Majority of B.C.’s COVID-19 fines unpaid: ICBC data

Less than a third of fines issued to those violating COVID-19 public health orders in the province have been paid, according to ICBC.

Fines for individuals start at $230 for things like defying the mask mandate, refusing to comply with enforcement, or attending a gathering that defies orders. Organizers of events can be fined $2,300, as can businesses that remain open in defiance of provincial health orders.

There have been 2724 violation tickets issued as of Feb. 12, and 736 have been paid.

“An alleged offender has 30 days to dispute a ticket or pay the fine before being deemed guilty, so there is always a gap between the number of tickets issued and the number paid,” a spokesperson for the Crown corporation said in an email.

As of Feb. 12th, 2022, 2724 #COVID19 fines have been handed out. @icbc handles them. Here’s a breakdown:

*Total value of fines: $1,924,530

*Total value of fines paid as of Feb 12, ’22: $387,761.08

*Total value of fines outstanding (ppl considered guilty): $623,300

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) February 25, 2022

Of the unpaid tickets, 417 are being disputed in court, while 120 have been withdrawn. In another 270 cases, the tickets have either been cancelled, or the person fined has been found not guilty, or the ticket is “in progress,” meaning it has neither been paid nor disputed.

RELATED: B.C. drops more than two dozen COVID-19 tickets against religious groups since December

Unpaid tickets are sent to collections as soon as the 30-day dispute period ends, or when the person fined is found guilty. There are a number of additional consequences for those who don’t pay — including having wages or assets garnished, and liens placed on property. Those trying to renew their drivers’ licenses, vehicle permits or plates won’t be able to as long as the fine is outstanding.

ICBC has provided a breakdown of fines issued to individuals by age. The group which got the most fines were those between 20-29, with 842. Those between 30 and 39 accounted for 655. Sixty-five were given to businesses or organizations.

Age range of the alleged people who’ve been handed #COVID19 tickets, according to @icbc

*< 18 = 51
*18-19 = 121
*20-29 = 842
*30-39 = 655
*40-49 = 367
*50-59 = 396
*60-69 = 174
*70-79 = 45
*80+ = 8
*N/A = 65

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) February 25, 2022

The province, in an earlier announcement about enforcement of public health measures, said there can be repercussions beyond a fine.

“If violation tickets do not act as a deterrent, or in cases of particularly egregious contraventions or for repeat offenders, police can recommend charges in relation to the offence. Under this process, courts can impose additional penalties including fines and jail time.”