Dispute a Violation Ticket in British Columbia (English / French)

Understanding the Violation Ticket Notice of Dispute (PTR021) in British Columbia

If you have received a violation ticket from the Violation Ticket Centre in the Province of British Columbia, you have the right to dispute it by completing the official Notice of Dispute form. This legal document, identified by code PTR021, is designed to allow individuals or agents to formally contest the alleged offence, request reductions, or seek payment extensions.

Purpose and Scope of the Form

The Violation Ticket Notice of Dispute is a mandatory legal form used under sections 15(1), 15(2), and 15(3) of the Offence Act. Its primary purpose is to provide a structured way for disputants to communicate their disagreement with the violation, request a court hearing, or resolve the matter through administrative procedures.

This form is applicable to cases where an individual or their agent wishes to challenge a violation ticket issued within British Columbia. It is essential for disputants to complete all relevant parts of the form accurately and submit it within prescribed deadlines to ensure their rights are preserved.

Key Sections and Their Functions

Part A: Disputant Information

This section requires you to provide your full name, mailing address, contact details, and driver’s license information. Accurate information here is critical, as it ensures the Violation Ticket Centre can properly identify and communicate with you regarding your dispute.

• Mailing Address: Must be current; any change must be communicated in writing.
• Driver’s License Number and Province: Used to verify your identity and the violation details.
• Contact Numbers: Home and work phone numbers facilitate communication if needed.

Part B: Dispute Options and Requests

This section allows you to specify whether you admit to the offence or deny it, and what relief you seek:

• Admit and Waive Court Appearance: You agree that you committed the offence and do not wish to appear in court. You can request a reduction of the fine or a payment extension, attaching supporting documents if necessary.
• Want to Appear in Court: You choose to contest the violation in person and can request a reduction or payment plan accordingly.
• Dispute Allegation: You explicitly deny committing the offence, which requires a court hearing to resolve.

Part C: Hearing and Representation Details

This part covers additional information about your hearing preferences:

• Indicate if you will be represented by a lawyer.
• Specify if you require an interpreter.
• Note if you plan to call witnesses.

Remember, failure to attend the scheduled court hearing may result in a conviction by default, with the violation becoming payable immediately.

Important Deadlines and Submission

It is vital to submit your completed dispute form within the deadlines specified on the violation ticket or related correspondence. The form can be mailed or emailed to the Violation Ticket Centre. Ensure all parts are filled out correctly to avoid delays or default judgments.

After Submitting the Dispute

Once your dispute is received, the Violation Ticket Centre will review your case. If you requested a court hearing, you will be notified of the date and location. For administrative requests such as fine reductions or payment extensions, decisions are often made without court appearance, based on the documentation you provide.

If you do not appear at the hearing or fail to respond in time, the violation will be considered uncontested, and a conviction will be recorded against you, with the associated fine becoming immediately due and payable.

Additional Resources

For further information or to access the dispute form online, visit the official website of the British Columbia government at:

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/documents-forms-records/court-forms/provincial-vt-forms

Contact the Violation Ticket Centre toll-free at 1-877-661-8026 for assistance or questions regarding your dispute process.