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Engine Registration Requirements

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Engines that require registration

Non-road diesel engines that power construction, industrial, commercial, and stationary machines that are not primarily used for transportation on public roads are subject to Bylaw 1329. Examples include excavators, forklifts, boom lifts, generators, skid steers, wheel loaders, compactors, air compressors, cranes, bulldozers, mowers, backhoes, pumps, welders, and articulated trucks.

Tier 0, Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 engines must be registered to operate in Metro Vancouver. Starting January 1, 2029, Tier 4 engines will also require registration.

Registration steps

If you own, operate, or hire a Tier 0, Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 engine in Metro Vancouver, you must:

  • Register the engine using the online registration system
  • Purchase a valid operating period
  • Label the machine with tier classification and the five-digit registration number

Use the calculator to confirm fees by engine tier: Non-Road Diesel Engine Tier and Fee Calculator.​

 Additional information required for registration

 

 

Engine informationEngine information<div class="ExternalClassCA9AE08BAFAF42C8A3CAB96F88E30362"><ul><li>Year of manufacture</li><li>Maximum power (horsepower or kilowatts)</li><li>Engine serial number (ESN)</li><li>Engine manufacturer and model</li><li>EPA family name (excluding Tier 0)</li><li>Whether the engine was manufactured for sale in Canada, the United States, or the European Union</li><li>Whether this is a replacement engine</li><li>Hour meter reading (for low‑use and moderate‑use operating periods)</li></ul><p>Most of this information is listed on the engine emissions label.</p> </div>
Machine informationMachine information<div class="ExternalClassC8E2E1CAA178439096FDFCE3A8560BE6"><ul><li>Vehicle identification number (VIN)</li><li>Machine type</li><li>Machine manufacturer and model</li><li>Fleet name (if applicable)</li></ul> </div>
ExceptionsExceptions<div class="ExternalClassADD263C54FE2409081282DFDBB362EE5"><p>Registration is not required for:</p><ul><li>Engines under 25 horsepower (19 kilowatts)</li><li>Machines operated as part of a farm business compliant with the BC Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act</li><li>Personal recreation vehicles (snowmobiles, ATVs, etc.)</li><li>Emergency engines including emergency generators and other stationary engines are exempt from registration and labelling but must be operated, inspected, and maintained to prevent impacts on nearby building occupants.</li></ul> </div>
Operating restrictions, periods, and feesOperating restrictions, periods, and fees<div class="ExternalClass55284A33E6664BF1B0AB70DDB8E68AA6"><p><strong>Operating restrictions</strong></p><p>Tier 0 and Tier 1 engines cannot be operated within 100 metres of sensitive receptors (i.e.: hospitals, elementary schools, daycares, or community care facilities).</p><p><strong>Operating periods</strong></p><ul><li>Daily</li><li>Monthly</li><li>Low-use annual (max. 200 hours)</li><li>Moderate-use annual (max. 500 hours)</li><li>Annual</li></ul><p><strong>Fees</strong></p><p>Use the calculator to confirm fees by engine tier: <a href="https://apps.metrovancouver.org/NRDE/tools/feeestimator.aspx" target="_blank" title="Non Road Diesel Engine Tier and Fee Calculator">Non-Road Diesel Engine Tier and Fee Calculator</a>.</p> </div>
Prohibitions and surchargesProhibitions and surcharges<div class="ExternalClassD7A5088380EF4A8B801C220452EE0ADC"><p>Previously unregistered Tier 0, Tier 1, and Tier 2 engines are now prohibited from operating in Metro Vancouver.</p><p> <strong>Options for prohibited engines</strong></p><ul><li>Replace the engine with a Tier 4 or higher emission standard</li><li>Retrofit the engine to achieve a Tier 4 or higher emission standard</li><li>Rent a compliant machine for work in the Metro Vancouver region </li><li>Pay a 300% surcharge to operate in Metro Vancouver</li></ul><p> <strong>Surcharges for prohibited engines</strong></p><p>Previously unregistered, prohibited engines may register and operate if a surcharge of 300 per cent of the registration fee is paid in addition to the regular fee.</p><p> <strong>Important upcoming surcharge dates</strong></p><p>A 300 per cent surcharge will apply to Tier 3 engines that were not registered at least 90 days before February 1, 2027.<br></p></div>
ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities<div class="ExternalClass5F5A49A0944D4499A3197585DD78AC25"><p>Machine owners and operators, developers, general contractors, municipalities, and landowners are responsible for ensuring compliance <a href="/boards/Bylaws/MVRD_Bylaw_1329_Consolidated.pdf" target="_blank" title="Non Road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation Bylaw No. 1329, 2021">Metro Vancouver’s Non Road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation Bylaw No. 1329, 2021</a>.</p></div>

 Frequently asked questions

 

 

How do I renew an engine operating period?How do I renew an engine operating period?<div class="ExternalClass5755B1BC3D1F47D2B432B2750237665C"><ol><li>Login to the <a href="https://apps.metrovancouver.org/NRDE/Security/Login.aspx" target="_blank" title="NRDE Online Registration System">NRDE Online Registration System</a><br></li><li>Select the engine that requires a renewal and click "Buy Operating Period"</li><li>Select the operating period type (e.g. Annual)</li><li>Click on the "Select Date" to select your start date</li><li>Click the button labelled “Calculate Operating Period Fee”</li><li>Click the button labelled “Add to Cart”</li><li>Click the button labelled “Proceed to Checkout”</li><li>Select your payment method (Credit Card or Cheque)</li></ol></div>
What are the penalties for non-compliance?What are the penalties for non-compliance?<div class="ExternalClass360D52FC980B4A15AAA14EBE4F67396B"><p>Failure to comply with the regulation is a contravention and may result in:</p><ul><li>Notice of Bylaw Violation ($500 max)</li><li>Municipal Ticket Information ($3​,000 max)</li><li>Fines if convicted of an offence in court ($200,000 max)</li></ul></div>
What happens if I cancel my operating period?What happens if I cancel my operating period?<div class="ExternalClass1836DF5B07464FD5ACC31C50C675AA73"><p>A refund of the unused portion, less a $15 administration fee, will be issued to the registrant. The registrant can then select a new operating period and pay the applicable fees for the new operating period.</p><p>Note: There are no refunds for the annual low-use or moderate-use operating period options.</p> </div>
How do I label my machine? How do I label my machine? <div class="ExternalClassB5FB74F581E0453FB9C05D9911E28289"><p>You are required to label the opposite sides of your machine with both a tier label and registration number label. If you need to operate before receiving the Metro Vancouver issued labels, you can paint or otherwise permanently affix your own labels.</p><p>The registration number is unique for each machine you register, which can be found when logged in to your account on the online <a href="https://apps.metrovancouver.org/NRDE/Security/Login.aspx" target="_blank">Registration System</a>.</p><p>The following are requirements for labeling using either the labels provided or your own labels:</p><ul><li>Painted on or otherwise permanently affixed on both sides of the exterior of the machine</li><li>In black characters at least 15 cm tall and 10 cm wide on a yellow or white background</li><li>Located at least 1.5 m high or as high as possible on smaller machines</li><li>Visible and legible at all times during operation</li></ul><p>Your labels will be mailed to you after you register your non-road diesel engine.</p> </div>
Can I reduce or eliminate fees? Can I reduce or eliminate fees? <div class="ExternalClassF080DE3E4130437FBCED1620DE69533F"><p>Fees can be reduced proportionately by reducing diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions. In addition, 80 per cent of fees paid over the previous five years will be refunded if an engine is permanently retired from use in Metro Vancouver.</p><p>Further information on how to reduce emissions can be found on the <a href="/services/environmental-regulation-enforcement/air-quality-regulatory-program/reduce-fees-and-get-money-back" target="_blank">Reduce fees and get money back page</a>.</p></div>
What does Metro Vancouver do with the fees collected for this program?What does Metro Vancouver do with the fees collected for this program?<div class="ExternalClass48BB25FBC83C40EFB3A61D3F4D46701B"><p>Fees support the operation of the non-road diesel regulatory program. A portion of the fees is being held in reserve to pay for fee rebates when registrants retire their engines. Eighty per cent of fees paid over the previous five years will be refunded if an engine is permanently retired from use in Metro Vancouver.</p></div>
How do I file a complaint?How do I file a complaint?<div class="ExternalClassE8C0E1B2C9EA41F0904937FF67C86A05"><p>If you have a specific concern about the emissions from a non-road diesel engine or wish to file a complaint, contact Metro Vancouver’s 24-hour Air Quality Complaints and Inquiries Line (604-436-6777) or fill out the <a href="/services/environmental-regulation-enforcement/air-quality-regulatory-program/make-an-air-quality-complaint" target="_blank">Air Quality Complaint Form</a>.</p></div>

 

 

Non-Road Diesel Emissions Bylaw 2023Non-Road Diesel Emissions Bylaw 2023805269015

 Related links

 

 

Bylaw 1329https://metrovancouver.org/boards/Bylaws/MVRD_Bylaw_1329_Consolidated.pdf, Bylaw 1329Bylaw 1329
Bylaw Summary Cardhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/Documents/non-road-diesel-engine-bylaw-summary.pdf, Bylaw Summary CardBylaw Summary Card
NRDE Program Brochure https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/Documents/non-road-diesel-engine-emission-regulation-guide-brochure.pdf, NRDE Program Brochure NRDE Program Brochure
Example NRDE Fees by Tierhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/Documents/non-road-diesel-engine-bylaw-1329-fee-example.pdf, Example NRDE Fees by TierExample NRDE Fees by Tier
Engine Tier and Fee Calculatorhttps://apps.metrovancouver.org/NRDE/tools/feeestimator.aspx, Engine Tier and Fee CalculatorEngine Tier and Fee Calculator
Find Registered Engineshttps://apps.metrovancouver.org/NRDE/tools/enginelookup.aspx, Find Registered EnginesFind Registered Engines

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