In British Columbia, demerit points are added to your record when:

Question: In British Columbia, demerit points are added to your record when:

Answer options:

• The offence is committed ✅ You pay the fine or are convicted
• Your insurance asks
• Never

Correct answer: You pay the fine or are convicted

Explanation: In British Columbia, demerit points are legally recorded only when you pay the fine or are convicted in court, as paying the fine constitutes an admission of guilt and a conviction finalizes the charge. Points are not added when the offence is first committed because drivers retain the right to dispute the ticket. Insurance companies merely view existing records and cannot add points, and the "never" option is incorrect because BC actively uses a point system. Under ICBC rules, this process ensures due process before penalties affect your license. Recognizing how and when points accumulate is highly testable on the Class 7 exam, directly relating to driver penalty points and potential prohibitions.