Speed limiters must be set to a maximum speed of 105 km/h
British Columbia is ensuring that commercial trucks in the province do not go beyond what is deemed to be a safe speed.
Effective April 5, 2024, heavy commercial vehicles with a gross-vehicle-weight rating of more than 11,793 kilograms that were manufactured after 1994 must have speed-limiter devices installed to operate in the province.
The devices must be programmed to a maximum speed of 105 km/h, which effectively prevents these vehicles from accelerating past that speed, according to the provincial government.
“Earlier this year, legislative amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act required heavy commercial vehicles to use a speed limiter. The recently approved order brings this requirement and supporting regulations into force,” according to B.C.’s Commercial Vehicle Safety & Enforcement.
“Under the amended MVAR, speed limiters must be set to a maximum speed of 105 km/h and kept in good working order. The vehicle’s electronic control module must be accurately programmed, and tampering technology is prohibited. Noncompliance may result in the issuance of 3 driver penalty points.”
Speed limiter violations
The following contraventions may result in a fine, including victim surcharge, of $368:
- No speed limiter in heavy commercial vehicle
- Speed limiter in heavy commercial vehicle not activated
- Speed limiter in heavy commercial vehicle not set to prescribed maximum rate of speed
- Speed limiter in heavy commercial vehicle not in good working order
“Speed limiters can reduce the risk of speed-related accidents, as well as the severity of those accidents that do happen,” said litigator Stephen G. Lowry, with the Harris Lowry Manton law firm.
“This can help reduce catastrophic injuries in the event of a serious truck accident. Finally, commercial trucks outfitted with speed limiters can potentially help truck drivers learn safe driving habits and reduce speeding and reckless driving.”
B.C. has taken a step towards imposing higher penalties for commercial truck drivers who hit overpasses in the province. In March, the provincial government proposed changes to the Commercial Transport Act (CTA) that will allow the courts to impose fines of as much as $100,000 and imprisonment of up to 18 months, to violators upon conviction for violations.
The provincial government has also put in place a new requirement – effective June 1, 2024 – for in-cab warning devices to alert dump-style vehicle operators when the dump box is raised.
