Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Photo 112173243 © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com
By Pete McIntyre
fines can be issued

Drivers now required to keep minimum distances from ‘vulnerable road users’

Jun 3, 2024 | 12:00 PM

Starting today (June 3), drivers in B.C., can face fines for not keeping minimum distances from people walking or riding on roads.

The rules are designed to protect vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, individuals on animals or being pulled by animals, and people who use electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and electric kick scooters.

The minimum passing distances are:

  • Highways 50 km/h or less: 1 m
  • Highways more than 50 km/h: 1.5 m
  • Drivers interacting with vulnerable road users who are in separated and protected cycling lanes and on sidewalks: 0.5 m

Drivers passing vulnerable road users who are in separated and protected cycling lanes and on sidewalks must allow a minimum of half a metre.

Concept Plan
Passive park design being proposed for Kin Race Track lands
35m ago
Creek Naturalization
Vernon Creek Naturalization project completed
6h ago
12 hectare blaze
Wildfire near Chase controlled
Apr 26, 2026

“The distances are measured from the furthest protruding part of a passing motor vehicle, such as a mirror, to the furthest protruding part of a vulnerable road user or their equipment, such as a handlebar,” a news release from the Ministry of Transportation stated.

Police can issue tickets for violations under the Motor Vehicle Act.

The penalties include:

  • $109 and three driver penalty points for failing to take proper precautions with vulnerable road users.
  • $368 and three driver penalty points for failing to maintain prescribed minimum passing distances.
  • The maximum fine is $2,000 and six months of imprisonment.

For additional information on the new regulations, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/sharetheroa

by Pete McIntyre
View Comments

Other Matters

Healthcare Fundraiser
Smile Cookie campaign supporting neonatal care at Vernon's hospital
Tim Hortons' annual fundraiser is going to support infant care at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.From April 27 to May 3, proceeds from the sale of Smile Cookies at the five Tim Hortons locations in Vernon and Lumby will go towards the purchase of a Giraffe for the local hospital.The Giraffe is a specialized piece of neonatal ...
A few minutes ago
Read More
Concept Plan
Passive park design being proposed for Kin Race Track lands
The green space adjacent to Vernon's new recreation centre could become a passive park.That's according to City of Vernon staff, who are proposing this park style that would include children's play opportunities, walking trails and pathways, a fences dog park, a main entrance plaza, a toboggan berm, washroom facilities...
38m ago
Read More
Evaluation of Public Reviews
Vernon's casino considered one of the luckier betting spots in B.C.
A study of public reviews has found Lake City Casino is one of the more lucky betting spots in B.C.Casinos.com searched through TripAdvisor reviews of casinos in B.C., searching for keywords such as "lucky," "loss," "won," and "jackpot".Of the 17 casinos evaluated this way, the s...
1h ago
Read More
Regional Meeting
Kelowna council to join regional leaders in Revelstoke
Kelowna's elected officials, along with those from across the Southern Interior, are gathering in Revelstoke this week for a major regional convention focused on local government priorities.The Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) convention runs from April 29 to May 2, bringing together delegates fro...
1h ago
Read More
Significant Bust
Two arrested after major cash, drug, firearm seizure in Kelowna
Two men are facing potential charges after Kelowna RCMP say a coordinated operation uncovered a significant cache of illicit drugs, firearms and cash earlier this month.The RCMP Crime Reduction Unit executed search warrants at multiple residences on April 15, with assistance from the Southeast District Emergency Respon...
2h ago
Read More
Early Morning Blaze
Truck fire in Kelowna parkade deemed suspicious
A fire inside an underground parkade at a Kelowna apartment building is being treated as suspicious after firefighters discovered a burning vehicle early Thursday.Kelowna Fire Department crews were called to The Rise at 540 Dougall Road following an alarm. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke pushing through the...
2h ago
Read More
Creek Naturalization
Vernon Creek Naturalization project completed
The major project through Vernon's downtown greenspace has wrapped up.City of Vernon staff said the second and final phase of the Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization project had been completed.There were some areas that had been freshly seeded, and temporary fences were set up to protect the vegetation until it cou...
6h ago
Read More
12 hectare blaze
Wildfire near Chase controlled
A relatively large wildfire in the Shuswap has been contained.The B.C. Wildfire Service said the blaze was reported near Chum Lake, outside the community of Chase, Friday, April 24.The fire burned 12.38 hectares of terrain but the provincial wildfire service had it Under Control by around noon Saturday.It's suspected t...
Apr 26, 2026
Read More
Charger rollout
Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC
Vernon's new Active Living Centre will have electric vehicle chargers, but they will be installed in two phases.A city staff report said Vernon's Mayor and Corporate Officer signed an EV License of Occupation Agreement with B.C. Hydro to install 24 chargers at the ALC.However, they won't all be available at once."...
Apr 24, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Concept Plan
Passive park design being proposed for Kin Race Track lands
35m ago
Creek Naturalization
Vernon Creek Naturalization project completed
6h ago
12 hectare blaze
Wildfire near Chase controlled
Apr 26, 2026
Charger rollout
Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC
Apr 24, 2026
Secondary Dwellings
Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands
Apr 24, 2026