Railway regulations
The Canadian rail system includes both federal and provincial railways. Railways that cross provincial boundaries are governed by federal legislation, while railways that operate strictly within the boundaries of the province are governed by provincial legislation.
The Railway Act provides authority for the establishment and statutory governance of railways operating solely within the province of British Columbia and falling under provincial jurisdiction, including common carrier, industrial, heritage, and commuter railways.
The Railway Safety Act (British Columbia) provides authority for British Columbia to adopt the technical regulations, rules, and standards of the Railway Safety Act (Canada). With the Railway Safety Adopted Provisions Regulation, British Columbia’s rail safety legislation is harmonized with federal legislation.
New grade crossing regulations
BC’s regulatory framework for railways has changed to adopt the same Grade Crossing Regulations and Standards that are in place federally. This means that road authorities and railways responsible for level grade crossings may need to perform upgrades to enhance public safety. Learn more.
Acts
- Railway Act (British Columbia)
- Railway Safety Act (British Columbia)
- Railway Safety Act (Canada) | Adopted Provisions
- Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act | Adopted Provisions
- Canada Transportation Act | Adopted Provisions
Regulations
- Administration Delegation Regulation (British Columbia)
- Railway Safety Adopted Provisions Regulation (British Columbia)
- Ammonium Nitrate Storage Facilities Regulations
- Anhydrous Ammonia Bulk Storage Regulations
- Chlorine Tank Car Unloading Facilities Regulations
- Flammable Liquids Bulk Storage Regulations
- Grade Crossings Regulations | Adopted Provisions
- Handling of Carloads of Explosives on Railway Trackage Regulations
- Liquefied Petroleum Gases Bulk Storage Regulations
- Mining Near Lines of Railways Regulations
- Notice of Railway Works Regulations
- Prevention and Control of Fires on Lines Works Regulations
- Railway Employee Qualification Standards Regulations
- Railway Prevention of Electric Sparks Regulations
- Railway Safety Appliance Standards Regulations
- Railway Safety Management System Regulations | Adopted Provisions
- Service Equipment Cars Regulations
- Transportation Safety Board Regulations | Adopted Provisions
- Wire Crossings and Proximities Regulations
Rules
- Canadian Rail Operating Rules
- Duty and Rest Period Rules for Railway Operating Employees
- Railway Freight and Passenger Train Brake Inspection and Safety Rules
- Railway Freight Car Inspection & Safety Rules
- Railway Locomotive Inspection & Safety Rules
- Railway Medical Rules for Positions Critical to Safe Railway Operations
- Railway Passenger Car Inspection & Safety Rules
- Railway Passenger Handling Safety Rules
- Railway Rules Governing Safety Critical Positions
- Rules for the Installation, Inspection & Testing of Air Reservoirs (Other than on Locomotives)
- Rules Respecting Track Safety
- Work/Rest Rules for Rail Operating Employees
Engineering standards
- Grade Crossings Standards
- Railway Signal & Traffic Control Systems Standards
- Standard Respecting Railway Clearance
- Standards Respecting Pipeline Crossings Under Railways
- Transport Canada Standard For LED Signal Modules at Highway/Railway Grade Crossings