What British Columbia speed limiter mandate means for you

Do you travel in or through British Columbia, Canada? There is now a speed limiter requirement affecting most heavy trucks, as of Friday April 5, 2024.

B.C. will join Ontario (2008) and Quebec (2009) as the only other Canadian provinces to mandate the use of governors on trucks, capping speeds at 105 km/h (65mph).

They are doing this to help with “decreasing (greenhouse gas) emissions, reducing speed-related crashes, and making it safer for all road users.

For example, Ontario saw a 73% reduction in speed-related crashes involving commercial vehicles after the province’s mandate took effect.

This will require their speed limiting device to be activated, set, and accurately programmed to a maximum rate 105 km/h (65 mph).

Speed limits in British Columbia along major highways and expressways range between 110-120 km/h (70-75 mph).

Speed limiter requirements in British Columbia

This is required for all commercial vehicles operating in B.C.:

• Manufactured after 1994
• With gross vehicle rating of more than 11,793 kg (26,000 pounds)

Who is exempt?

All emergency vehicles and motorhomes are exempt from the new requirement.

Are there fines for no speed limiter?

Yes, after Friday’s law takes effect, the following violations could result in a fine of $368 (about $272 USD):

• No speed limiter in heavy commercial vehicle
• Speed limiter not activated
• Speed limiter not set to prescribed maximum rate of speed
• Speed limiter not in good working order
• Inaccurately programmed electronic control module
• Tampering technology in heavy commercial vehicle
• Tampering technology interacting with speed limiter

What U.S. based carriers need to haul freight into Canada

For drivers, here is what you need to cross into Canada:

• A valid passport
• Social Security Card
• A clean commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• If applicable, a FAST membership card

For carriers, there are several steps to drive in Canada:

1. Obtain a CBSA Carrier Code
2. Enroll for the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program (not required)
3. Meet Registration and Insurance Requirements
4. Apply to the eManifest portal to electronically transmit cargo and conveyance data to the CBSA a minimum of one hour before the shipment arrives at the border

Regarding Registration and “Insurance Requirements”, carriers will need to add the regions or states you are crossing to your IRP (CAB Card) with the DMV of your state, as well as adding the specific Canadian province/territory that you will be entering to your IFTA permits.

In most cases, a carrier’s liability, cargo, and reefer insurance should cover what you need to cross into Canada. However, the general freight liability coverage minimum must be $1,000,000 instead of FMCSA’s $750,000 minimum and the truck cargo coverage depends on Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):

• $15,000 minimum for GVW up to 27,998 lbs (12,700 kg)
• $20,000 minimum for GVW up to 46,296 lbs (21,000 kg)
• $27,000 minimum for GVW up to 81,570 lbs (37,000 kg)
• $32,000 minimum for GVW over 81570 lbs (37,000 kg)

Compliance Navigation Specialists (CNS) can advise on any DOT compliance requirements you are unsure of, and our sister company CNS Insurance can help you pull insurance quotes.

Fill out a complete quote or quick quote to get started and one of Commercial Trucking Insurance Specialists will guide you through the remainder of the process.