BC's New Dashcam Law: What Commercial Fleet Operators Need to Know About Bill M217
British Columbia is introducing new dashcam requirements for heavy commercial vehicles under Bill M217 – the Dashboard Cameras in Commercial Vehicles Act.
The legislation received Royal Assent on May 28, 2026, and is intended to improve road safety, increase accountability and provide better video evidence in the event of a collision.
For businesses operating commercial trucks in BC, here's what you need to know about the upcoming requirements, which vehicles are affected and how to prepare.
Which Commercial Vehicles Will Require Dashcams?
Under Bill M217, the new requirements target commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 11,793 kg (26,000 lb).
This includes many heavier commercial vehicles, such as:
- Heavy-duty straight trucks, including many Class 7 and Class 8 models
- Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers
- Other heavy commercial vehicles exceeding the specified GVWR threshold
Standard pickup trucks, cargo vans and many lighter commercial vehicles generally fall below this threshold and would not be subject to the requirement.
Important: GVWR refers to the manufacturer's maximum rated loaded weight of the vehicle, not its actual weight at a particular time. Fleet operators should check individual vehicle ratings to determine whether their trucks fall within the legislation's scope.
What Are the New Dashcam Requirements?
The legislation establishes several minimum standards for dashboard cameras in affected commercial vehicles:
- 1080p HD recording: Cameras must record at a minimum resolution of 1080p.
- 72-hour video retention: Devices must be capable of retaining at least 72 hours of footage.
- Night vision capability: Cameras must support recording in low-light conditions.
- Continuous road-facing recording: Cameras must capture the road ahead whenever the vehicle is operating.
- Local video storage: Recordings must be stored on the device using the manufacturer's default settings.
The legislation also requires appropriate handling of video recordings in accordance with applicable privacy and security requirements.
For leased commercial vehicles, responsibility for installing and maintaining the required dashcam falls to the lessee rather than the vehicle owner.
When Does Bill M217 Take Effect in BC?
Although Bill M217 received Royal Assent on May 28, 2026, the mandatory dashcam requirements are not yet in effect.
The BC government must finalize and bring into force the supporting regulations before the requirements become enforceable. An official compliance deadline has not yet been announced.
November 28, 2026 is not a confirmed enforcement deadline. However, fleet operators may wish to use this date as a proactive planning target to review vehicle eligibility, evaluate dashcam equipment and prepare for future installations.
Why Consider Dashcams Beyond Compliance?
Even for businesses operating vehicles that fall below the mandate's weight threshold, dashcams can provide benefits for fleet safety and management.
Video recording and AI-powered dashcam technology can help businesses:
- Protect drivers with video evidence following collisions or disputed incidents
- Support insurance investigations and claims
- Identify risky driving behaviours before they lead to incidents
- Improve driver coaching and safety programs
- Reduce time spent investigating incidents
For many BC businesses, installing dashcams is about more than meeting future regulations — it's about protecting drivers, vehicles and business operations.
Explore Geotab GO Focus Plus with Zeemac
At Zeemac Vehicle Lease, we offer Geotab GO Focus Plus AI Dash Cam, an advanced fleet safety solution that goes beyond traditional video recording.
GO Focus Plus offers road-facing 1080p HD video, with available driver-facing AI technology to detect and provide real-time alerts for risky driving behaviours such as distraction, tailgating and hard braking.
Fleet managers can also review incidents, identify safety trends and manage driver coaching through the connected Geotab platform.
Final compatibility with BC's upcoming requirements will depend on the finalized regulations and the camera's configuration, including recording and retention settings.
Local Dashcam Sales & Installation Support in Burnaby, BC
Whether you're preparing for upcoming dashcam requirements or exploring video safety technology for your fleet, our Zeemac team can help.
We can provide information about available Geotab dashcam solutions, discuss your fleet's needs and provide pricing for your vehicles.
Our local Zeemac service shop in Burnaby can also support dashcam installations, making it easier to equip your commercial vehicles.
Contact Zeemac today for Geotab dashcam pricing, product information and installation support.
Legislative information is based on the status of Bill M217 as of November 2026. Requirements and enforcement timelines may change as provincial regulations are finalized.
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