Following two summers marked by a surge in highway fatalities, the B.C. government announced on August 29, 2024 that it is taking action to make roads safer and place higher penalties on those who drive dangerously.
Effective Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, drivers engaging in reckless driving behaviour such as impaired driving, excessive speeding, street racing or driving without a licence will face significantly higher fees for the towing and storage of their impounded vehicles.
The Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) said it is pleased with these significant updates to the Impound Lot Operators (ILO) program. The new rates, alongside a revamped rate-setting methodology and other crucial administrative changes, mark a major milestone for ILOs—a development the ARA has actively pursued on behalf of the industry and its members over the past several years.
The journey to these changes has been extensive, with roots stretching back over a decade. The ARA has consistently advocated for more fair and equitable rates for the program, culminating in the recent announcement from RSBC.
“Too many lives have been lost due to reckless and dangerous driving, particularly this summer,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “We’re making it clear that if you endanger others on our roads, you will face serious consequences, both criminally and financially.”
The adjustments include a flat-rate towing fee increase of 38% to $110, and a storage fee increase of up to 96%, up to $40 per day. These increased fees send a strong message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated on B.C.’s roads.
Changes to vehicle impoundment rates:
- Flat towing rate is rising from $79.78 to $110.
- Per-kilometre towing rate is rising from $2.41 to $3.32.
- Storage Zone 1 rate is rising from $23.98 to $40.
- Storage Zone 2 rate is rising from $22.89 to $38.18.
- Storage Zone 3 rate is rising from $20.71 to $38.18.
- Storage Zone 4 rate is rising from $16.35 to $32.
- Dolly fee is rising from $35 to $40.
- Standby, recovery, cleanup, additional services, loading and securing fee is rising from $75.58 to $110.
Read the full announcement from the B.C. Government here.
Read the ARA’s response to the announcement here.