Can You Drive a Car From Another Province in Manitoba?
Yes, you can drive a car from another province in Manitoba under specific circumstances and in accordance with provincial motor vehicle legislation. The ability to operate an out-of-province vehicle in Manitoba depends on your residency status, the duration of your stay, and compliance with The Drivers and Vehicles Act and The Highway Traffic Act.
Temporary Visitors and Non-Residents
Temporary visitors to Manitoba can legally operate vehicles registered in other Canadian provinces or territories, provided they meet specific requirements established under provincial motor vehicle legislation:
- Valid vehicle registration from their home province or territory
- Current insurance coverage that is valid in Manitoba
- Valid driver's licence from their jurisdiction of residence
- The visit duration is less than three months in Manitoba
Visitors are not required to register their vehicle in Manitoba during temporary stays. Out-of-province visitors can drive with their existing registration and insurance for up to three months, provided their vehicle is properly registered and insured in their home jurisdiction.
Special provisions apply for full-time students from out-of-province. Students do not need to register their vehicles in Manitoba if they are currently registered and insured in another jurisdiction. However, students must obtain a student sticker after providing proof of full-time enrolment and valid vehicle registration and insurance. A payment of $2 is required for the issuance of the sticker at any MPI Service Centre.
In circumstances where temporary registration is necessary, visitors may obtain a Temporary Registration Permit. This permit authorizes operation of a vehicle for a maximum of 30 days every 12 months for personal use only, to move the vehicle into, out of, within or through Manitoba. The permit is valid only in Canada and the continental United States. Motorcycles are eligible for temporary registrations totaling 15 days each calendar year.
New Manitoba Residents
Individuals who become permanent residents of Manitoba face different obligations under The Drivers and Vehicles Act and Manitoba Public Insurance regulations. New residents must:
- Obtain Manitoba registration and insurance within three months of establishing residency for passenger car-type vehicles (including vans) or trucks with a gross weight, including load, not exceeding 3,700 kilograms
- Obtain Manitoba registration and insurance as soon as possible for all other vehicle types
- Complete a valid Certificate of Inspection from a Manitoba vehicle inspection station before registering the vehicle
- Exchange their driver's licence within three months of becoming a resident
The three-month grace period for passenger vehicles provides new residents with time to complete the required inspections and documentation, while maintaining their legal driving privileges during the transition period.