The B.C. government says people who do not pay their COVID-19 fines may not be able to renew their driver’s licence or their vehicle registration under new legislation introduced today.
It is similar to a measure already in effect in some other provinces.
“That small minority of persons who have been fined for violating the rules in place to protect us all are going to be held accountable for the debt they owe,” said Mike Farnworth, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in a statement.
“We’ve already moved up the deadline for sending unpaid COVID-19 fines to collections. Now, we’re going to refuse to issue offenders a driver’s licence or vehicle licence if they still won’t take their tickets seriously and pay up.”
The government says there have been $1,179,980 in fines issued as of May 8, though only $172,825 or 14 per cent of that total, has been paid.
Farnworth says, if passed, these amendments will come into effect on July 1, noting it will be retroactive.
Back in December, the government told ICBC to begin sending unpaid COVID-19 fines to a collection agency 30 days after the dispute period has ended or the courts have upheld the ruling. Other unpaid ticket files typically go to collections after 12 months.
If you have an outstanding COVID-19 related fine, you can ask a court to reduce the amount if you’re unable to pay. The government also says people can ask for repayment options allowing them to pay the fine in instalments.
In March, the government more than doubled the fine you can get for attending a party or other non-compliant gathering to $575.
“Over the last several months, it’s become clear that for some, the risk of a $230 violation ticket isn’t enough to deter attendance at events that violate the PHO order,” Farnworth said at the time.
The fine for hosting a large event remains at $2,300, while the fines for people who ignore mask rules and other measures as part of the provincial health order are $230 each.
More information on types of provincial tickets and fine amounts is available here.
