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British Columbia’s new Dashboard Cameras in Commercial Vehicles Act introduces new requirements for certain heavy commercial vehicles operating in the province. Fleet leaders should understand how the legislation may affect their vehicles and begin preparing their dashboard camera programs before the requirements take effect.
First in Canada: In May 2026, B.C. became the first Canadian province to enact dashboard camera legislation for certain heavy commercial vehicles. The requirements are not yet in force, giving fleets time to understand how the legislation may affect their vehicles and prepare.
Vehicles affected: The Act applies to commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 11,793 kilograms that operate in B.C., including qualifying vehicles registered outside the province.
Responsibility: Vehicle owners must install and maintain the camera; for leased vehicles, that responsibility falls to the lessee.
Technical requirements: Cameras must record continuously in at least 1080p, support night vision, retain 72 hours of footage, use local storage, and remain unobstructed.
First in Canada: In May 2026, B.C. became the first Canadian province to enact dashboard camera legislation for certain heavy commercial vehicles. The requirements are not yet in force, giving fleets time to understand how the legislation may affect their vehicles and prepare.
Vehicles affected: The Act applies to commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 11,793 kilograms that operate in B.C., including qualifying vehicles registered outside the province.
Responsibility: Vehicle owners must install and maintain the camera; for leased vehicles, that responsibility falls to the lessee.
Technical requirements: Cameras must record continuously in at least 1080p, support night vision, retain 72 hours of footage, use local storage, and remain unobstructed.
The Act establishes requirements for forward-facing cameras in certain heavy commercial vehicles. The legislation received Royal Assent on May 28, 2026, making B.C. the first Canadian province to pass this type of law.
While the legislation has received Royal Assent, the requirements are not yet in effect. The effective date will be established by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
The Act applies to commercial vehicles with a GVWR over 11,793 kilograms. The legislation is not limited to vehicles registered in the province, so qualifying vehicles registered elsewhere, including in the U.S., may also be subject to the requirements while operating in B.C.
Fleet owners are responsible for installing and maintaining a compliant dashboard camera. For leased vehicles, that responsibility falls to the lessee. Drivers must ensure the camera is recording while the vehicle is operating and remains unobstructed.
A compliant dashboard camera must continuously record the road ahead through the front windshield. Here’s what fleets need to know:
Requirement | What fleets need to know |
|---|---|
Recording | Continuously record the road ahead through the front windshield |
Resolution | Minimum 1080p |
Footage retention | At least 72 hours |
Night vision | Required |
Settings and storage | Record at the manufacturer’s default settings on the device’s local storage |
Fleets also need processes to identify vehicles that fall under the legislation, maintain dashboard cameras and related equipment, and help drivers meet their responsibilities.
The Act received Royal Assent on May 28, 2026, but the requirements are not yet in force. The Act will come into force by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
While there is no confirmed effective date yet, fleets can use this time to understand which vehicles fall under the legislation, review their existing technology and prepare for implementation.
Fleets need to know which vehicles meet the GVWR threshold and operate in B.C. This can become more complex for organisations with leased vehicles or assets moving across jurisdictions.
Installing a compliant camera is not enough. Fleets will need processes to confirm cameras remain operational, unobstructed, and properly maintained, while also ensuring footage is stored and retained for at least 72 hours.
The Act specifically requires recordings to be collected, used, disclosed, retained, and destroyed in accordance with applicable privacy and security requirements, including B.C.'s Personal Information Protection Act.
Fleet leaders can start preparing by identifying vehicles that fall under the legislation and reviewing whether existing fleet dash cameras meet the new requirements. This includes checking recording quality, storage, night vision, installation, and whether cameras remain operational and unobstructed.
Fleets should also review driver responsibilities and maintenance processes. For organisations using fleet dash cams across multiple locations, a consistent approach can make it easier to manage compliance as requirements evolve.
Element can help you build a more coordinated approach to compliance and safety across your fleet. That includes identifying vehicles that fall under the legislation, reviewing your current fleet dash cam setup, planning deployment, managing data, and supporting drivers as requirements evolve.
to discuss how Element can help prepare your fleet for B.C.’s new dashboard camera requirements.