Can You Drive a Car From Another Province in British Columbia?
Yes, you can drive a car from another province in British Columbia under specific circumstances and in accordance with provincial motor vehicle legislation. The ability to operate an out-of-province vehicle in British Columbia depends on your residency status, the duration of your stay, and compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act and Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) requirements.
Temporary Visitors and Non-Residents
Temporary visitors to British Columbia can legally operate vehicles registered in other Canadian provinces or territories, provided they meet specific requirements established under provincial motor vehicle legislation:
- Valid vehicle registration from their home province or territory
- Current insurance coverage that is valid in British Columbia
- Valid driver's licence from their jurisdiction of residence
- The visit duration is less than six months in British Columbia
Visitors staying in British Columbia for up to six months are not required to register their vehicle in the province, as outlined in the Insurance for students, military personnel and tourists guidelines. Tourists can drive with their existing out-of-province insurance for up to six months, provided they have a valid out-of-province driver's licence and their vehicle is properly licensed in their home jurisdiction.
Special provisions apply for specific categories of visitors. Full-time students enrolled at a recognized British Columbia educational institution and members of the Canadian Armed Forces stationed in British Columbia for training purposes may be eligible for a non-resident exemption permit. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of arriving in British Columbia. This permit allows eligible individuals to continue using their out-of-province registration, licence, and insurance coverage for the duration of their studies or temporary assignment.
Seasonal Agricultural Workers participating in the federal Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) may drive for up to 12 months on a valid licence from their home jurisdiction, provided they hold a valid federal work permit.
New British Columbia Residents
Individuals who become permanent residents of British Columbia face different obligations under the Motor Vehicle Act and ICBC regulations. New residents must:
- Register, license and insure their out-of-province vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency
- Complete a provincial safety inspection at a British Columbia designated inspection facility before registering the vehicle
- Exchange their driver's licence for a British Columbia driver's licence within 90 days of becoming a resident
- Surrender their out-of-province licence plates to an Autoplan broker during the registration process
The 30-day grace period for vehicle registration allows new residents time to complete required inspections and documentation while maintaining legal driving privileges during the transition period. Commercial motor vehicles must be registered, licensed, and insured in British Columbia immediately upon the driver becoming a resident.