Who it covers
Non-road diesel engines of 25 hp or more used in Metro Vancouver, which includes most excavators above mini size. Minis with engines under 25 hp are outside it.
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Bylaw 1329 explained
Older Excavators and Metro Vancouver's Diesel Rules
Own an older diesel excavator in Metro Vancouver? This rule affects what it costs to keep and what it's worth.
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- Which engines must register
- Why older tiers cost more every year
- Your options when it stops adding up
The short version
What Bylaw 1329 does
- Covers non-road diesel engines of 25 hp and up.
- Examples: excavators, loaders, forklifts, generators.
- Where: inside the Metro Vancouver region.
- Tiers: Tier 0 is oldest, Tier 4 newest.
Registration by tier
Tier 0: since 2012Tier 1: since 2014Tier 2: since 2023Tier 3: now requiredTier 4: from 2029
Fees are per horsepower. Tier 0 and 1 rates rise every year to 2029. Unregistered Tier 0 and 1 engines have been banned since January 31, 2020.
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Your options
When an older machine stops adding up
- Replace the engine with Tier 2 or newer.
- Retrofit an approved emission device.
- Rent a compliant machine instead.
- Or sell it. We buy registered or not.
- Ask about a refund: retired engines may get part of past fees back.
Sources: Metro Vancouver engine registration, prohibitions and surcharges, Bylaw 1329 guide. Check with Metro Vancouver for your engine. Not legal advice.
Bylaw details
Bylaw 1329 and selling an older excavator
A plain look at how the rules affect older machines.
Registration
Covered engines need to be registered with Metro Vancouver. Fees depend on the engine's emissions tier and use. The engine's tier is on its emissions label or in the engine's paperwork.
2027 limits
Unregistered Tier 3 engines face restrictions from February 1, 2027. That's why many owners are selling older machines now. Registered machines and newer tiers aren't affected the same way.
Outside the region
Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission are outside Metro Vancouver, so machines working there aren't covered. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are inside the region.
Refunds
Metro Vancouver may refund part of past fees when an engine is retired. Check with them before you sell. Metro Vancouver can confirm what applies to your engine.
Selling is still fine
The bylaw controls use in the region, not ownership. Older machines can still be sold. That's why older machines often sell outside the region, or for parts and scrap.
Farm use
Machines used only for farming are exempt from the bylaw. Farm machines used for construction or landscaping work aren't exempt, so tell us how yours was used.
Finding your tier
The engine's emissions label, the engine serial or the dealer can tell you the tier. Metro Vancouver can confirm the tier for a registered engine.
Selling outside the region
An older machine that can't work in Metro Vancouver can still work elsewhere, which is part of why it still has value. That's why many older machines from inside the region end up working in other parts of BC.
Questions
Diesel bylaw questions
Does the bylaw apply to my mini excavator?
It covers non-road diesel engines of 25 horsepower and up. Many minis have engines below that and fall outside it. Check the engine data plate or Metro Vancouver's tier calculator.
Does it apply in Abbotsford or Chilliwack?
No. The bylaw is Metro Vancouver's and covers the Metro Vancouver region. Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission are in the Fraser Valley Regional District.
Can I still sell an unregistered older machine?
Yes. The bylaw controls operating the engine in the region, not owning or selling it. We buy older machines whether or not they were ever registered.
Can I get any of my fees back if I sell?
Metro Vancouver says engines permanently retired from use in the region may qualify for a refund of part of the fees paid over recent years. Contact their non-road diesel team to ask about yours.
How do I find my engine's tier?
Tier depends on the engine's year of manufacture and horsepower. The engine data plate has both, and Metro Vancouver has an online tier and fee calculator.
Does the bylaw apply to farm machines?
No. Machines used only for farming are exempt.