Transport Canada mandates new technologies for trucks and buses to improve safety

New regulations to make electronic stability control and electronic logging devices mandatory

BRAMPTON, ON, Dec. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - To improve safety for all of Canada's road users, the Government of Canada is always exploring ways that technology can make roads safer. With this in mind, Transport Canada is requiring commercial trucks and buses to adopt two new technologies.

New regulations require electronic stability control technology on new truck tractors and heavy buses sold in Canada. Electronic stability control systems are a crash avoidance technology that can reduce collisions by helping drivers maintain control, preventing rollovers, and improving directional stability. Electronic stability control technology is now required in new truck tractors, and school buses and intercity buses will require electronic stability control by June 2018.

Separate proposed regulations will introduce mandatory electronic logging devices for federally regulated motor carriers (trucks and buses) and their commercial drivers.

Electronic logging devices help a driver to remain compliant with the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of ServiceRegulations, which reduces the potential for driver fatigue. Electronic logging devices also reduce the administrative burden related to paper log books.

Electronic logging devices that meet a new National Safety Code technical standard will become mandatory 2020. Devices now in use will be permitted until 2022.

Canada's new regulations for both technologies are closely aligned with similar regulations in the United States to improve safety and to support economic growth, trade, and shipping.     

Quotes

"We're constantly looking at how technology can improve road safety, and electronic stability control and electronic logging devices fit the bill. These new measures not only make trucks and buses safer, but they also have a trickle-down effect of making the roads safer for all Canadians."

The Honourable Marc Garneau,
Minister of Transport

"Electronic Logging Devices are going to ensure optimum compliance with hours of service regulation for truck drivers, which is going to reduce commercial vehicle collisions related to fatigue and cognitive driver distraction. Every Canadian travelling provincial roads should be applauding this measure introduced by Minister Garneau and encouraging their provincial government to enforce this critical safety rule as soon as possible."

Stephen Laskowski
President
Ontario Trucking Association
President
Canadian Trucking Alliance

"The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada and its members are extremely pleased about this announcement. Our membership has been involved in the consultations with the department and are firm believers that this regulation will benefit the entire industry. Electronic logs will make compliance easier to verify, ensuring all carriers are following the hours of service rules. This will result in a leveling of the playing field within the industry and improved road safety for all."

Mike Millian
President
Private Motor Truck Council of Canada

Quick Facts

• Electronic stability control technology has been mandatory on all new cars and light duty vehicles sold in Canada and in the United States since September 2011.
• Electronic logging devices automatically record a driver's driving time, are synced with a vehicle's engine, and are designed to be tamper resistant.
• As part of the regulatory development process, Transport Canada is committed to aligning with vehicle regulations in the United States to the fullest extent possible provided that it is in the best interest of Canadians.
• By further aligning Canadian and U.S. logging device regulations, Canadian operators could use the same logging device in both countries.

Links

• Canada Gazette, Motor Vehicle Safety Regulation 136 – Electronic Stability Control Systems for Heavy Vehicles
• Regulations Amending the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations
• Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations

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SOURCE Transport Canada