Victoria, British Columbia — British Columbia’s Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) recently announced a significant update to the Lien on Impounded Motor Vehicle Regulation, or Lien Regulation, in collaboration with RoadSafetyBC, to update and include new services to provide relief to impound lot operators (ILOs).
Effective March 4, 2024, impound lot operators (ILOs) in British Columbia may bill for standby, recovery, loading and securing, clean up and additional services (in lieu of dollies) required.
According to the ARA’s notice, vehicles impounded on or after March 4, 2024, are eligible for the additional service charges. Vehicles impounded before March 4, 2024, must be calculated using the lien rates in effect when the vehicle was impounded. These rates do not include standby, recovery, loading and securing, clean up or additional services (in lieu of dollies) required.
Services added to the Lien Regulation align with the results of the rates survey conducted in Fall 2023, said ARA, which also clarified that a printable web form invoice is available on the RoadSafetyBC ILO webpage. Paper copies of the Vehicle Impoundment Invoice booklets (MV2714) have been discontinued due to low interest.
There may be a delay to the Lien Regulation update on the BC Laws website; ARA advises to refer to RoadSafetyBC website for up-to-date rate information.
“We are proud to share that this development is a culmination of our years-long partnership with RoadSafetyBC, working to implement much-needed improvements to the program,” wrote the ARA. “Our close collaboration with the Government of British Columbia, specifically the Hon. Minister Farnworth, has played a pivotal role in achieving these advancements.
“In our ongoing mission to drive positive change, we are committed to pushing our industry forward, ensuring that advancements like these not only benefit our members but contribute to the overall growth and development of the automotive sector.”
The ARA also said that, in terms of ILO relief work, “work on the broader scale of rate analysis continues.”
Click here to learn more and see clear definitions of service category descriptions eligible for additional charges.
Questions and feedback can be directed to the ILO Program at RSBCimpoundment@gov.bc.ca, or call 236-455-1932 within the Lower Mainland (toll free: 844-455-1932) during business hours.
