What Are the Odds of a Police Officer Showing Up to Traffic Court in BC? Read More »
Receiving a traffic ticket can feel like an inconvenience, but it may have lasting consequences if not properly addressed. In British Columbia, fighting a traffic ticket can be complicated, and in some cases, hiring a lawyer can significantly improve the outcome. Led by Kyla Lee, Acumen Law focuses on helping clients navigate the complexities of traffic tickets and ensure they get the best possible resolution. Here are some reasons why hiring a lawyer for your traffic ticket in BC might be the best decision you can make.
…Why You Should Get a Lawyer for a Traffic Ticket in British ColumbiaRead More »
Why You Should Get a Lawyer for a Traffic Ticket in British Columbia Read More »
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