Speed Limiter and Dump Box Warning Device Requirements Coming to British Columbia Spring 2024

By Amber Davies, Communications Officer, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Business Operations, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, British Columbia

Carriers and drivers who are based or operate in British Columbia (BC) should prepare themselves for new provincial regulations, offenses and fines coming into force this spring as part of the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s work to improve the safety of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) on provincial roads and highways.

Effective this April, CMVs manufactured after 1994, with a gross vehicle rating of more than 11,793 kg (26,000 lbs.) and an electronically controlled engine will be required to have speed limiters activated, restricting their speed to a maximum rate of 105km/h (65 mph). Drivers caught without activated, set and/or accurately programmed speed limiters will be fined $368 for each violation.

Readers may know that Ontario and Quebec have required speed limiters in heavy CMVs since 2009, with Ontario reporting a more than 70% reduction in speed-related at-fault crashes by CMVs in the first two years. Adopting the same requirement in BC will enhance consistency for carriers and truckers traveling between these provinces.

By June, CMVs with dump boxes capable of rising above 4.15 meters must have in-cab warning devices installed to alert drivers if their box is raised, or they will face a fine of $598, with violations recorded against the carrier’s safety profile.

To avoid fines and penalties, BC operators must have the technology ready to go by the noted dates. This also applies to any operators from other provincial jurisdictions traveling through BC following these dates.

More information about these safety measures can be found at: www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/ driving-and-transportation/cvse/bulletinsnotices-circulars/ctpm/circulars/2023/ cvse-bulletin-07-2023-over-height-regs-speedlimiters-in-cab-warning-systems.pdf.

For questions, contact cvsegeneralinquiry@ gov.bc.ca. Thanks for your attention, and safe driving, everyone.