Final answer:
In BC, when leaving the province, you do not need to surrender your BC plates at the border; however, it's encouraged to return them to the licensing office for a potential insurance refund. If you've registered your vehicle elsewhere, you may keep the plates as souvenirs or recycle them.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a driver leaves British Columbia (BC) with a vehicle that has BC plates, the plates do not need to be surrendered at the border nor are they automatically deactivated upon leaving. Regulations regarding the return of license plates can vary. In BC, if you're planning to cancel your insurance or no longer need your plates, it is generally encouraged that you return them to a licensing office to possibly receive a refund on any unused portion of your insurance. However, if you have moved out of the province and have registered and insured your vehicle in a different jurisdiction, you may keep the BC plates as souvenirs if you wish, or some people choose to recycle them. Always check with the local motor vehicle authority for the most up-to-date and applicable regulations.