Foreign nationals can use their drivers’ licences in B.C. but their motoring experience will go more smoothly if they take some precautionary steps, such as acquiring an International Driving Permit.
The RCMP confirmed Thursday, after discussions with ICBC, that non-Canadian licences now are acceptable — as long as Motor Vehicle Act regulations are followed.
There had been problems because police in Richmond were fining motorists with Chinese drivers’ licences $276 and towing their vehicles. The RCMP said they were unable to verify the validity of the licences or tell whether licence holders had been charged with driving offences in China.
ICBC’s position was that the foreign licences are valid for up to six months for Chinese citizens visiting Canada. If those citizens had established residency in Canada, ICBC considered the licence valid for 90 days.
The RCMP has changed its policy province-wide after the Richmond controversy by working with ICBC on the expertise and tools needed to verify licences at roadside.
Cpl. Robert McDonald, of the RCMP’s E Division traffic services, said there had been instances of counterfeit licences, so officers were necessarily wary of documents that were not in English.
“You have no idea what it is,” said McDonald of some foreign-language documents. “It could be a school ID card.”
Now, officers’ computers will have PDFs of licences that will make it easier to recognize that documents are authentic.
And there is a quicker solution.
“We suggest people get the International Driving Permit,” said McDonald.
Because China is not a signatory to the IDP protocol, drivers with Chinese licences are advised to obtain an approved, accredited translation of their document.
Full-time students from outside B.C. can use their licences in the province for as long as they are attending an accredited educational institution in the province. The full list of accredited institutions can be found in Section 21 of the Motor Vehicle Act.
Students should also carry their B.C. student identification cards and a copy of their Canadian Study Permit, along with proof of registration in an accredited institution.
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