BC to increase penalties for trucking violations

Proposed changes to the BC  Commercial Transport Act would increase fines and penalties for commercial truck drivers and their employers when over-height trucks collide with infrastructure such as overpasses, as well as for a number of other offenses, according to BC government press releases. In addition, drivers and potentially entire fleets could have their operating licenses suspended while crashes are investigated. Fines, penalties and suspensions for repeat offenders would be more severe and last longer, up to and including cancellation of the carrier’s safety certificate.

The measures include new regulations and penalties for other offenses. Speed limiters on heavy commercial vehicles must be in-place, activated and  set to 105 kilometers per hour by April 5, with penalties for non-compliance and tampering. Dump vehicles must have in-cab warning devices in place by June 1 that warn if the box is raised when the vehicle is in motion.

Over-height-related fines would be $575. Lacking an in-cab warning device would cost $598 and tampering with the device would cost $295, with both offenses costing the driver three demerit points.

“The BC Trucking Association welcomes and supports the decisive measures taken by the provincial government to enhance safety and reduce infrastructure crashes involving commercial heavy-duty trucks,” said Dave Earle, president and CEO of the BC Trucking Association. “These initiatives mark a pivotal step toward creating safer roadways for all and underscore our shared commitment to fostering a culture focused on risk-prevention in the trucking industry.”

“Infrastructure crashes have a huge impact. They delay commuters, affect the movement of goods and can impede first responders. This means families, businesses and the economy all suffer,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Safety is the priority and this issue needs to stop. That’s why we’re taking tougher action, grounding fleets through suspensions and increasing fines, so highway traffic keeps moving safely and reliably for travellers and commercial vehicles, and people can count on their commute.” 

The proposed changes would enable the courts to impose fines for as much as $100,000, as well as imprisonment up to 18 months upon conviction for violations.

Government communications note the CTA has not been updated since the 1970s and the changes come in response to 35 crashes that have occurred since 2021.