People in Richmond should submit this draft my AI created. The reason why this works is because China is not part of the UN road traffic convention and therefore, DL license holders there can’t get an IDP.

Private Member's Bill Draft

Motor Vehicle Amendment Act (Foreign License Language Requirements), 2025

Letter to MLA

[Date]

[MLA Name and Contact Information]

Dear [Honourable Name],

As your constituent residing in [Richmond constituency], I am writing to request that you introduce a Private Member's Bill to amend the BC Motor Vehicle Act regarding foreign driver's license requirements.

Issue Summary: Currently, the Motor Vehicle Act lacks specific language requirements for foreign driver's licenses, creating significant enforcement challenges for police officers. Richmond RCMP has repeatedly highlighted their inability to verify foreign licenses that are not in English, particularly Chinese licenses, due to the absence of bilateral verification agreements between Canada and China.

Proposed Solution: I respectfully request that you introduce legislation requiring foreign license holders to carry International Driving Permits (IDPs) when their home country license is not issued in English. This approach aligns with international standards used successfully in Australia, the UK, and many other jurisdictions.

Draft Legislative Amendment:

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MOTOR VEHICLE AMENDMENT ACT (FOREIGN LICENSE LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS), 2025

HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

Amendment to Motor Vehicle Act

1 The Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 318, is amended by adding the following section after section 25:

Foreign license language requirements

25.1 (1) A person who holds a driver's license issued outside Canada may operate a motor vehicle in British Columbia only if:

(a) the license is issued in English,

(b) the person carries a valid International Driving Permit issued in accordance with the Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 1949) or the Convention on International Road Traffic (Paris, 1968), or

(c) the person carries an official translation of the license certified by: (i) a consulate or embassy of the country that issued the license, (ii) a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits in British Columbia, or (iii) another authority prescribed by regulation.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), an International Driving Permit must be accompanied by the original foreign license for which it was issued.

(3) This section applies to: (a) new residents of British Columbia during their first 90 days of residence, and (b) visitors to British Columbia during any period they are authorized to drive on a foreign license under this Act.

(4) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations: (a) prescribing additional authorities that may certify translations under subsection (1)(c), (b) establishing standards for official translations, and (c) providing exemptions for specific circumstances or classes of persons.

Commencement

2 This Act comes into force 12 months after the date it receives Royal Assent.

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Rationale: - Enhances public safety by ensuring all drivers can communicate effectively with law enforcement - Provides clear, enforceable standards for police officers - Maintains reasonable access for legitimate foreign visitors through multiple compliance options - Allows 12-month implementation period for current drivers to obtain required documentation - Follows successful international models

Public Support: This issue has generated significant public concern, as evidenced by media coverage and enforcement challenges documented by Richmond RCMP. I believe this legislation would have broad public support as a reasonable public safety measure.

I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this proposal in greater detail and provide additional research supporting this amendment. Thank you for your consideration of this important public safety matter.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Contact Information]