The Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) officers, issued over $66,000,000 in fines during a three-month targeted crackdown. The operation sought to identify and penalize unlicensed ride-hailing operators operating within the City of Richmond.
The joint operation, conducted over six days between May and August 2024, was meticulously planned and executed by the RSU and CVSE officers. Utilizing unauthorized ride-hailing apps, officers were able to book rides with unlicensed operators, leading to the apprehension of 29 drivers.
The operators caught during the crackdown were found to have bypassed vehicle safety inspections, a critical measure in ensuring that vehicles on the road meet the necessary safety standards. Additionally, many of them had troubling driving records, with some holding prior convictions for impaired driving. Disturbingly, one individual apprehended was a registered sex offender, a factor that would have immediately disqualified them from operating legally within the province.
The most common charge was operating without a license under Section 57(1) of the Passenger Transportation Act, carrying a fine of $1,150. Other charges included driving with the wrong class of driver’s license, resulting in a $276 fine under Section 24(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, and failing to display a valid certificate, which incurred a $357 fine under Section 25.07(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.
Inspector Mark Baxter, Proactive Enforcement and Administrative Services Officer for the Richmond RCMP, emphasized the critical importance of compliance with provincial regulations in the ride-hailing industry. “There are a number of steps legal ride-hailing operators must take to be certified to operate in BC,” Baxter stated. “These protections have been put in place to ensure the overall safety of paying passengers and other road users. Some of the drivers that were stopped during these operations have poor driving records, prior convictions for impaired driving, and in one case, the driver was a registered sex offender. All of these are things which would preclude the person from working for a properly licensed operator.”
The success of the operation can be attributed to the strong partnership between the Richmond RCMP and CVSE officers. Richmond RCMP’s proactive enforcement strategy, combined with the specialized knowledge and expertise of the CVSE, was instrumental in the crackdown’s success. “Richmond RCMP appreciates working collaboratively with the officers from CVSE as their knowledge, skillset, and foundational work are a critical element to ensuring the overall success of these operations and directly contribute to enhancing public safety in Richmond,” Baxter added.
As the Richmond RCMP continues its proactive enforcement efforts, the message is clear: the safety of the public is paramount, and those who seek to undermine the law will face serious consequences. The success of this crackdown serves as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the officers involved, and a reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility.