f you’ve received a notice from the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles stating that you must complete the Responsible Driver Program (RDP), you’re likely wondering: What does this mean for my license, my record, and my future?
The Responsible Driver Program is a remedial initiative designed to improve road safety in British Columbia. As of policy updates, the program is now mandatory for more drivers — especially those with a history of impaired or unsafe driving.
Bill 15 – 2015: Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2015, came into force and effect on February 3, 2016 and has made significant changes to the Motor Vehicle Act with respect to the Remedial Programs. This legislation has eliminated the Remedial Reconsideration process.
These changes have significantly reshaped how corrective programs such as the Responsible Driver Program and the Ignition Interlock Program are applied, making them mandatory in many cases where they were once optional or appealable.
In this article, we explain what the program involves, who it applies to, how to register, and whether it’s possible to appeal the referral.
In British Columbia there are currently two Remedial Programs that drivers can be referred to after receiving an alcohol related driving infraction and the associated driving prohibition:
- The Responsible Driver Program; and
- The Ignition Interlock Program
What Is the Responsible Driver Program?
The Responsible Driver Program is a rehabilitation-focused education course administered by RoadSafetyBC, a branch of the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. Its goal is to promote safer driving behaviour by targeting individuals who pose a risk to public safety due to their driving history.
The RDP is not punitive in nature — it’s intended to help participants understand the risks and consequences of dangerous driving and prevent future incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Program is only offered through one service provider who is contracted with RoadSaftyBC, that is now the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Read details about the program in this PDF document.
When Will You Have to Take the Responsible Driver Program?
Anyone who receives one of the prescribed driving prohibitions (listed below) after February 3, 2016 will be affected by the changes.
It is now mandatory to participate in the Responsible Driver Program (RDP) if you receive a single 6 point driving infraction, or a combination of driving prohibitions that equal to 6 points.
You will be required to enroll in the RDP if you receive:
- A 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) for a “fail” or “refusal”; OR
- A 90-day Administrative Driving Prohibition (ADP) for having a blood alcohol content over 80 mg% or a “refusal”.
Participation is also mandatory if you receive two of the following in a 5 year period:
- A 3-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP)
- A 7-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP)
- A 30-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP)
Or if you receive three of the following:
- A 24 Hour Prohibition for alcohol or drugs
Province goverment has released a table outlining which driving prohibitions will result in a mandatory Remedial Programs. Similar to the Driving Improvement Program, points are assigned to driving prohibitions that trigger a referral to the Remedial Programs.
Tip: A Notice of Referral to the RDP typically follows a license suspension or prohibition and is based on your driving record from the past five years.
In my experience, the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles refers every single person to the RDP, even if the IRP is the only alcohol related driving infraction on their 5 year driving history. Many clients are surprised to learn that even first-time IRP recipients are referred to the Responsible Driver Program. Unfortunately, there’s little flexibility under the current system — even where someone poses no ongoing risk to the public. – says Julie Audette Vancouver Criminal Lawyer, Mickelson, Whysall & Moore Law Group
If you are issued an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), you only have seven days in which to dispute it –> Read our article about “3 Reasons To Dispute An Immediate Roadside Prohibition” to find out more
What Does the Program Involve?
The RDP typically consists of:
- An 8-hour course or 16 hour course, delivered over several sessions or in a single day.
- Conducted in-person at various contractor locations, or in some cases remotely.
- Group counselling or one-on-one sessions depending on your case profile.
Topics include: risk assessment, substance use education, legal consequences, and behavior change strategies.
The Responsible Driver Program is delivered on behalf of RoadSafetyBC by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the designated service provider for the course throughout British Columbia.
Cost: RDP has a total cost of $1,200 but offers an affordability payment plan. This plan breaks the payment into four installments: $505 at registration, $150 before the screening component, $450 before the workshop component, and $95 before the follow-up component.
Is It Mandatory? Can You Refuse?
In most cases, yes — the program is mandatory. If you’ve been referred to the RDP, you must complete it to have your license reinstated or to avoid further suspension.
Refusing or failing to complete the program can result in:
- Continued or extended driving prohibitions.
- Ineligibility for license reinstatement.
- Further action from RoadSafetyBC or ICBC.
Under Section 25.2 of the Motor Vehicle Act, if you are referred to the Responsible Driver Program, participation is a condition of license reinstatement to the satisfaction of the Superintendent.
At Mickelson, Whysall & Moore Law Group we understand the financial cost of the RDP is high and may feel unwarranted to many of our clients who have no history of driving under the influence. This is why it is important to get advice as soon as the IRP or ADP is issued to be able to pursue all of your legal options. If you fail to dispute your IRP or ADP an individual’s enrolment in the RDP is inevitable, if they want their license reinstated.
How to Register for the Responsible Driver Program
To register for the RDP:
- Wait for your Notice of Referral from RoadSafetyBC or ICBC.
- Contact the number or email address provided in the notice.
- Choose an available course date and location.
- Pay the required fee to confirm your registration.
You can find the official RDP registration page under this link.
Can You Appeal a Responsible Driver Program Referral?
In some cases, yes. While RDP referrals are often based on policy thresholds, there may be grounds for appeal, such as:
- Administrative error (e.g., mistaken identity or outdated record).
- Medical or mental health exemptions.
- Undue hardship prevents course completion.
If you think that you are not supposed to participate in the RDP you typically have 30 days from the date of your notice to request a review or appeal.
Need legal support? Our team regularly helps clients challenge unfair referrals or explore exemption options based on documented evidence.
When Will You Have to Install the Interlock Device?
It is now mandatory to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program (IIP) if you receive a combination of driving prohibitions that total to the threshold amount. For detailed information about what triggers a referral you can see the Mandatory Criteria Matrix.
- A 90 day IRP or 90 day ADP = 6 remedial points
- A Criminal Code Alcohol Conviction (Criminal Code s. 320.14, s. 320.15) = 6 remedial points
- A 3, 7 or 30 day IRP = 3 remedial points
- 24 Hour Prohibition drugs/alcohol = 2 remedial points
You will need to enroll in the Ignition Interlock Program for a period of 6 months if you receive a total of 9 “alcohol points” or remedial points in a 5 year period. This would include the combination of the following:
- One 90-day IRP or 90-day ADP; and
- One 3, 7 or 30 day IRP; OR
- Three 3, 7 or 30 day IRPS
You will need to enroll in the Ignition Interlock Program for a period of 12 months if you receive a total of 12 “alcohol points” or remedial points in a 5 year period. This would include the combination of the following:
- Two of the following:
- A 90-day IRP or a 90-day ADP
Or:
- Any combination of 90-day IRP or 90-day ADP and a Criminal Code Conviction for an alcohol related offence
The requirement to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program is outlined in Section 25.1 of the Motor Vehicle Act, and is similarly enforced based on the combination of infractions and points on your driving record.
The Effects of the Amendments
The enacted amendments are making British Columbia’s drunk driving laws some of the toughest in the country. The new provisions make it even more important for individuals who receive an Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRP) or Administrative Driving Prohibition (ADP) to seek out the advice of experienced drunk driving lawyers.
Mickelson, Whysall & Moore Law Group can assist you with the review process and successfully challenge your driving prohibition. We work with clients across BC who are facing RDP and Interlock referrals. Whether your goal is to understand your obligations, explore legal remedies, or mitigate the impact on your license, we are here to help.
Our Opinion: The Fairness of the Previous System
It is the opinion of Mickelson, Whysall & Moore Law Group that the previous regime which allowed for the Reconsideration process was fair and recognized that not every person requires the Responsible Driver Program and/or Ignition Interlock to ensure public safety, or to prevent future drinking and driving incidents.
People are known to make mistakes, learn from them, and correct their behaviour.
While the new system is more rigid, we believe that individuals deserve the opportunity to present their circumstances and be assessed based on their actual risk — not just policy thresholds.
Legal Help: Why a Criminal Lawyer Can Make a Difference
Our firm specializes in administrative and criminal driving offenses in British Columbia. We’ve helped clients:
- Understand their RDP requirements.
- Identify possible grounds for appeal.
- Submit complete and compelling review applications.
- Prepare evidence and supporting documentation.
Free Consultation: Speak to a lawyer today about your case. Even if you believe the referral is justified, we may help reduce the burden or seek alternative solutions.
Read more articles to help you better understand the drving offences and consequences:
- Everything You Need to Know About 90-Day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions
- What Are the Charges for Impaired Driving in BC?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I take the program online?
Some courses may be available remotely, especially in rural areas or due to medical accommodations. Check with your course provider.
Q: Will my insurance be affected?
Yes — completion of the RDP doesn’t erase your history. Your insurance premiums may remain high depending on your ICBC risk profile.
Q: What is the traffic safety course in BC? The Responsible Driver Program is a specific traffic safety course,mandatory for drivers who have been prohibited from driving due to impaired driving or other high-risk behaviors. It involves screening, a workshop, and a follow-up component, and successful completion is required to have driving privileges reinstated or maintained.
Q: What if I miss the deadline to register?
Failure to register on time can result in continued license suspension. Contact RoadSafetyBC immediately if you miss the deadline.
Q: Is there financial assistance for the fee?
Unfortunately, financial assistance is limited. You may request a payment plan in certain cases, but full payment is generally required.
For more information on safe driving, traffic laws, and updates visit DriveSmartBC. This community-driven site features plain-language explanations of BC driving laws, legal interpretations, enforcement updates, and practical guidance for everyday drivers. You can also check ICBC website – one of official resources for drivers in British Columbia.
Conclusion & Next Steps
If you’ve been referred to the Responsible Driver Program in BC, you are not alone, and you do have options. Compliance is critical — but understanding your rights, the appeal process, and the course requirements can make a significant difference in how you move forward.
Contact Us: If you have received an RDP referral or driving prohibition, call our office for a free consultation. Our experienced criminal defence lawyers can help you understand your options and protect your driving privileges.
We commit to writing accurate and trustworthy articles showcasing first-hand experience. This article first version was written in 2016 and updated in August 2025. Our lawyers, highly experienced in driving offences, are fact-checking and approving every piece of content the team creates. If you have a question about any information you read, please give us a call on 604-688-8588