B.C. truck drivers could face fines of up to $100K and jail time for hitting overpasses
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Bluesky
-
Share on X
- Copy Link
VICTORIA — After 30-plus incidents of commercial vehicles hitting overpasses since 2021, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Rob Fleming announced Tuesday (Mar. 12) that drivers of commercial trucks involved in infrastructure crashes will face exceptionally higher penalties so that highway travel is safer for all B.C. motorists.
In a news release Tuesday morning, the provincial government says proposed changes to the Commercial Transport Act (CTA) will allow provincial law courts to impose fines for as much as $100,000, as well as imprisonment up to 18 months upon conviction for violations. Infrastructure crashes represent a significant safety risk, having caused millions of dollars in provincial highway repairs, as well as lengthy highway closures and supply chain disruptions that impact all B.C. residents.
“With these new penalties, we are taking the strongest action possible to keep our roads safe and to keep people, goods and services moving,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This also sends a message to commercial truck drivers that they are responsible for the safe transportation of goods and services on our roads, and a lax attitude toward safety will not be tolerated.”
The legislative changes are in response to 35 crashes that have occurred since late 2021 by over-height commercial vehicles. Laws surrounding highway infrastructure crashes have not changed since the 1970s, the government said, adding that the overwhelming majority of responsible truck drivers and the trucking industry have urged tougher action on the small number of irresponsible operators that have caused these crashes.
