In BC there are several different types of speeding tickets that you can be issued. The important thing to note is that all speeding tickets in BC carry three points. The difference between the different types of speeding tickets comes down to the difference in the elements of proving the offences and the fine amounts.
The most common type of speeding ticket received in BC is under s. 146 of the Motor Vehicle Act. This section includes speeding against area sign, municipal sign, and highway sign. These tickets are issued to drivers in normal road conditions with applicable signage stating the speed limits. Tickets under this section are issued in two fine amounts: $138 for speeding 1-20km over the limit and $196 for speeding 21-40km over the speed limit.
The next speeding ticket that can be received under normal driving conditions is excessive speeding under s. 148 of the Motor Vehicle Act. These tickets are considered high-risk offences. A ticket issued to you for excessive speeding would result in your car being impounded for 7 days (for a first offence) and trigger the Driver Risk Premium. If you are an N driver or a class 5 driver with a previous high-risk offence, this could result in a driving prohibition issued to you from RoadSafety BC. These tickets are issued in two categories: $368 for speeding 41-60km over the limit and $483 for speeding 61km+ over the limit.
Next, there are several different speeding tickets that can be issued for road conditions or signage outside of normal driving conditions.
Speeding in a construction zone is found within s. 140 of the Motor Vehicle Act. These types of tickets are given when there is signage indicating an active construction zone. When these signs are erected on a highway, there is an active construction zone, and the speed limits must be obeyed. Tickets under this section carry higher fines due the safety of the workers: $196 for 1-21km over the limit and $253 for 21-40km over the limit.
Speeding in a school/playground zone is found in s. 147 of the Motor Vehicle Act. This section applies to signs indicating that there is a school zone or that there is a playground zone. To be ticketed for these offences you need to be speeding in the school zone when it is active, school is in session, or the signs indicate time restrictions for the school zone. For speeding in a playground zone, you need to be speeding in an indicated playground zone between dawn and dusk in a playground zone for children. The two categories of speeding under this section also apply to safety issues: $196 for 1-21km over the limit and $253 for 21-40km over the limit.
Finally, there is a very specific speeding ticket under s. 144(1)(c) of the Motor Vehicle Act for speeding relative to conditions. This one can be very difficult for officers to prove, but is used for speeding relative to the road, traffic, visibility or weather conditions at that particular time. The fine for this type of speeding ticket is $196.
