In British Columbia, understanding who is responsible for paying a traffic ticket can be confusing, especially with the rise of automated enforcement like speed and red light cameras. The answer depends largely on how the ticket was issued and the nature of the offence.
For traditional traffic tickets issued in person by a police officer, the driver who committed the offence is responsible for paying the ticket. The officer will usually ask for your driver’s licence and write the ticket in your name, regardless of whether you own the vehicle. This means that the penalties, including any driver penalty points, will be applied to your driving record.
However, the situation is different when it comes to tickets issued by automated enforcement systems, such as speed cameras or red light cameras. In these cases, the ticket is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, not necessarily the person who was driving at the time of the offence. The law in BC makes the registered owner liable for the fine, even if someone else was behind the wheel. These tickets are known as “owner liability” offences. While the owner must pay the fine, no driver penalty points are added to anyone’s driving record for these types of tickets.
If you are a vehicle owner and receive a ticket in the mail from a camera, you are responsible for paying it unless you can prove your vehicle was stolen or you were not the registered owner at the time. On the other hand, if you are stopped by police and handed a ticket, you as the driver are responsible for the payment and any associated penalties.
It’s important to read your ticket carefully to see who is named as the recipient and to understand your obligations. Ignoring a ticket can lead to further penalties, including difficulties renewing your insurance or vehicle registration.
If you have received a traffic ticket and are unsure about who is responsible for paying it, or if you want to dispute a ticket, contact Acumen Law Corporation or lawyer Kyla Lee. Their experience with BC driving law can help clarify your responsibilities and guide you through the process.
