Dashcams Required in BC Commercial Vehicles

Summary#

This bill would require dashboard cameras in commercial vehicles across British Columbia. Owners (or lessees, if the vehicle is leased) must install and maintain a camera that records the road ahead. Drivers must keep the camera recording any time the vehicle is being driven. The government could set more detailed rules later by regulation. The law would start six months after it receives Royal Assent.

• Makes dashboard cameras mandatory in commercial vehicles as defined by existing BC law (such as trucks, buses, and other vehicles used for business).
• Puts the duty to install and maintain the camera on the owner or lessee.
• Requires drivers to ensure the camera is recording and not blocked while driving.
• Lets the government set technical standards or exemptions by regulation.
• Does not spell out penalties, data storage rules, or who can access footage.

What it means for you#

• Commercial drivers

  • You would need to check that the dashcam is on, aimed properly, and not blocked whenever you drive.
  • You could have video evidence if a crash or near-miss happens in front of you.
  • You may be asked to provide footage after an incident.

• Trucking, bus, taxi, and other fleet operators

  • You would have to buy, install, and maintain front-facing dashcams for each commercial vehicle.
  • For leased vehicles, the lessee would carry this duty instead of the owner.
  • You may need basic procedures to ensure cameras are working (power, memory, lens clear) before trips.
  • If you already use dashcams, you would need to confirm they meet any standards set by regulation.

• Small businesses that use commercial vehicles

  • You would face new upfront and ongoing costs to equip vehicles like delivery trucks or service vans, depending on whether they count as “commercial vehicles” under current BC law.
  • Day-to-day routines may add a quick camera check before driving.

• General public

  • More commercial vehicles would record the road ahead, which could provide evidence in collisions involving these vehicles.
  • The bill does not explain how long footage is kept or who can see it.

Expenses#

Estimated public cost: No publicly available information. Private costs would fall mainly on vehicle owners and lessees.

• Businesses would pay to purchase, install, and maintain dashcams for each covered vehicle.
• There would be small ongoing costs (repairs, replacements, memory cards, cleaning/inspection time).
• Government may have some costs to write and enforce regulations, but no estimate is provided.
• Companies that already use dashcams may see little new expense if current devices meet any future standards.

Proponents' View#

• Dashcams provide clear evidence in crashes, helping resolve fault and insurance claims faster.
• Video can protect professional drivers from false accusations and deter fraud.
• A universal rule creates a consistent standard across fleets, including small operators.
• Wider camera use may encourage safer driving around large commercial vehicles.
• Allowing regulations gives flexibility to set technical standards and reasonable exemptions.

Opponents' View#

• Continuous recording raises privacy concerns for drivers and the public.
• The bill does not set rules for who can access footage, how long it must be kept, or how it is protected.
• Upfront and ongoing costs could be hard for small businesses and owner-operators.
• Enforcement details and penalties are not described, creating uncertainty.
• Technical failures (dead battery, full memory, damage) could put drivers at risk of non-compliance even if they drive safely.