Media advisory
Richmond enforcement blitz opens March Distracted Driving Prevention Month with more than 160 charges
March 11, 2026
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Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP
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A single-day joint-forces distracted-driving operation in Richmond on March 5th, 2026, launched Distracted Driving Prevention Month, yielding 120 charges for use of an electronic device while driving, along with approximately 40 other secondary or other offences.
The initiative aligned with the provincial March road-safety campaign led by the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP), ICBC, and police agencies across B.C. The annual campaign highlights the risks of distracted driving, which is the second-leading contributing factor in police-reported fatal crashes in the province, after speeding.
More than 6,300 vehicles passed through five deployment locations during the operation. Richmond RCMP Community Policing volunteers and members from partner agencies including BC Highway Patrol, Metro Vancouver Transit Police Mobile Enforcement Team, and Vancouver Police Department supported Richmond RCMP officers through a mix of roadside presence and traffic-monitoring roles, resulting in real-time enforcement. Volunteers also issued 92 warning letters to registered owners after witnessing drivers using their phones, reinforcing the financial and human costs of distracted driving.
According to ICBC, distracted driving contributes to an average of 80 people killed and 4,833 injured each year in B.C., and is a factor in 37 percent of all police-reported injury crashes. About 39 percent of distracted-driving crashes occur at intersections, and men account for 61 percent of distracted drivers in police-reported collisions.
Not only can inattention lead to tragic consequences for drivers and other road users, it can also cost you $368 and four driver-penalty points in B.C., with repeat offenses quickly adding up to thousands in premiums.
During the operation, a total of 120 charges were laid for Use of an Electronic Device While Driving (s.214.2(1) MVA) along with approximately 40 other secondary or other offences. The cost of the fine and the high-risk driver penalty point premium represent $69,840.00 in penalties in under 10 hours.
“Distracted driving has surpassed impaired driving as a causal factor in injury collisions, and that’s deeply concerning,” said Cst. Frank Tarape of the Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit. “But I’m heartened to see so many people giving their time, effort, and energy toward raising awareness and ultimately changing the behaviour of motorists.”
Among notable incidents were VPD motorcycle officers responding to a two-vehicle crash, one driver travelling at excessive speed toward an enforcement site and another who had no insurance, no driver’s licence and a cellphone in hand when stopped by police.
Chief Superintended Dave Chauhan, Officer in Charge of Richmond RCMP said the collaboration made a meaningful difference.
“Operations like this demonstrate what’s possible when municipal, regional, and provincial partners come together with a shared commitment to road safety,” said Chief Superintendent Chauhan. “The support from our partners, volunteers, and city council members shows how committed we all are to reducing distracted-driving harm. This is exactly the kind of coordinated approach that helps make our roads safer. We value these partnerships, and we look forward to continuing this work throughout the month and beyond.”
