Disputing a traffic violation ticket

Find out how you can dispute a traffic violation or a red light camera ticket.

When can I dispute a traffic violation ticket or fine?

You can dispute any traffic violation ticket within 30 days of receiving it if you feel it was unfairly issued or you have been charged the wrong amount.

If you feel the ticket was unfairly issued, then you are disputing the allegation that you committed an offence.

If you agree that you committed the offence but wish to reduce the amount of the fine, or if you wish to request time to pay the fine, then you may dispute the fine.

How to dispute

First you must register the dispute.

Registering the dispute in person

You or someone on your behalf can register a dispute in person. Please bring your ticket to

• a driver licensing office
• provincial court registry ,or
• Service BC centre

Once you have registered the dispute, wait for your traffic court date to dispute the ticket.

Registering the dispute by mail

If you register your dispute by mail, be sure to include the following in a cover letter:

• whether you're disputing the allegation of an offence or the amount of the fine
• the traffic violation ticket number and date of the offence
• your full name, address, driver's licence number and date of birth, and
• the Act and Section number of the offence. (This information is written on the ticket.)

Mail your cover letter, along with a photocopy of the front of your ticket, to:

Ticket Dispute Processing
Bag #3510
Victoria, BC  V8W 3P7

Note: You have 30 days from the date of issue to dispute your ticket by mail. Your dispute must be post-marked within 30 calendar days from the date it was served to you. There is no need to include court evidence such as videos or pictures.

After you have registered your dispute, wait for your traffic court date to dispute a ticket.

Disputing a red light camera ticket

If you received a red light camera ticket in the mail, you have 45 days from the date on the ticket to dispute the allegation or fine. If you received your ticket in person, you have 30 days to dispute it.

To dispute the red light camera ticket, follow the steps above for disputing a traffic ticket.

Note: If you weren't driving at the time, you can nominate another driver.