Recreational Vehicles & Towing Trailers

British Columbians enjoy recreational activities throughout the year. Whether heading out camping, taking a trip in your recreational vehicle, or hauling your boat, bike, off-road vehicles, snowmobile or utility trailer, these tips will help you get you where you are going safely.

• Provincial Rest Areas
  Taking a driving break? Look for rest areas that can accommodate large vehicles with pull through parking and plenty of space.
• Find out winter tire and chain requirements for your recreational vehicle in the winter
• Find out about recreation opportunities in B.C.
• Buy, renew or cancel your insurance. Your recreation vehicle or trailer must be registered and insured as you would any other vehicle. Talk to your insurance broker.

Resources for Safe Towing

If you tow a load that is too heavy for your vehicle, you create a potential safety risk for yourself and others on the road.

Motor Vehicle Act Regulations in B.C. prohibit the operation of vehicles that are unsafe or improperly loaded and exceed either the Gross Axle Rating (GAWR) or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). These regulations apply to recreational towing, utility towing and boat towing.

• Recreational Vehicle Towing in British Columbia Fact Sheet (PDF - May 2022)
• Safety rules for RV towing including licensing, brake requirements, and maximum allowed dimensions.
• ICBC – Licensing for towing a recreational vehicle 
  Going on a road trip? If you're towing a recreational trailer, you might have to upgrade your licence. It depends on your trailer's fully-loaded weight and whether the trailer or truck pulling it has air brakes.
• ICBC – Towing a recreational trailer - What you need to know
  ​Learn how to prepare for your trip towing a recreational trailer (licensing requirements, trailer and vehicle requirements, pre-trip inspection, driving an RV combination, trailer safety and recognizing road signs, signals and markings).

Off-Road Vehicles on Roads