Our Story
Modernizing the regulatory framework for British Columbia motor dealers began in November 1997. As a result, the Automotive Retailers Association, the New Car Dealers Association and the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association created the Motor
Dealer Standards Association. Based on the success of this organization, the industry associations worked with government to create a new, independent regulatory agency. The VSA was incorporated under the
Society Act in
July 2003 as the Motor Dealer Council. The name was changed to the Vehicle Sales Authority in 2007.
The VSA is given authority to administer the
Motor Dealer Act, parts of the
Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and associated regulations through a
delegation agreement with the government of British Columbia. The agreement is supervised by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
The VSA has an eleven-member Board of Directors with six vehicle sales industry appointees, three members of the general public and two government appointees.
The VSA:
- Licenses motor vehicle dealerships, salespeople, broker agents, broker agent representatives and wholesalers
- Provides certification courses and continuing education for vehicle salespeople, broker agent representatives and wholesaler representatives
- Offers consumer information and assistance
- Investigates consumer complaints and provides dispute resolution
- Undertakes compliance action as needed
What new and used vehicles are included?
- Automobiles and light trucks
- Motorcycles and mopeds for on-road use
- Recreational vehicles and trailers for recreational purposes
