New B.C. rules require dump trucks to install warning devices

It just got a bit harder for dump trucks to hit overpasses — or at least the provincial government hopes so.

Starting Saturday, all dump trucks over a certain size will be required to have a warning device installed in-cab to alert the driver if the dump box is raised.

Drivers found without a warning device — which could be visual or audio — could face a $598 fine.

These new regulations come after overpass strikes have become an ongoing issue across the Lower Mainland, with nearly three dozen such incidents reported in the last two years. In response to the issue, the B.C. government proposed legislation in March that would see fines increased to $100,000 for all companies involved in such incidents, and if convicted, a driver could face up to 18 months in jail.

“Commercial vehicle infrastructure crashes cause damage, block the movement of people and goods, and create safety risks for everyone on the road,” the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said.

“The overwhelming majority of truck drivers are responsible, but the trucking industry has called for tougher action on the small number of irresponsible operators that have caused these crashes.”

The new dump truck regulations apply to all commercial vehicles with dump boxes that can rise over 4.15 metres. As well, they apply to any out-of-province vehicles working in B.C.

With files from Sonia Aslam, Cole Schisler, and Catherine Garrett.