Temporary Operating Permits

Commercial passenger vehicles are licensed and regulated in British Columbia under the Passenger Transportation Act (PTA). The Passenger Transportation Board and the Registrar of Passenger Transportation are separate entities with distinct responsibilities under the PTA.

The Registrar of Passenger Transportation is responsible for verifying safety requirements and the issuance of temporary operating permits. The Passenger Transportation Act and its regulations apply to holders of both passenger transportation licences and temporary operating permits.

The issuance of temporary operating permits is in accordance with Division 5 of the Passenger Transportation Act and Part 5 of the Passenger Transportation Regulation, and is subject to full compliance with all British Columbia and Federal Statutes and Regulation.

What are the different kinds of Temporary Operating Permits?

The Registrar of Passenger Transportation may approve an application for a temporary operating permit under the following limited circumstances:

• A request for temporary substitute vehicle(s) for replacement of existing Special Authorization licensee vehicle(s) incapable of operation
• A request for a temporary operating permit for an extra provincial undertaking originating outside of British Columbia

The Passenger Transportation Board may approve an application for a temporary operating permit under the following circumstance:

• A request for additional vehicle(s) for an existing special authorization licensee

What is the process for granting a Temporary Operating Permit?

Once received by the Passenger Transportation Branch, depending on the type of application, your completed application will either be processed by the Passenger Transportation Branch or the Passenger Transportation Board.

In general, your temporary operating permit should be processed within 3 business days.  However, incomplete applications may cause delays.

The permit application fee is required at the time of application and is non-refundable.  Permit application fees are payable by Credit Card (by faxing a completed credit card remittance slip to the Passenger Transportation Branch) or by cheque or money order (payable to the Minister of Finance in Canadian funds).  Debit Card and Cash payments will also be accepted if you are dropping your application off in person at the Passenger Transportation Branch.

If granted, your permit can be faxed to your location of preference.

What are the costs for a Temporary Operating Permit?

There is a non-refundable application fee for a Temporary Operating Permit which is based on the time period and number of vehicles you are requesting permits for.

• If your permit is required for 14 days or less, the permit application fee is $25 for each vehicle.
• If your permit is required for 15 to 30 days, the permit application fee is $50 for each vehicle.
• If your permit is required for 31 to 60 days, the permit application fee is $75 for each vehicle.
• If your permit is required for 61 to 92 days, the permit application fee is $100 for each vehicle.