The Order in Council No. (272/2024 addresses several amendments and provisions related to the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act (No. 2), 2023. This order is a formal directive made under the authority of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, the Insurance (Vehicle) Act, and the Motor Vehicle Act, among others.

The order brings into force specific sections of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, which include revisions to the existing regulatory framework governing motor vehicles and insurance. The specified sections include 1(a) and (d), 5, 11, 12, 18, 31, 37, 42, 46, 48, 50, 67, 68 (a) to (c), 70, and 74. Additionally, it outlines multiple amendments to existing regulations. The Insurance (Vehicle) Regulation (B.C. Reg. 447/83) is amended by removing certain definitions, such as “courtesy car” and “U-drive,” and updating language for clarity. Changes also involve altering terminology from “owner” to “insured” in multiple sections to ensure consistency. The Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage Regulation (B.C. Reg. 4/2021) is revised to clarify definitions regarding vehicle ownership and licensing, including the treatment of unlicensed vehicles. The Enhanced Accident Benefits Regulation (B.C. Reg. 59/2021) includes amendments to the definitions of “occupant” and related provisions concerning convictions and being found guilty. Furthermore, the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation (B.C. Reg. 247/2023) is amended to require information about individuals leasing or renting electric scooters for extended periods.

In terms of specific amendments, the Insurance (Vehicle) Regulation sees key sections amended to clarify the definition of terms like “convicted,” ensuring consistency in legal language; for example, “found guilty” replaces “convicted.” Important amendments clarify liability and responsibilities concerning vehicle use without consent, particularly addressing various categories of vehicle owners, operators, and lessees. The Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage Regulation includes changes to section 6 that clarify the definition of an “unlicensed vehicle,” specifying vehicles not licensed under applicable motor vehicle acts. These amendments refine the conditions under which individuals can be held liable in vehicle accidents involving unlicensed vehicles.

The Enhanced Accident Benefits Regulation focuses on language adjustments regarding the legal implications of being found guilty of specific offenses and how they pertain to accident benefits. Lastly, the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation amendments improve data collection requirements for rental services, ensuring that lessees’ information is documented for scooters rented for a month or longer.

This Order in Council represents a comprehensive update to the regulatory framework governing motor vehicles and related insurance in British Columbia. By bringing specific sections of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act into force and amending existing regulations, the government aims to improve clarity, legal consistency, and public safety regarding vehicle operation and insurance coverage.

British Columbia (114/2024) May 23, 2024