B.C. RCMP are setting the facts straight, stating school zone speed limits are not changing to be in effect at all times, despite online rumours.
“Some disreputable websites are claiming that all Canadian school zones will be in effect 24/7 starting July 1, 2025," said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol in a June 26 news release. "These websites are completely wrong, and social media and AI are amplifying the misinformation."
Artificial Intelligence is said to be playing a part in the spread of inaccurate reports that, across Canada, speed limits applicable only during school hours will be in effect at all times beginning on July 1. This is false.
In fact, McLaughlin said school zones are provincial jurisdiction.
"There are no sweeping changes coming for Canada," he said.
Section 147 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act says persons driving in a school zone on a regular school day must drive the posted school zone speed limit. Signs usually instruct vehicles not to exceed a speed of 30 kilometres per hour between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or between the hours specified on the sign.
In the news release, BC Highway Patrol shared some recommendations when interacting with traffic-related content online. It said to consider the source of the information, who has jurisdiction on specific traffic regulations and whether the time allotted to making the change seems reasonable.
"Traffic law announcements should come from your provincial government. A website you’ve never heard of, or “Ned from Facebook,” are not reliable sources," reads the release.
RCMP also said online content claiming sweeping and unrelated changes to laws on issues such as impaired driving and pedestrian zones should raise red flags.
"These are complicated issues," the release said.
The public is encouraged to bring their questions and concerns about updates to traffic laws to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, the BC Ministry of Transportation or their provincial counterparts.
