Public health regulations and fines

Smoking in public spaces

In our Health By-law (No. 9535) the definition of "smoking" now includes all forms of e-smoking. This means that electronic smoking is not allowed in any place where regular smoking is already prohibited in public spaces such as restaurants or retail stores and within six meters of a building entrance. There is no exemption for e-smoking clubs or vapour lounges.

The business operator is responsible for ensuring employees or patrons don’t break the by-law, and there are no restrictions on smoking in your own residence (including private balconies) in apartment buildings. Stratas or building managers can make and enforce their own "no smoking" rules.

To protect the health and safety of all Vancouver residents—and ensure that everyone enjoys our public spaces—the City, Park Board, and Police enforce by-law violations such as:

Fighting
Jaywalking
Riding on a sidewalk
Riding without a helmet
Smoking in a public place
Spitting
Urinating in a public place

City inspectors, park rangers, and police officers may issue a ticket, depending on the offense circumstances. Penalties range from a fine to court prosecution.

Pay or dispute your ticket

There are two different types of tickets issued for these by-law violations. The steps you follow to pay or dispute your ticket depends on the type of ticket you received.

Does the top of your ticket say…

"Notice of By-law Violation"? Learn how to dispute or pay this type of ticket
"Municipal Ticket Information"? Learn how to dispute or pay this type of ticket

Notice of by-law violation

How to pay your ticket
Ticket numbers start with PC or PD.

You need to pay or register a dispute within 30 days from the date you received the ticket.

Pay your ticket

Pay online by credit card

Other ways to pay:
- Mail a cheque or money order (payable to City of Vancouver) to Revenue Services. Do not mail cash.
- Pay in person by debit card, cash, cheque, or money order at Revenue Services.
- Phone 3-1-1 to pay by credit card.
Paying after the 30-day deadline? Phone the By-law Prosecutor's Office for permission to pay.
Dispute your ticket in court
1. Sign a notice-of-dispute form in person at Revenue Services.
2. The Provincial Court Registry schedules your dispute hearing.
  - Has your address changed while waiting for your hearing? Phone the By-law Prosecutor's Office to update your information.
3. Receive a court summons with your first court-appearance time and location from the Court Registry.
4. Attend your first court appearance at the Provincial Court, 800 Hornby St, Vancouver.
  - You may plead guilty or schedule a trial hearing.
The business operator is responsible for ensuring employees or patrons don’t break the by-law. If you do not attend your hearing, the judge may proceed in your absence. They may find your guilty and impose a penalty.

Municipal information ticket

How to pay your ticket
Ticket numbers start with P or T.

You need to pay or register a dispute within 14 days from the date you received the ticket.

Pay your ticket

Pay online by credit card

Ticket numbers starting with P
- Phone 604-257-8480 to pay by credit card.
- Mail a cheque or money order to the Park Board. Do not mail cash.
- Pay in person by debit card, cash, cheque, or money order at the Park Board.
Ticket numbers starting with T
- Mail a cheque or money order (payable to City of Vancouver) to the Licence Office. Do not mail cash.
- Pay in person by debit card, cash, cheque, or money order at the Licence Office.
If your ticket number is not located in the online portal, call 3-1-1 for assistance.

Paying after the 14-day deadline? Phone the Bylaw Prosecutor's Office for permission to pay.
Dispute ticket in court
1. Write a letter with these items:
  - A statement that you are disputing the ticket
  - Your full name and mailing address
  - The ticket number (on the top right-hand corner of your ticket)
  - The offence date, bylaw name and section
2. Mail or drop-off the letter to By-law Prosecutor's Office.
  - Mailing the letter? Make sure it is postmarked within the 14 days.
  - Coming in person? Bring your letter and your ticket
3. The Provincial Court Registry schedules your dispute hearing.
  - Has your address changed while waiting for your hearing? Phone the Bylaw Prosecutor's Office to update your information.
4. Receive a mailed court document with your hearing time and location from the Court Registry.
5. Attend your dispute hearing at the Provincial Court, 800 Hornby St, Vancouver.
If you do not attend your hearing, your fine is due immediately.

Contact the Bylaw Prosecutor's Office

Location and mailing address
Bylaw Prosecutor's Office
Suite 270, 900 Howe St
Vancouver BC V6Z 2M4

Phone: 604-665-3528

Contact the Licence Office

Mailing address
City of Vancouver
Licence Office
453 West 12th Ave
Vancouver BC V5Y 1V4

Contact the Park Board

Location and mailing address
Vancouver Board of
Parks and Recreation
Administration Office
2099 Beach Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4

Phone: 604-257-8480

Contact Revenue Services

Location
Revenue Services
1st Floor, City Hall
453 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver BC V5Y 1V4

Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30am to 5:00pm

Mailing address
City of Vancouver Bylaw Fines
PO Box 7747 Stn Terminal
Vancouver BC V6B 8R1