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B.C. RCMP

Remarque

  • Cette page est unilingue

    Selon la partie IV de la Loi sur les langues officielles, ce détachement a été désigné comme unilingue anglais. Par conséquent, bien que certains éléments du contenu soient disponibles en anglais et en français, la majorité de l'information est offerte en anglais seulement.

    Les communications et les services du gouvernement fédéral doivent généralement être assurés en anglais et en français. Toutefois, les bureaux situés dans des régions où une seule langue officielle est couramment utilisée et qui ont été désignés comme unilingues ont le droit de communiquer avec le public et de lui offrir des services dans cette langue.

Mission RCMP Traffic Services - Frequently asked questions

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What are the rules for window tinting in British Columbia?

For the safety of all road users, there are strict limits on where tinting film can be applied to a vehicle’s windows under the Motor Vehicle Act:

  • Windshield: Tinting (film) is only allowed within the top 75 mm (3 inches) of the windshield.
  • Front side windows (driver and passenger): No tint of any kind is permitted, including light tint.
  • Rear side windows (behind the driver): Tinting is allowed.
  • Rear window: Tinting is allowed only if the vehicle has both left and right exterior rear-view mirrors.

If your vehicle does not meet the legal requirements for window tint, police may take enforcement action.

This can include:

  • A violation ticket, which typically carries a fine of $109 for having an improperly equipped vehicle (such as illegal window tint).
  • A “Box 2” Notice and Order, which requires you to: 
    • Remove the illegal tint; and
    • Have the vehicle inspected at a designated inspection facility to confirm it complies with provincial standards.

Standard inspection fees vary by facility but generally range from $150 to $250. Failure to have your vehicle inspected within 30 days will result in a fine of $598.

A Box 2 Notice and Order means your vehicle must be brought back into compliance and pass inspection before it can continue to be lawfully operated.

Can I respond to a text message or take a phone call if I’m stopped at a red light?

No. In British Columbia, it is illegal to use an electronic device (such as a phone) while driving, even when stopped at a red light or in traffic.

Under the Motor Vehicle Act, a driver is considered to be driving whenever they are in control of a vehicle, including when stopped temporarily (for example, at a red light, stop sign, or in congestion).

This means you cannot:

  • Read or send text messages
  • Hold or operate a handheld phone
  • Check emails or social media

If you are caught using an electronic device while stopped at a light, you may be issued a distracted driving ticket, which includes:

  • A fine of $368
  • 4 driver penalty points
  • Additional insurance premium increases through ICBC

In short: being stopped at a red light does not make it legal to use your phone. If you need to respond to a message, you must safely pull over and park your vehicle.

Do I need to display a front licence plate in British Columbia?

Yes. Most vehicles in British Columbia are required to display two licence plates: one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle.

  • Both plates must be: 
    • Clearly visible
    • Securely attached
    • Mounted in the proper position on the vehicle

You cannot:

  • Place the front plate on the dashboard
  • Leave it in the windshield
  • Omit it entirely if your vehicle is designed to have one

Exceptions: Some vehicles (such as certain motorcycles or specialty vehicles) may only be issued one plate. Standard passenger vehicles must display both.

If you do not have a front licence plate properly displayed, police may issue a violation ticket for improper display.

  • The typical fine is $109.
  • You may also be required to correct the issue before continuing to operate the vehicle (e.g., Notice and Order).

What are the rules around speeding in British Columbia?

Drivers must follow posted speed limits and adjust their speed based on road and weather conditions.

  • Speed limits are determined by signage, but if no sign is posted:
    • 50 km/h is the default limit in most municipalities
  • Drivers must also reduce speed when necessary for:
    • Traffic conditions
    • Weather (rain, snow, fog)
    • Visibility or road hazards

Driving too fast for conditions, even if you are under the posted limit, can still result in a ticket.

If you are caught speeding, fines in BC vary depending on how far over the speed limit you are:

  • 1–20 km/h over: starting around $138
  • 21–40 km/h over: higher fines and penalty points
  • More than 40 km/h over: considered excessive speeding, which includes: 
    • Fines starting at $368
    • Vehicle impoundment (7 days)
    • Increased insurance penalties

Police may also issue additional penalties if speeding is combined with dangerous or high-risk driving behaviour.

What lighting equipment is allowed on my vehicle?

BC law regulates how auxiliary lights must be installed and used:

Fog lights:

  • A maximum of two (2) fog lights is allowed
  • They must be wired to operate with the parking lights
  • They are intended for use in place of headlights only during foggy conditions

Driving lights:

  • Must be wired to operate only with the high beam headlights
  • Must be mounted between 40 cm and 106 cm above the ground

Total number of lights:

  • You cannot operate a vehicle with more than three (3) auxiliary lights (over 15 candlepower) in addition to your regular headlights when they are illuminated. 

These rules are intended to prevent glare and ensure visibility for all road users.

How low can my vehicle be?

Vehicles must maintain sufficient ground clearance to be safely operated.

You may not drive a vehicle if:

  • Any part of the vehicle (other than the tires) touches the road surface, or
  • The vehicle has less ground clearance than the lowest point of the wheel rim

This means excessively lowered vehicles that scrape or sit too close to the ground are not permitted.

Are there rules about raising or lowering a vehicle?

Yes. If you significantly alter your vehicle’s suspension height, additional requirements apply.

If a vehicle is raised or lowered more than 10 cm (approximately 4 inches) from its original manufacturer specifications: 

  • The vehicle must be inspected at a designated inspection facility
  • It must pass inspection before it can be legally driven or operated

This ensures modifications meet safety standards and do not compromise vehicle handling or public safety.

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