Using a mobile phone while driving in British Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: British Columbia bans hand-held phones and texting or emailing on any device while driving; hands-free use is allowed only under strict conditions. Drivers in the graduated licensing programme may not use any electronic device, not even hands-free. A ticket costs CAD 368 and 4 penalty points.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed with limits [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | 368.00 CAD per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 4 points [2] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No driver may send or receive text messages or email on any type of electronic device, including hands-free devices. Manual dialling is treated as texting; texting by dictation through a permitted hands-free device is allowed for fully licensed drivers. [2] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers in the graduated licensing programme (learner and novice) may not use any electronic device while driving, including hands-free units and navigation devices. Exceptions: safely parked off the roadway, or a 911 emergency call. [2] |
Notes
- The device must be configured for hands-free telephone use and used hands-free. The government page adds that it may not be held or operated by hand except for one touch to start, accept or end a call, and earpieces must be worn in one ear only. Drivers in the graduated licensing programme (Class 7) may not use hands-free devices.
Sources
- BC Laws (Queen's/King's Printer, British Columbia): Motor Vehicle Act, RSBC 1996, c 318 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Province of British Columbia: Use of electronic devices while driving (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
British Columbia and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Banned | Hands-free, conditions apply | CAD 368 | 4 points |
| Alberta | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 390 | 3 points |
| Yukon | Banned | Full licence holders only | ⚠ Not yet verified | 3 demerit points |
| Northwest Territories | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 322 (CAD 644 school/work zones) | 3 points |
More rules in British Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor aged 22+ (from 19 Oct 2026)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Cycle (motor assisted cycle) · Minimum age: 14 (light) or 16 (standard)
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.