Car Sales

Many consumers believe that BC has a "lemon law" that gives them the right to a refund or replacement if their newly purchased vehicle is defective. However, the truth is that the seller is only obligated to fix the vehicle under the warranty that was sold with the vehicle. As a compromise to the "lemon law", the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) was set up to assist consumers who have problems with defective vehicles they have purchased.

CAMVAP is an arbitration program that can help you resolve disputes with an automobile manufacturer about manufacturing defects or the manufacturer's interpretation or implementation of its new vehicle warranty. CAMVAP covers most domestic and imported passenger cars, light trucks, sport utility vehicles, vans and multi-purpose passenger vehicles from the current or previous 4 model years that are purchased or leased in Canada for personal use.

For inquiries and complaints regarding new car sales that cannot be resolved by contacting the dealer or the dealer's regional or head office, contact:

Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP)


Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of BC

The Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of BC administers the Motor Dealers Act, which regulates the licensing of motor dealers, sets dealer standards and requires the disclosure of information about vehicles' histories.

The Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of BC investigates complaints relating to non-disclosure of information on rental or lease vehicles, taxis, police vehicles or racing vehicles. The registrar handles non-disclosure complaints regarding sustained damage, out-of-province registration and odometer readings.

The registrar also works with a board of directors to administer the Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund, which protects consumers in cases of dealership business failure, dishonest conduct and failure to provide clear title.

For inquiries and complaints regarding these types of issues, contact:

Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of BC

RV Sales

For inquiries and complaints regarding RV dealers, contact:

RV Dealers Association of BC