Here’s how much a distracted driving ticket could cost you in BC

That quick check of your phone while sitting at a red light could leave you with a costly ticket.

BC Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to put down their phones and buckle up as September marks the province’s Distracted Drivers and Occupant Restraint Campaign.

“Everybody should know by now that it’s illegal to handle your cell phone behind the wheel, and that you need to wear a seatbelt while a vehicle is driving,” said Lori Orstad, the superintendent of BC Highway Patrol.

“But people are creating exceptions for themselves, and that’s why we have to educate through enforcement.”

Using an electronic device while driving carries a $368 fine in BC. Police say the law also applies when a vehicle is stopped at a red light.

According to Orstad, drivers are permitted only one touch of a screen to activate or end a call. Holding a phone, checking a message or scrolling while behind the wheel can result in a distracted-driving ticket.

Drivers can avoid the temptation by activating their phone’s driving mode, programming navigation before leaving or placing the device somewhere out of reach. Anyone who needs to read a message, change directions or make a call should pull over somewhere safe first.

Distracted driving remains one of the three leading causes of death on BC roads, alongside speeding and impaired driving.

Police will also be focusing on seatbelt and child-restraint violations during the September campaign.

Failing to wear a seatbelt or driving with an inoperative seatbelt carries a $167 fine. Drivers can also be fined $109 if a child is not properly restrained or if the restraint system is inappropriate for the child’s height or weight.

“Seatbelts are completely free, cost only a couple of seconds to use and could save your life and the lives of your loved ones,” said Orstad.

Drivers are being encouraged to make sure everyone is properly buckled up before the vehicle starts moving and to check that child car seats are installed correctly and appropriate for the child using them.