Driving Law

Filkow Law is a leading driving law firm well-known for its exceptional results on all aspects of driving law and frequently consulted by legal professionals for advice. A driving prohibition can have devastating effects on one’s employment and family and can also have serious criminal, financial and insurance consequences.

The lawyers at Filkow Law have over 50 years of driving law experience and are highly regarded for their knowledge, expertise and excellent representation.

Driving is one of the most highly regulated areas of the law. Driving offences range from having a traffic ticket to an immediate roadside prohibition to dangerous and impaired driving to serious car accidents and pedestrian fatality cases. Driving prohibition can have devastating effects on one’s employment and family and can also have criminal and insurance consequences.

The lawyers at Filkow Law have successfully dealt with thousands of driving prohibition cases. If you are facing a driving prohibition, immediate roadside prohibition or a charge of driving while prohibited, call Filkow Law today.

For more information on our highlighted practice areas, click on any of the links below.

Driving While Prohibited

Criminal Code
Motor Vehicle Act

Licence Prohibitions

Notice of Prohibition
Notice of Intent to Prohibit
Driver Improvement Program

ICBC Breaches & Accidents

Drugs and alcohol
False statements
Fail to cooperate
ICBC Debt

Immediate Roadside Prohibitions

Fail
Refusal
Warning

Why did I get a driving prohibition from RoadSafetyBC?

RoadSafetyBC may prohibit you for a number of reasons, including the following:

you have an “unsatisfactory” driving record;
a police officer forwarded a “high-risk driving incident report” to RoadSafetyBC;
RoadSafetyBC determines you are medically “unable” or “unfit” to drive; and
for any other reason RoadSafetyBC considers to be in the public interest.

The most common reason for a prohibition is having an “unsatisfactory” driving record, which usually results from having too many points or high-risk offences.

What is the difference between a fully-licensed driver (Class 5) and a new driver (Class 7)?

Class 7 drivers are subject to certain restrictions. For example, new drivers cannot use electronic devices, have any alcohol or drugs in their body while driving, or have too many passengers. Learners cannot drive at all unless they have a properly qualified supervisor.

RoadSafetyBC treats Class 7 drivers who incur driving violations much more severely than experienced drivers.

What if I have an international driver’s licence?

RoadSafetyBC treats international drivers as new drivers. Because of this fact, a driver with an international licence will scrutinized more closely than a driver with a full BC driver’s licence. Even one ticket may result in a driving prohibition.

I have my full licence (Class 5). How many points am I allowed before I will be prohibited?

Fully-licensed (class 5) drivers who incur 15 or more points in a two-year period will likely be prohibited.

Fully-licensed drivers who are found guilty of two or more high-risk driving offences in a 12-month period, will likely be prohibited from driving – even if they have fewer than 15 points.

I am a new driver (Class 7). How many points am I allowed before I will be prohibited?

New drivers (class 7) who incur more than three points or even one high risk driving offence will likely be prohibited from driving.

What is considered a high-risk driving offence?

RoadSafetyBC designates the following offences as “high-risk”:

using an electronic device while driving;
excessive speeding;
driving without due care and attention; and
driving without consideration.

Because these offences are designated high-risk, it is particularly important to get advice from an experienced lawyer about the consequences.

I have a letter referring me to the Driver Improvement Program. What does that mean?

The Driver Improvement Program is RoadSafetyBC’s process of reviewing driving records and issuing, warning notices, probation notices and driving prohibitions. You can find more information on the program here. Learn more about driving prohibitions here.

I received a Notice of Intent to Prohibit. What does this mean?

A Notice of Intent to Prohibit advises you of RoadSafetyBC’s intention to prohibit you from driving for a period of time. The amount of time is specified in the letter. Learn more about how you could receive a driving prohibition here.

I have received a Notice of Intent to Prohibit Letter. What can I do?

The Notice of Intent letter gives you 21 days to submit a review of the intended prohibition. If a letter is submitted during this period, the decision to prohibit will be suspended until a final decision is made. We strongly recommend speaking to a lawyer to discuss your options.

If RoadSafetyBC already intends to prohibit me from driving. Why should I submit a request to review my prohibition within 21 days?

RoadSafetyBC may consider your hardship and may shorten or reduce your prohibition. Without a letter, all RoadSafetyBC sees is your driving record. Further, if you provide your submissions within the 21-day timeline, your prohibition will be put on hold until a decision is made. This may give you some more time to prepare for the prohibition.

I received a Notice of Prohibition. What does this mean?

A Notice of Prohibition advises you of RoadSafetyBC’s decision to prohibit you from driving for a period of time. The amount of time is specified in the letter.

How is a Notice of Prohibition different from a Notice of Intent to Prohibit?

A Notice of Intent to Prohibit advises you of RoadSafetyBC’s intention to prohibit you and provides you with 21 days to respond. On the other hand, a Notice of Prohibition advises you that RoadSafetyBC has prohibited you from driving, however the prohibition does not commence until you acknowledge the prohibition by signing it and returning it to RoadSafetyBC, or until a police officer serves you with it. In other words, the prohibition begins on the day you sign it and send it in or the day a police officer serves you.

I received a Notice of Prohibition but I am still driving. What will happen?

If you do not acknowledge your Notice of Prohibition, a police officer may serve you with the prohibition. If you are driving at the time the officer serves you, the officer may use their discretion to give you time to drive home before your prohibition commences.

What are the possible outcomes after I send my letter?

RoadSafetyBC will make one of three decisions: they will uphold the prohibition, reduce it in duration, or cancel the prohibition altogether. If you are prohibited by RoadSafetyBC, you are prohibited from driving for all purposes. RoadSafetyBC does not make exceptions that allow you to drive for work or medical reasons. Learn more about driving prohibitions here.

What considerations does RoadSafetyBC make when reviewing my submission?

RoadSafetyBC will look at a number of factors, including the following:

your driving experience;
the type and class of licence(s);
the seriousness of the infraction(s) as they relate to public safety or property damage;
the period of time since the infraction or between infractions;
any previous warnings, probation periods or driving prohibitions;
any previous lenience shown by adjudicators;
penalty points; and
driving improvement shown.

Hardship alone will usually not result in a driving prohibition being cancelled.

This is the first driving ticket I have ever received, and I am a good driver. Should I bother disputing it?

There are a number of reasons to dispute your first ticket. If you are a new driver, you can be prohibited from driving after a single ticket. If you are an experienced driver, you can be prohibited for as few as two tickets. If you pay your ticket, fail to dispute your ticket, miss your hearing, plead guilty, or are convicted of the offence, the violation will go on your record. All entries on a driving record are permanent.

Driving Law

Sep 17, 2021

Filkow Law Welcomes New Lawyer West Pryde

Filkow Law welcomes lawyer West Pryde to our legal team. West was called to the bar in 2021 after completing his articles with Filkow Law. He practices in various areas including criminal law, driving law administrative law, as well as civil forfeiture and ICBC insurance matters.

West received his J.D. from the Peter A. Allard School of Law in 2020. He was a clinic head at the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program, where he gave free legal advice at the Carnegie Community Centre in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. West was also a caseworker with UBC Innocence Project, where he worked to overturn wrongful convictions.

Prior to law school, West earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy at the University of British Columbia in 2017.

In his spare time, West enjoys producing electronic music and practicing martial arts.

If you are charged with or being investigated for a criminal or driving offence, call West Pryde at Filkow Law to assist you.

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Jul 29, 2021

Decriminalization of Controlled Substances in Vancouver

Vancouver drug decriminalization is a heavily contested topic amongst city officials. In response to the alarming rise of overdoses in British Columbia, the municipal government of Vancouver recently submitted a request to the federal government to decriminalize the simple possession of illicit drugs within the city of Vancouver.

The Minister of Health’s Power to Exempt Certain Controlled Substances

The Minister of Health has the authority, pursuant to section 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, to exempt any substance if the Minister determines it is necessary for medical or scientific purposes or determines it is in the public interest. Section 56(1) was originally legislated to support the advancement of medical and scientific research. Now, the focus of the request is the public interest. If the Minister determines it is in the public interest and makes an exemption, then it would not be an offence under the CDSA to possess those exempt substances.

Vancouver Drug Decriminalization: What Kinds of Drugs And How Much?

The proposal seeks an exemption for opioids, including heroin, fentanyl and other powder street opioids, as well as cocaine, crack cocaine and amphetamine. These are the drugs most commonly involved in the current opioid overdose crisis.

The following list outlines the substances proposed and the maximum amount allowed under the exemption:

Opioids (i.e. heroin, fentanyl, and other powder street opioids): 2 grams
Cocaine: 3 grams
Crack Cocaine: 10 rocks or 1 gram (1 rock = 0.1 grams)
Amphetamine: 1.5 grams

Vancouver Drug Decriminalization: How Drastic is the Change?

While Vancouver is taking an initiative to prevent and mitigate the negative impacts associated with the overdose crisis, it is important to remember that decriminalization is not legalization. The proposal is limited to simple possession. The exemption does not apply to commercial purposes such as possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Even before Vancouver’s proposal, the number of charges recommended for simple possession has diminished over the years. Possession charges are certainly less common than for more serious offences. The list below outlines the number of charges the Vancouver Police Department recommended for simple possession over the past 12.5 years:

2008: 476 charges for simple possession
2009: 224
2010: 141
2011: 90
2012: 65
2013: 70
2014: 48
2015: 65
2016: 43
2017: 30
2018: 21
2019: 16
2020: 10 (January to June 2020)

Given the significant decrease in the number of charges recommended for simple possession, the proposal does not bring about a drastic change for drug offences in the city of Vancouver. Nevertheless, the proposal is a step towards the more general decriminalization of controlled substances. It may also reduce the stigma associated with drug use.

Vancouver Drug Offences: Call Filkow Law

Filkow Law is a highly respected criminal and driving law firm with 50 years of collective expertise delivering outstanding results. If you are in need of legal assistance, contact us today.

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Jun 19, 2021

Do You Have the Capacity to Consent After Consuming Alcohol? – R v. GF

Sexual Assault Law in the Supreme Court – R v. GF

What role does alcohol play in assessing consent? The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) recently explored this issue in R v GF.

In R v GF, 2021 SCC 20, the SCC considered the relationship between consent and the capacity to consent to sexual activity. Ultimately, the SCC ruled that the capacity to consent to sexual activity and actual consent do not need to be compartmentalized. Capacity is simply a precondition of consent.

The Facts in R v GF

The accused couple (G.F. and R.B.) was found guilty of sexually assaulting C.R. while on a camping trip. On the final night, C.R.’s mother arranged to have C.R. sleep in the accused couple’s trailer. That night that the two accused and C.R. engaged in sexual activity.

All parties agreed that the sexual activity happened. However, they disagreed on whether C.R. consented to it. C.R. said she drank around 8 to 10 shots and did not consent. G.F. said C.R. had a beer and two half-ounce shots and did consent.

The trial judge believed C.R. and disbelieved G.F. He found that the sexual activity occurred while she was too drunk to consent and that she did not consent.

The Court of Appeal’s Response

The Court of Appeal ordered a new trial because the trial judge erred on two grounds:

He did not explain why he found C.R. was too drunk to give consent; and
He should have considered the issue of consent separately from the issue of capacity.

In his decision, the trial judge concluded:

[72] Section 273.1(2)(b) of the Criminal Code indicates that no consent is obtained where the complainant is incapable of consenting to the activity. This applies in instances where a complainant is intoxicated.

[73] Accordingly, I find the two accused guilty of sexual assault as charged.

Because the trial judge did not assess at what point C.R. would have been too drunk to give consent, the Court of Appeal found he misleadingly suggested that any level of intoxication is enough to negate consent.

The Court of Appeal also held that the consent and capacity analysis should be separate. Thus, the trial judge should have first asked whether C.R. consented to the sexual activity, then asked whether her level of intoxication invalidated the consent.

The Supreme Court of Canada Finds Capacity is a Precondition to Consent

Karakatsanis J., for the majority of the SCC, overturned the Court of Appeal and reinstated the convictions. While the Court of Appeal looked at alcohol and incapacity as factors that render consent ineffective, the SCC rejected the idea that a person can consent but have his or her consent be ineffective due to alcohol or incapacity. As a matter of logic, a person must be capable of consenting to provide consent.

The SCC outlined a four-part test for when a person is capable of consent. The person must be capable of understanding all of the following:

the physical act;
the sexual nature of the act;
the identity of the sexual partner(s); and
that he or she may refuse to participate.

If the Crown proves the person was incapable of understanding any one of the above beyond a reasonable doubt, the complainant is incapable of consent, and therefore did not consent.

On the issue of the trial judge’s reasons, the SCC reiterated that an appellate court only needs to understand the factual basis for the decision. Poorly expressed reasons did not give rise to an appeal. In this case, while it would have been preferable for the trial judge to clearly identify what aspect of consent he was referring to, his failure to do so was not an error.

What Does This Mean For Sexual Assault Law in Canada?

The R v GF ruling has two implications for sexual assault law in Canada. First, consent and capacity are essentially one concept, where capacity is a precondition to consent. Second, a trial judge does not need to give descriptive reasons about consent and capacity as long as the factual basis for the decision is clear from the record.

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Driving Law

Driving While Prohibited

Licence Prohibitions

ICBC Breaches & Accidents

Immediate Roadside Prohibitions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did I get a driving prohibition from RoadSafetyBC?

What is the difference between a fully-licensed driver (Class 5) and a new driver (Class 7)?

What if I have an international driver’s licence?

I have my full licence (Class 5). How many points am I allowed before I will be prohibited?

I am a new driver (Class 7). How many points am I allowed before I will be prohibited?

What is considered a high-risk driving offence?

I have a letter referring me to the Driver Improvement Program. What does that mean?

I received a Notice of Intent to Prohibit. What does this mean?

I have received a Notice of Intent to Prohibit Letter. What can I do?

If RoadSafetyBC already intends to prohibit me from driving. Why should I submit a request to review my prohibition within 21 days?

I received a Notice of Prohibition. What does this mean?

How is a Notice of Prohibition different from a Notice of Intent to Prohibit?

I received a Notice of Prohibition but I am still driving. What will happen?

What are the possible outcomes after I send my letter?

What considerations does RoadSafetyBC make when reviewing my submission?

This is the first driving ticket I have ever received, and I am a good driver. Should I bother disputing it?

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