News release
Richmond RCMP Monthly Road Report: Increased enforcement aims to curb distracted driving and serious collisions
March 17, 2026
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Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP
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Richmond RCMP is stepping up enforcement in several high-collision zones throughout March as officers continue to see concerning trends in excessive speeding, unsafe vehicle modifications, and distracted driving on Richmond roads. February’s enforcement activity combatted behaviours that significantly increase the risk of serious collision, particularly in wet, low-visibility conditions.
February enforcement snapshot
In February, officers issued 952 traffic violation tickets, including:
- Speeding: 205
- Distracted driving: 155
- Impaired drug/alcohol infractions: 25
- Vehicle-related infractions: 176
- Driver Licence infractions: 193
Throughout February, high-risk driving behaviours encountered by officers included:
- Excessive speeding in 50km/h residential and semi-industrial zones
- Illegal vehicle modifications, such as heavily tinted windows and non-compliant lighting
- Uninsured or improperly plated vehicles
- Electronic-device use behind the wheel
In several cases, drivers were travelling at double the posted speed limit, prompting immediate impounds under the Motor Vehicle Act. One driver was recorded at 115 km/h in a 50km/h zone, while another reached 121 km/h on a narrow stretch of River Road, a location identified for targeted enforcement due to its collision history and proximity to the Fraser River.
Officers also noted repeat offenders in areas such as No. 3 Road and Cambie Road, including a driver stopped for using a cellphone who then admitted to knowingly driving with no valid insurance, resulting in towing and multiple provincial charges.
March focus: Distracted driving
March marks the annual Distracted Driving prevention and enforcement campaign, and Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU) will increase visibility at intersections and high-volume commuter corridors. According to ICBC, distracted driving is a factor in 80 deaths and 2,424 injuries every year in B.C. and contributes to 37% of police-reported injury crashes. Drivers using a hand-held device are 3.6 times more likely to crash.
Distraction remains prevalent at intersections, where 40% of distracted driving crashes occur. Common examples include using a cellphone at a red light, interacting with in-car screens, or becoming distracted by passengers, all behaviours that reduce reaction time and increase crash risk.
March enforcement priority zones
Based on data analysis, officers are targeting the following locations for increased enforcement throughout March:
- Westminster Highway between Garden City Road and No. 6 Road
- Highway 91 – East Richmond (including Westminster and Oliver Road)
- Bridgeport Neighbourhood — Bridgeport Road and minor streets between Sweden Way and Garden City Road
These areas were selected due to speeding trends, crash frequency and ongoing community concerns.
Officers will also conduct static enforcement at:
- Bridgeport Road and Shell Road
- Alderbridge Way and Shell Road
Both intersections saw a noticeable spike in collisions in recent months.
HOV lane education: Russ Baker Way
Officers are reminding drivers that the High Occupancy (HOV) Lane on Russ Baker Way requires three or more occupants, regardless of vehicle type. Electric motor vehicles (EVs) do not qualify for HOV use at this location unless they meet the passenger requirement. As per section 42.02(5) of the BC MVAR, officers are reminding drivers that EV drivers may only use HOV lanes if a traffic control device specifies that EVs are permitted at that location. Russ Baker Way, northbound onto the Arthur Laing Bridge has no such signage.
More information on the BC HOV EV Program can be found on the BC HOV EV program site.
As part of March’s education‑first approach, officers will continue issuing warnings at this location when appropriate to help ensure motorists understand the legislation change that took effect on February 1st 2026, ahead of full enforcement planned for April.
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“We continue to see how high‑risk driving — whether it's excessive speed or distraction — can have life‑altering consequences,” said Cpl. Niels Hermes, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit. “As we head into Spring, we’re asking drivers to stay focused, slow down, and do their part to help us make our roads safer for everyone.”
The RSU thanks the Richmond community for their ongoing cooperation and reminds everyone to drive with care. By staying committed to safe driving practices, we can reduce collisions and support safer roads for all users.
