Monthly Road Report: Richmond RCMP targets high-risk driving and illegal ride-hailing

Richmond

2025-03-12 10:35 PDT

Richmond RCMP officers issued 768 traffic violation tickets in the month of February as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety. The Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU) continues to focus on high-risk driving enforcement, education, and proactive safety initiatives for all road users.

Key categories of offences:

• Speeding: 164
• Distracted driving: 78
• Impaired drug/alcohol infractions: 24
• Driver licence infractions: 159
• Vehicle-related infractions: 175

Vehicle-related infractions, such as missing front plates and illegal window tinting, area continue to be a frequent issue on Richmond roadways. Drivers are reminded that these infractions can result in charges and orders to correct defects, along with financial penalties. The charge for tinted windows (Sec 7.05(8) MVAR) carries a fine of $109, and Fail to Comply with an Order (Sec 25.30(4) MVAR) carries a fine of $598.

High collision areas & targeted enforcement

In response to an increase in collisions and reports of unsafe driving behaviour, the RSU intensified enforcement efforts on:

• Steveston Highway (No. 5 Road to No. 4 Road)
• No. 3 Road (Cambie Road to Westminster Highway)

Enhanced enforcement will continue in March, focusing on intersection safety, speeding, and distracted driving.

Enforcement highlights

• Steveston Interchange Project enforcement (Feb 7): RSU officers addressed complaints from construction crews about unsafe driving near the worksite which resulted in 11 violation tickets served in a two-hour period.
• Illegal ride-hailing crackdown (Feb 8): In partnership with CVSE, Richmond RCMP stopped six unlicensed ride-hailing operators using unauthorized apps. A total of $ 13,343 in fines was issued, including charges for operating without a license, using the wrong class of driver’s license, and failing to display valid permits. Three repeat offenders had their vehicles towed. (See full ride-hailing enforcement details here)
• Unlicensed vehicle removal (Feb 22): RSU officers located an unregistered gas scooter in a public park with makeshift wiring. None of the parties in the vicinity claimed ownership of the vehicle. Investigation revealed the vehicle had been used previously in criminal activity in downtown Vancouver. The vehicle was removed from the park and owner notified.
  
• Excessive speed impound (Feb 25): An RSU officer stopped a driver travelling 170 km/h in a 80km/h zone on Hwy 91. The vehicle was impounded and the driver was charged with Excessive Speed Level 2.
  

Community outreach & education

• Car seat clinic (Feb 15): RSU officers partnered with Richmond Fire Rescue for a free community car seat check event, ensuring child car seats were properly installed. Richmond RSU officers are certified Car Seat Educators and participate in presentations and outreach to ensure the safety of our youngest road users.
  

Looking ahead: March focus on distracted driving

Richmond RCMP is intensifying distracted driving enforcement during the month of March, in partnership with ICBC and BC’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In 2024, Richmond RCMP officers issued 1378 violation tickets to drivers observed using an electronic device.

Drivers are reminded that if you have a Learner’s (L) or Novice (N) licence, you are not permitted any use of electronic devices (such as phone or GPS) behind the wheel for any purpose, even in hands-free mode.

Knowing and understanding the laws associated with the use of electronic devices while driving is the responsibility of every driver. Richmond RCMP recommends familiarizing yourself with the rules of the road before you go. Together, we can make Richmond roads safer for all users.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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