The rapid adoption of telematics and video surveillance in commercial vehicles is transforming how employers manage their fleets and employee use of vehicles. However, as recent Canadian court decisions and guidance highlight, the deployment of these technologies must be carefully balanced against employee privacy rights, particularly in highly regulated jurisdictions such as Québec. Employers can take inspiration from these decisions to consider some privacy-forward approaches to using these technologies.

Quick Hits

• Fleet telematics and video surveillance are now common across commercial vehicle operations, especially in safety-sensitive industries.
• Regulators across Canada, particularly in Québec, are emphasizing the need to justify driver-facing camera surveillance with real, demonstrable risks.
• A recent Québec decision offers a clear framework to assess the legality and reasonableness of driver-facing monitoring.

Telematics, referring to the integrated use of telecommunications and informatics, including GPS tracking, vehicle diagnostics, and real-time data collection, enables employers to monitor vehicle location, driver behaviour, and operational efficiency. Increasingly, these systems are paired with video surveillance, via a dashcam (generally a camera that can be road-facing, driver-facing or both), to enhance safety, protect assets, and support compliance.

The Rise of Telematics and Video Surveillance in Fleet Vehicles

Telematics systems, which combine GPS...

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