Richmond Police Blitz results in over 160 charges during 10-hour distracted driving operation

March 11, 2026

RED FM News Desk

Law enforcement agencies in Richmond issued over 160 charges in just 10 hours during a specialized enforcement blitz. the operation was launched to mark the beginning of March as Distracted Driving Prevention Month, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with driver inattention.

On March 5, Richmond RCMP initiated this province-wide road safety campaign through a coordinated joint-forces operation. The initiative saw significant support from several partner agencies, including the BC Highway Patrol, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), all working together to monitor high-traffic areas across the city.

The single-day crackdown resulted in 160 total charges, with 120 drivers specifically cited for using electronic devices while behind the wheel. The financial impact of these violations is substantial, with the total amount of fines and penalty point premiums estimated at approximately $70,000. In addition to formal tickets, police volunteers issued 92 warning letters to vehicle owners after witnessing drivers using their phones.

Cst. Frank Tarape of the Richmond RCMP expressed deep concern over current trends, noting that distracted driving has now surpassed impaired driving as a leading cause of injury-related collisions. He emphasized that changing motorist behavior is critical to reducing these preventable tragedies on British Columbia’s roads.