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VSA Industry Bulletin
September 3, 2025

VSA Bulletin: Clarifying What the Transaction Levy Applies To

Dear Licensees,

Effective April 1, 2026, the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC (VSA) will implement a fixed $10 Transaction Levy for each consumer transaction involving a motor vehicle, as defined under the Motor Dealer Act.

This bulletin provides important clarification on what the levy applies to, what it does not, and how the funds will be used.

This bulletin is intended to convey general information. It does not constitute legal advice and must not be treated or relied on as such. If you require legal advice with respect to the content of this bulletin we encourage you to speak with a lawyer.

What the Transaction Levy Applies To

The Transaction Levy applies only to consumer transactions involving a โ€œmotor vehicleโ€ as defined in the Motor Dealer Act. For clarity, the definition of โ€œmotor vehicleโ€ is:

โ€œA self-propelled vehicle designed or used primarily for travel on a highway as defined in the Transportation Act, and includes a trailer, as defined in the Motor Vehicle Act, designed or used primarily for accommodation during travel or recreation, but does not include:

  • (a) an all terrain vehicle, as defined in section 1 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations,
  • (b) a farm tractor, motor assisted cycle or designated motorized device, as those terms are defined in the Motor Vehicle Act,
  • (c) machinery primarily intended for construction, mining or logging purposes, or
  • (d) a vehicle exempted by the regulations.โ€

This means the Transaction Levy does not apply to the sale of off-road motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, lawnmowers, or other unregulated vehicles.

What the Transaction Levy Revenue Will Be Used For

Revenue from the VSA’s Transaction Levy will support the VSA’s mandate in four key areas:

  • Develop and enhance consumer programs,
  • Develop and enhance industry programs,
  • Develop and enhance investigations of unlicensed activities. This supports consumer protection from unscrupulous actors, and
  • General operational needs such as AI adoption, cybersecurity, IT automation of services, communications and awareness programs, responding to Government initiatives, and increasing capacity to manage increasing workloads and complexity of complaints.

Transaction Levy Webpage

The VSA is developing a webpage to explain the transaction levy in greater detail, including how the funds will be used. Once finalized, it will be shared with the industry and made available for consumers to help them better understand the levy.

Terminology Update

Please note that moving forward, this charge will be referred to as the Transaction Levy, not the Transaction Fee.

If you have any questions about the Transaction Levy, please reach out to the VSAโ€™s Licensing department:

Email: Licensing@vsabc.ca
Phone: 604-575-7256
Toll-free: 1-877-400-3529