Driver of Alberta semi that hit Abbotsford, B.C., overpass fined $368

The driver of a semi-trailer carrying a modular home that struck an overpass on the Trans Canada Highway east of Vancouver last week has been charged under the Motor Vehicle Act and fined $368 for driving without due care and attention, according to the B.C. Highway Patrol (BCHP).

The driver, who was working for Alberta company Jones Transportation, was also given six points against his driver's licence.

The collision occurred on the afternoon of Oct. 11 when the modular home clipped the No. 3 Road overpass in Abbotsford, causing a complete shutdown of the highway's westbound lanes.

BCHP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said that although the vehicle had a valid over-height licence, it appears the driver wasn't following the licence rules.

"Typically when you're dealing with over-height requirements, there is a very specific route to follow, that the driver must follow. Obviously, the government isn't going to issue a licence if an over-height vehicle is going under an overpass that isn't sufficiently high," said McLaughlin.

The driver and company could face additional fines and suspensions from the province's Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) branch.

The province recently announced steeper penalties for truck drivers who strike overpasses. Drivers found responsible could be ordered to pay fines up to $100,000 and spend as much as 18 months in jail.

McLaughlin said the overpass was not badly damaged. 

A photo of the modular home posted on social media by DriveBC appears to show significant damage. 

The incident is the 24th overpass or bridge strike of 2024, according to the Ministry of Transportation online crash counter. That's already significantly more than the 17 overpass or bridge strikes recorded in 2023.