What are the penalties for distracted driving in British Columbia?

The penalties for distracted driving in British Columbia include fines, points added to the driving record, and the possibility of increased insurance rates. This reflects the serious approach taken by the province to address the dangers associated with distracted driving, as it poses significant risks to road safety.

Distracted driving violations typically result in monetary fines that can vary based on the severity of the offense. In addition to these fines, demerit points are added to the driver's record, which can accumulate over time and lead to further penalties or the risk of license suspension if too many points are accrued. Moreover, insurance companies often review driving records when calculating premiums; thus, a history of distracted driving can lead to higher insurance costs, impacting a driver’s financial responsibilities.

The other options do not accurately capture the comprehensive penalties associated with distracted driving. A verbal warning does not sufficiently address the dangerous nature of such behavior, community service is not typically imposed for this specific offense, and while immediate suspension can happen in certain extreme cases, it is not the standard penalty for all distracted driving incidents.