British Columbia Passes Mandatory Dash-Cam Law for Commercial Vehicles
Private member's bill cleared third reading with unanimous support in late May. Forward-facing cameras required on all vehicles under B.C. Commercial Transport Act. Law takes effect six months after royal assent.
British Columbia advanced legislation requiring dashboard cameras on commercial vehicles operating in the province. The Dashboard Cameras in Commercial Vehicles Act cleared third reading with unanimous support in late May. Opposition MLA Ward Stamer introduced the measure as a private member's bill.
The bill now awaits royal assent (formal approval by the lieutenant governor, the Crown's representative in the province). Royal assent turns the bill into law. The legislation takes effect six months after royal assent, giving carriers and owner-operators time to install equipment.
What vehicles must install dash cams under the B.C. law?
The law applies to vehicles already defined as commercial vehicles under British Columbia's existing Commercial Transport Act. That act covers trucks, buses, and vehicle combinations subject to B.C. commercial transport regulations for licensing, weights, and highway operations.
The bill references the existing definition rather than creating a new category. If your truck is already subject to B.C. commercial transport rules, the dash-cam requirement applies.
What the law requires from vehicle owners and operators
Vehicle owners or lessees must install and maintain forward-facing cameras. Operators must keep the cameras recording whenever the vehicle is operating.
The bill does not specify camera technical standards, retention periods for footage, or penalties for non-compliance. Those details typically appear in regulations issued after a law receives royal assent.
Private member's bill process in Canada
In Canada's parliamentary system, most laws originate as government bills introduced by cabinet ministers. A private member's bill is introduced by an individual legislator who is not part of the executive branch. These bills follow the same formal process (first reading, second reading, committee review, third reading, royal assent) but receive limited debate time unless they gain broad support.
The Dashboard Cameras in Commercial Vehicles Act attracted unanimous backing from all parties, clearing the path for third reading.
Six-month implementation window
The six-month delay between royal assent and the effective date gives carriers time to source cameras, install them, and train drivers on operation. Fleets operating in British Columbia should budget for forward-facing dash cams now if they do not already run them.
Carriers running cross-border into B.C. from Alberta, Saskatchewan, or the United States will need cameras installed before the effective date if their equipment qualifies as a commercial vehicle under the B.C. Commercial Transport Act.
What to do before the law takes effect
- Confirm whether your vehicles qualify as commercial vehicles under the B.C. Commercial Transport Act. Check licensing and weight thresholds.
- Source forward-facing dash cams. Wait for regulations to clarify technical specs (resolution, field of view, storage) before purchasing if the six-month window allows.
- Plan installation schedules. Fleets with multiple power units will need shop time or mobile installation.
- Train drivers on camera operation and recording requirements. The law requires cameras to record whenever the vehicle is operating.
- Establish a policy for footage retention and access. Regulations may clarify minimum retention periods after royal assent.
