B.C. Reg. 64/2026, the Firearm Violence Prevention General Regulation made under sections 79, 80, 81 and 85 of the Firearm Violence Prevention Act, provides the detailed rules, exemptions and enforcement mechanisms needed to implement the Act. It establishes requirements for transporting and storing firearms while also recognizing circumstances in which certain activities, officials and occupations require exemptions.

The regulation defines key terms and prescribing devices and circumstances covered by the Act. Designated motorized devices, as well as certain sleighs and wagons, are treated as vehicles. For low-velocity firearms and imitation firearms transported in vehicles or boats, the regulation generally requires them to be secured inside a locked trunk or compartment. Where no suitable locked compartment exists, a locked opaque container must be used. The regulation also establishes identification requirements for minors relying on the Act’s exemption concerning credible false identification.

A major component of the regulation is its treatment of federal jurisdiction. Federal employees, Canadian Forces personnel, firearms officials and certain other federal officials are exempt from specified provincial requirements when acting lawfully within their federal duties. Similar exemptions apply to eligible business employees and non-residents where federal exemptions permit their activities.

The regulation also accommodates agricultural and veterinary activities. Game farmers, livestock farmers and veterinarians may receive exemptions when using non-restricted or low-velocity firearms for authorized purposes such as euthanizing, immobilizing, medicating, sedating or vaccinating animals.

Transportation-related exemptions cover commercial passenger vehicles, ferries and federally regulated boats. Operators and owners generally are not considered to have contravened specified provisions merely because passengers possess or handle firearms in violation of the Act. This prevents transportation providers from being automatically responsible for a passenger’s conduct.

The regulation establishes further exemptions for artistic productions, including film, photography and similar activities, provided advance written notice is given to the local police service. Paintball, airsoft, laser tag and similar recreational activities also receive exemptions under defined safety conditions. Minors participating in these activities may be exempt from certain restrictions.

Part 8 identifies “permitted devices,” including starter pistols, wildlife-scaring devices, captive bolt devices, flare guns, line throwers and certain construction tools. Their users are exempt from specified provisions when the devices are used exclusively for their intended purposes. Toy guns designed for children 13 or younger and certain cadet training activities are also addressed.

British Columbia (64/2026) August 19, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.