If you’re looking to use our highways beyond the regular to and from home or road trips, you may have to look at getting a permit.
- Do you want to film a movie on a BC highway?
- Do you want to carry a HUGE load on your truck?
- Do you need to move some cattle?
To be able to do these things (and a few others), you’ll need to apply for a permit.
Commercial Vehicle Permits
A commercial vehicle permit is required for a vehicle and/or load in the following situations:
- To operate a vehicle and/or load on a provincial road or highway where the size or weights exceed legal requirements
- A non-resident commercial vehicle needing to operate in BC for a single trip
- A non-resident commercial vehicle travelling into or through BC that is required to pay a fuel tax
The Commercial Vehicle Permits Online site will allow you to apply for these permits. You can also contact the Provincial Permit Centre, which provides permit information for any of the following permits:
- Non-resident commercial vehicle permits
- Term oversize and overweight permits
- Single trip oversize and overweight permits
- Motor fuel tax permits
- Highway crossing permits
- Extra-provincial temporary operating permits
Provincial Highway Permits
A highway use permit is needed to do the following on or along a provincial highway right-of-way:
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure manages provincial highways and, through Section 52 of the Transportation Act, has authority to make decisions about what kinds of activities may take place on highway right-of-ways.
The highway right-of-way includes the travelled portion of the road, the shoulder area, highway bridges and structures and controlled areas (the area within a radius of 800 metres from the intersection of a controlled access highway with any other highway). Read the Highway Permits & Approvals Manual (PDF, 1.6MB)
Filming and Special Events
Sometimes, film makers and special event organizers want to stage their events on our highway. and we accept permit applications for events and development on or near provincial highway routes and facilities. We want those projects to run as smoothly as possible so we have permits available for those:
- Filming on provincial highways – How to apply for filming on provincial highways, roads and lands.
- Staging special events on provincial highways – How to apply to stage special events such as parades, marathons, cycling, walks/runs, car shows and charity activities on provincial highways, roads and lands.
Planning a Cattle Drive
Farmers occasionally organize cattle drives to move livestock from one location to another. In the process of moving cattle, it’s sometimes necessary to cross a provincial highway. One of the things to consider is how much traffic there typically is on the highway you are crossing.
- Cattle drives on provincial highways – How to apply to move livestock that crosses a provincial highway.
If you have any questions, contact your local district office. They will provide you with answers and help you through the process, whether it’s a TV show, a movie, a big load, a new construction project or a cattle drive. Safe travels!
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