Passenger Transportation Compliance & Enforcement

Avoid penalties and violation tickets. Follow laws, regulations and rules to keep up-to-date on passenger transportation licensing requirements.

Passenger Transportation Enforcement Officers (PTEOs) are B.C. Peace Officers who work for the Commercial Vehicle Safety & Enforcement Branch. PTEOs specialize in ensuring the commercial passenger transportation industry is in compliance with the Passenger Transportation Act and Regulation.

PTEOs perform the following activities

• conduct roadside enforcement, inspections, and audits
• investigate complaints against licensed and unlicensed operators
• issue notice and order forms, violation tickets, administrative penalties, and cease and desist letters
• ensure licensed operators are in compliance with their Terms and Conditions of Licence

Other enforcement bodies in B.C. are also able to enforce the Passenger Transportation Act and Regulation. 

Industry Legislation and Information

• The Passenger Transportation Act and the Passenger Transportation Regulation govern the operation of commercial passenger vehicles in B.C.
• The Motor Vehicle Act and the Motor Vehicle Regulations govern the operation of motor vehicles.
• The Taxi Bill of Rights outlines the rights of taxi drivers and passengers in Metro Vancouver and is similar to the Voluntary Taxi Bill of Rights that taxi companies have adopted in some other communities.

Audits

A passenger transportation audit evaluates how you are meeting your licence requirements. Once the audit is complete you will receive the audit findings and, if necessary, an action plan.

Offences & Penalties

The Registrar of Passenger Transportation can impose penalties against the holder of a passenger transportation licence and also unlicensed operators. Licensees must maintain oversight of the operation of their commercial passenger vehicles.

Care & Control of Passenger Transportation Licences

Administrative Penalties

Certain offences are subject to administrative penalties. Repeat offences can result in escalating penalties. Legislative changes that came into effect September 16, 2019 are not yet reflected in the links below.

• Learn what offences are subject to administrative penalties
• See the enforcement actions

Ticketable Offences

Ticketable offences are subject to administrative penalties and violation tickets. Operators that are repeatedly issued violation tickets will face escalating penalties. Legislative changes that came into effect September 16, 2019 are not yet reflected in the links below.

• Learn what offences are subject to administrative penalties and are ticketable (PDF)
• Learn about enforcement actions for ticketable offences (PDF)

Appeal Process

Licensees may appeal an administrative penalty not more than 30 days after receiving notice from the Registrar of Passenger Transportation. Appeals are forwarded to the Passenger Transportation Board.

• Appeal Process Overview (PDF)
• Appeal Procedures Handbook (PDF)

Use these forms to:

• File an administrative penalty Notice of Appeal (PDF)
• Request to Suspend Administrative Penalties (PDF)

For more information visit Appeals of Administrative Penalties.