B.C.’s dash cam law is not in effect yet. Bill M217 passed all three readings with unanimous bipartisan support in May 2026 and is awaiting Royal Assent — the formal government approval that turns a passed bill into active law. Once that happens, B.C. fleets have six months to comply. Watch the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and CVSE for the announcement.

Yes, any out-of-province carriers driving B.C. routes must also adhere to Bill M217.

The act covers commercial vehicles as defined in B.C.’s Commercial Transport Act — broadly, vehicles over 11,793 kilograms gross vehicle weight used to transport goods for hire, NSC carriers operating under a B.C. carrier licence, and commercial buses. Leased vehicles are covered, with compliance responsibility falling on the lessee. Carriers based outside B.C. are also covered if their vehicles operate routes in the province.

Forward-facing camera, 1080p minimum resolution, 72-hour minimum video retention and night vision capability. The camera must record continuously during vehicle operation and remain unobstructed at all times.

No. Bill M217 only mandates forward-facing cameras. Driver-facing cameras were deliberately excluded during committee review after privacy concerns were raised. Fleets may add them voluntarily, but B.C. PIPA’s full consent requirements apply.

Specific fines have not yet been published. Penalties will be established through regulations expected within six months to one year of Royal Assent. Enforcement will fall under B.C.’s CVSE branch.

For forward-facing cameras, Bill M217 provides the statutory authorization that makes footage collection lawful under B.C. PIPA — resolving a prior legal ambiguity the OIPC had identified. For driver-facing cameras (not required by the bill), B.C. PIPA’s full consent framework applies, including written notification, documented consent and a retention and destruction policy.

The proposed regulations set a minimum of 72 hours. For incident response, insurance claims and legal defense, most fleet managers should plan for 7 to 14 days of accessible footage. The 72-hour minimum is a floor, not a recommendation.