Drivers of commercial trucks involved in collisions with bridges will face higher penalties.

Proposed changes to the Commercial Transport Act (CTA) will enable the courts to impose fines for as much as $100,000, as well as up to 18 months in jail upon conviction.

“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 province says “infrastructure crashes” pose 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 British Columbians.

The province says 35 crashes have occurred since late 2021 by over-height commercial vehicles.

Laws surrounding highway infrastructure crashes have not changed since the 1970s.

The maximum fine under current laws is $500.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.