News release
Speed kills, paperwork matters: police highlight two preventable risks
July 20, 2026
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Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP
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While excessive speeding and vehicle ownership transfers may seem unrelated, Kelowna RCMP continues to see both issues creating avoidable problems for motorists in the community.
Excessive speeding carries significant risks
The Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit reminds motorists that speeding remains the leading contributing factor in fatal crashes in British Columbia. The unit has already impounded more than 150 vehicles for excessive speeding this year, with infractions increasing dramatically in recent weeks.
Excessive speeding is defined under the Motor Vehicle Act as travelling 41 km/h or more above the posted speed limit. Beyond the immediate safety risks, a single excessive speeding violation can cost more than $2,500 when fines, towing and impound fees, ICBC driver risk premiums, and increased insurance costs are considered. Repeat offences can result in longer impoundments and licence prohibitions.
Complete the transfer, protect yourself
Kelowna RCMP is also reminding anyone buying or selling a vehicle, trailer, RV, or motorcycle to ensure ownership is transferred immediately.
Police recently dealt with an abandoned trailer where the registered owner had sold the trailer but never confirmed the transfer was completed. As a result, the original owner was left dealing with the issue because they remained the registered owner on file.
Police have also encountered cases where vehicles are sold for cash, ownership is never transferred, and the vehicle is later used with stolen or fictitious licence plates or becomes involved in criminal activity.
"Kelowna RCMP encourages buyers and sellers to complete the transfer of ownership in person with an ICBC Autoplan broker and retain a copy of all sale documentation,” says Constable Tyler Hug of the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit.
For more information about transferring ownership, please visit ICBC’s website.