Stiffer penalties for distracted driving came into effect Wednesday.
From now on the base fine for the offence is $368, more than double the old levy, and it draws four penalty points, up from three.
Insurance Corporation of British Coumbia driver penalty point premiums start at $175 for the first four penalty points and escalate to a minimum $520 for a second offence within the same 12-month period.
In other words, first-time offenders face a minimum $543 in financial penalties.
Repeat offenders, upon a second offence within 12 months will pay the $368 fine plus $520 for a total of $888 in financial penalties, which escalate further for any additional offence.
In 2014, distracted driving, such as talking on a handheld cellphone while driving, and inattention was a contributing factor in killing 66 people and seriously injuring 630 more on B.C. roads, according to the provincial government.
"Distracted driving is now considered a high-risk driving offence, which makes it equivalent to excessive speeding, driving without due care and attention, and driving without reasonable consideration," the provincial government said in a press release.
"Repeat offenders will have their driving record subject to automatic review, which could result in a three-to-12 month driving prohibition."
Graduated Licensing Program drivers face intervention after a first distracted driving offence and a possible prohibition of up to six months.
The superintendent of motor vehicles also has discretion to prohibit drivers based on referrals from either ICBC or police.
