Give Your Input On Bill M 217

📄 What is Bill M 217?

Bill M 217 is a proposed law that would require all “commercial vehicles” to have a working front-facing dashboard camera (dash cam). The bill recently passed its first reading with unanimous support, and will be considered for further readings.

✅ Why Supporters Say This is Important

• Safety and accountability: Dash cams provide clear, objective evidence of what happened in accidents or roadside incidents, therefore helping investigators, insurance companies, drivers, and victims.

• Encouraging safer driving: Knowing the road is being recorded tends to make drivers more cautious and law-abiding.

• Faster investigations & transparency: In cases of serious crashes or disputes, dash-cam footage can speed up investigations and make the process more transparent.

  
  

The BC Trucking Association is in support of the bill and has reported that, many commercial vehicles already use dash cams, and they’ve seen “drastic reductions” in crashes where they’re installed.

⚠️ What Some Critics Are Concerned About

• Privacy and data security: Some legislators expressed worry that mandatory recording might collect personal information, or footage could be misused.

• Cost and burden, especially for small operators: For small fleet owners or independent drivers, purchasing, installing, and maintaining dash cams may impose financial or logistical burdens.

• Challenges for out-of-province or cross-border vehicles: A B.C.-only mandate might complicate operations for trucks that travel across provincial or national borders.

  
  

🎯 Why This Matters to All of Us

Even if you don’t drive a commercial truck, this bill could affect your day-to-day safety on the road. Safer commercial drivers mean fewer crashes, smoother traffic flow, less disruption, and faster resolution when accidents do happen.

For communities — especially along major highways — increased accountability and deterrence might reduce dangerous driving behaviour, accidents, and their consequences.

📢 Your Voice Matters — Please Share Feedback

This is a public-interest issue, making your feedback important.

From now until December 9th at 3:00 PM, you are encouraged to reach out online and share your insight with the Select Standing Committee.

You can learn more and share your feedback by visiting: https://consultation-portal.leg.bc.ca/consultations

As a driver, passenger, and citizen, your opinion matters more than you know!