B.C.'s Driver Penalty Points Explained: How Tickets Affect Your Wallet

For drivers in British Columbia, the consequences of a traffic ticket can extend far beyond the initial fine. ICBC's Driver Penalty Point (DPP) premium is a system that makes drivers financially accountable for high-risk driving behaviour. Essentially, the more traffic tickets you get, the more you pay.

Understanding how this system works is crucial for all drivers, especially new ones in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP), as it can have a significant financial impact. This guide will break down the B.C. point system, explain how DPP premiums are calculated, and provide tips on how to keep your driving record—and your wallet—in good shape.

How the Driver Penalty Point (DPP) System Works

The system is based on points assigned to your driving record when you are convicted of specific traffic violations under the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act.

Conviction: You are considered "convicted" when you pay a ticket, are found guilty in court, or fail to dispute a ticket within the time limit.
Point Assessment: Every conviction for a moving violation comes with a set number of points (usually 2 or 3 points for common offenses).
Annual Review: ICBC reviews your driving record for convictions over a 12-month assessment period (not a calendar year).
The Threshold: If you accumulate more than three points during your assessment period, you will be billed a Driver Penalty Point premium.

It's important to understand: This is not a "demerit" system where you lose points. You start at zero and gain points for every ticket. The DPP premium is a separate bill from ICBC, in addition to the fine you paid for the ticket itself.

How Much Do Points Cost? The DPP Premium Table

The DPP premium is calculated on a sharply escalating scale. The bill is generated once a year based on the total points you accumulated in the preceding 12 months.

Here is a simplified breakdown of the 2024 DPP premium amounts:

1-3 Points: $0
4 Points: $252
5 Points: $331
6 Points: $433
7 Points: $555
8 Points: $700
9 Points: $874
10 Points: $1,079
...and so on, increasing for each additional point.
50+ Points: $34,860

As you can see, just two tickets can easily push you into a premium payment of several hundred dollars.

Point Values for Common Traffic Offences

Most common moving violations are assigned points. Here are some examples:

3-Point Violations:

Speeding
Failing to obey a traffic control device (e.g., running a stop sign or red light)
Failing to yield to a pedestrian
Improper passing
Following too closely

2-Point Violations:

Making an improper or prohibited turn
Unsafe lane change
Failing to signal
Driving contrary to restrictions (e.g., an 'N' driver with too many passengers)

More Serious Violations:

Use of an electronic device while driving: 4 points
Driving without due care and attention: 6 points
Excessive speeding (more than 40 km/h over the limit): 3 points (but also comes with a significant fine and potential vehicle impoundment).

DPP vs. Driver Improvement Program (DIP)

It's crucial not to confuse the DPP system with the Driver Improvement Program. They are separate programs that run in parallel.

Driver Penalty Point (DPP) Premium: This is a financial penalty program managed by ICBC. It's about billing you for accumulating points.
Driver Improvement Program (DIP): This is a safety intervention program managed by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (RoadSafetyBC). It can lead to licence suspensions for accumulating too many points, especially for GLP drivers who face intervention at a much lower threshold.

This means you can be billed a DPP premium by ICBC and receive a warning letter or prohibition from RoadSafetyBC for the exact same set of tickets.

How to Keep a Clean Record

Obey All Traffic Laws: The simplest way to avoid points is not to get tickets. Pay close attention to speed limits, signs, and signals.
Drive Defensively: Anticipate the actions of others and focus on being a safe, aware driver.
Dispute Tickets When Appropriate: If you believe a ticket was issued unfairly, you have the right to dispute it in court. If you are not found guilty, no points will be added to your record.
Stay Focused: Avoid all distractions, especially your phone. A distracted driving ticket now comes with 4 points, which automatically triggers a DPP bill.

By understanding the real financial cost of traffic tickets in B.C., you have a powerful incentive to drive safely, protect your record, and avoid unexpected bills from ICBC.