No excuses for novice drivers

The Citizen's safer driver series take a look at the rules and regulations for new drivers in B.C.

Drivers at the novice stage face a severe restrictions that fully-licenced drivers don't have to contend with. They have a zero blood alcohol policy and can only carry one passenger unless they're carrying immediate family members or are accompanied by a someone 25 years or older with a valid driver's licence in classes one to five.

These rules are strictly enforced - no allowances are made, said RCMP Const. Lesley Smith.

"RCMP members get a lot of excuses from new drivers who have more than one passenger in the vehicle," said Smith.

"The main excuse we hear is that they are helping friends out when there's alcohol involved and they have more than one friend in the vehicle who need a ride home."

Although such a situation may be noble in theory, it is nonetheless illegal.

"There are no excuses and no exemptions to this regulation," said Smith. "In a situation when more than one person requires a ride, the novice driver needs to plan ahead, or contact a person with a valid driver's licence to assist them."

The only other time they can have more than one passenger is if the person is a licensed driving instructor.

Novice drivers must display the N sign (for novice) in their rear window or on the rear of their vehicle so it's visible to drivers behind them.

"RCMP recommend the N sign be displayed in the rear window inside the vehicle. There are plastic cases available to secure the sign in the rear window," Smith said.

Signs requiring replacement are available free at any driver licensing office. Drivers can also download a temporary sign from the icbc.com website.

The penalty for failing to display the novice sign is a $109 fine under Section 30.13 in the Motor Vehicle Regulations.

Any novice driver who is operating a vehicle contrary to restrictions can face a fine of $109 and three traffic points under Section 25 (15) of the Motor Vehicle Act.