Recreational Vehicles & Towing Trailers
Last updated on April 17, 2024
British Columbians enjoy recreational activities throughout the year. Whether heading out camping, taking a trip in your recreational vehicle, or hauling your boat, bike, off-road vehicles, snowmobile or utility trailer, these tips will help you get you where you are going safely.
- Provincial Rest Areas
Taking a driving break? Look for rest areas that can accommodate large vehicles with pull through parking and plenty of space. - Find out winter tire and chain requirements for your recreational vehicle in the winter
- Find out about recreation opportunities in B.C.
- Buy, renew or cancel your insurance. Your recreation vehicle or trailer must be registered and insured as you would any other vehicle. Talk to your insurance broker.
Resources for Safe Towing
If you tow a load that is too heavy for your vehicle, you create a potential safety risk for yourself and others on the road.
Motor Vehicle Act Regulations in B.C. prohibit the operation of vehicles that are unsafe or improperly loaded and exceed either the Gross Axle Rating (GAWR) or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). These regulations apply to recreational towing, utility towing and boat towing.
- Trailer Towing FAQ (PDF - May 2008)
Information about licensing, commercial vs utility trailer plates, brake/equipment requirements and weight limits. - Recreational Vehicle Towing in British Columbia Fact Sheet (PDF - May 2007)
Safety rules for RV towing including licensing, brake requirements, and maximum allowed dimensions. - ICBC – Licensing for towing a recreational vehicle
Going on a road trip? If you're towing a recreational trailer, you might have to upgrade your licence. It depends on your trailer's fully-loaded weight and whether the trailer or truck pulling it has air brakes. - ICBC – Towing a recreational trailer - What you need to know
​Learn how to prepare for your trip towing a recreational trailer (licensing requirements, trailer and vehicle requirements, pre-trip inspection, driving an RV combination, trailer safety and recognizing road signs, signals and markings).
Off-Road Vehicles on Roads
Off-road vehicles like all-terrain vehicles, dirt-bikes, side-by-sides and snowmobiles that are used or operated on highways must comply with the Motor Vehicle Act.
Transporting Gasoline and Propane Tanks
Boating in B.C. is regulated by Transport Canada.