Is Vehicle Registration the Same as a Vehicle Permit in British Columbia?
Vehicle registration and vehicle permits serve different purposes under British Columbia's motor vehicle legislation. While both are vehicle documents issued by the Government of British Columbia through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), they have distinct legal definitions, requirements, and applications under the Motor Vehicle Act and its associated regulations.
Legal Definitions Under British Columbia Law
Vehicle Registration Certificate
Under Section 3 of the Motor Vehicle Act, vehicle registration refers to the formal process of recording a motor vehicle with ICBC. When you complete vehicle registration, ICBC issues a certificate of registration to the owner. This certificate serves as the official record of your vehicle and identifies you as its owner.
A Vehicle Registration Certificate (certificate of registration) contains the following information:
- Name and address of the registered owner
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Description of the motor vehicle or trailer
- Registration information
- If the vehicle is leased, the lessor and lessee information
The Motor Vehicle Act requires vehicle owners to register their motor vehicle or trailer with ICBC before it is used or operated on a highway, obtain a licence for its operation, and obtain an owner's certificate under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act.
Vehicle Permits
In British Columbia's regulatory framework, "permit" can refer to temporary operating permits issued for specific purposes. Under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, temporary operating permits authorize the operation of vehicles that do not meet standard registration requirements or are being moved for specific short-term purposes.
Regulatory Framework and Issuing Agencies
Primary Legislation
- Motor Vehicle Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 318
- Motor Vehicle Act Regulations
- Insurance (Vehicle) Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 231
- Insurance (Vehicle) Regulation, BC Reg 447/83
Administering Authority
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), a provincial Crown corporation, administers both vehicle registration and permit issuance. Services are delivered through Autoplan brokers throughout the province.
Key Differences Between Registration and Permits
Purpose and Duration
Vehicle Registration:
- Provides permanent legal authorization for highway operation
- Valid for one year for most motor vehicles
- Required for all motor vehicles and trailers operated on public highways
- Must be renewed annually with payment of prescribed fees and insurance premiums
Vehicle Permits:
- Provides temporary authorization for specific circumstances
- Valid for maximum of 15 days for most permit types
- Addresses exceptional situations not covered by standard registration
Types of Vehicle Permits
Temporary Operating Permits Available through Autoplan brokers, temporary operating permits authorize the short-term operation of vehicles for specific purposes:
- Moving unregistered vehicles from one location to another in British Columbia
- Test driving vehicles for sale
- Operating newly purchased vehicles before completing full registration
- Valid for maximum period of 15 days
- Fees: minimum $12 for passenger vehicles (greater of $4/day or $12)
- Permits cannot be issued for periods exceeding 15 days
Special Authorization Permits Under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, ICBC may issue special permits for:
- Commercial passenger vehicle operators requiring additional fleet vehicles
- Temporary Operating Permits (TOP) for taxi, limousine, and shuttle operators
- Valid for up to 92 days depending on permit type and circumstances
- Different fee structures based on vehicle class and purpose
Operation Permits Special permits may be required for:
- Non-conforming vehicles such as golf carts and industrial utility vehicles
- Vehicles restricted under Section 3.1 of the Motor Vehicle Act
- Issued by local police or RCMP detachments