Neighbourhood zero-emission vehicles
Last updated on July 20, 2026Neighbourhood zero-emission vehicles are lower-powered electric motor vehicles similar to neighbourhood golf carts. These vehicles are legal for highway operation in B.C., but only on a highway or class of highway with a speed limit of 40 km/h or less.
Rules for operating a neighbourhood zero-emission vehicle are set out in Division 24 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations and are similar to those for other motor vehicles, meaning registration, licensing and insurance are required. Drivers are required to follow all the rules for operating these devices. Municipalities do not need authorization from the Province for neighbourhood zero-emission vehicles to be operated in their community.
A neighbourhood zero-emission vehicle must meet the following requirements:
- Travel on 4 wheels
- Be powered by an electric motor that is designed to allow the vehicle to attain a speed of 32 km/h but not more than 40 km/h in a distance of 1.6 km on a paved level surface
- Meet applicable Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) standards for low-speed vehicles
- Be registered and insured by ICBC
Municipalities may pass bylaws authorizing neighbourhood zero-emission vehicle use on a highway or class of highway that has a speed limit of over 40 km/h but no more than 50 km/h.
For questions about any rules in your community:
For questions regarding registration and licensing of a neighbourhood zero-emission vehicle:
Neighbourhood golf carts
In 2016, amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations were made enabling neighbourhood golf carts to operate on roads in the Village of Chase as part of a limited pilot project. The municipality enacted a bylaw enabling the use of neighbourhood golf carts and installed road signs.
Neighbourhood golf carts must meet certain operating and vehicle requirements. Enabling provincial regulations are required for them to be operated on highways in a community.
The Village of Chase is the only participant in the project and we are not inviting applications for communities to be added to the regulation.
For more information about using golf carts in the Village of Chase:
- Telephone: 250-387-3198