Supporting our members in the safe operation of vehicles on public roads

Vehicle Safety

In Canada, motor vehicle transportation is a shared responsibility between federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

Transport Canada, under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA), establishes safety regulations for the manufacture and importation of motor vehicles as well as designated motor vehicle equipment (tires and child seats), to reduce the risk of death, injury, and damage to property and the environment.

Provinces and territories are responsible for the licensing of drivers, vehicle registration and insurance, as well as laws and regulations regarding the safe operation of vehicles on public roads.

Municipal governments in Canada fall under the jurisdiction of provinces and territories. Their responsibilities regarding roadways vary to some degree across the country, but generally can include creating and enforcing by-laws concerning vehicle movement, as well as use of local infrastructure, and public transportation in their respective jurisdictions.

Summary of roles and responsibilities:

Automated and Connected Vehicles (AV/CVs)

Advancements in automotive technology and current research on AVs have created new possibilities for improving highway safety, increasing environmental benefits, and expanding mobility. Being ready for the change and knowing how and in what specific ways jurisdictions will need to adapt, is a priority for CCMTA’s AV work. Automated Driving Systems (ADS) hold potential for significant new benefits for Canada and Canadians. Most importantly, there is hope that these technologies will lead to a significant reduction in traffic collisions and thereby result in a corresponding reduction in fatalities and injuries.

Resources: 

• Version 2.0 - Canadian Jurisdictional Guidelines  for the Safe  Testing and Deployment  of Vehicles  Equipped with Automated  Driving Systems (February 2022)
• Canadian Jurisdictional Guidelines for the Safe Testing and Deployment of Highly Automated Vehicles (Automated Driving Systems Levels 3, 4 and 5) (June 2018)
• White Paper on Automated Vehicles in Canada (November 2016)

Ignition Interlock

Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices - CSA Technical Standard Z627-16

In November 2016, the Canadian Standards Association published a voluntary National Standard for breath alcohol ignition interlock devices for Canada (2016 CSA Standard Z627-16).

These Standards were developed by a technical committee that consisted of volunteer members in four categories – Regulatory Authority, Producer Interest, User Interest, and General Interest – under the leadership of the CSA Group and with the sponsorship of CCMTA.

The purpose of the Standards is to define the technical specifications for alcohol ignition interlock devices as well as the test procedures to be used to assess interlock devices for compliance with the Standards.

Canadian Guidelines for Interlock Programs

Each of the provinces and territories establish the elements for their own interlock programs; hence, these programs vary somewhat across the country. In the interests of helping to ensure that interlock programs achieve the best results possible for both participants and road safety, CCMTA prepared the Canadian Guidelines for Interlock Programs (2018) to provide an updated set of policies and procedures for ignition interlock programs for consideration by the provinces and territories. 

Canadian Vehicle Status Management Program (CVSMP)

The challenges associated with auto theft and the rebuilding of irreparable, wrecked vehicles exist in all Canadian jurisdictions. These fraudulent vehicle-related activities have made it increasingly difficult to identify stolen and unsafe vehicles and have led to excessive insurance, medical, and social costs.

The purpose of the Canadian Vehicle Status Management Program (June 2019) is to improve the consistency of controls used to identify and manage stolen and total loss vehicles in Canada, including vehicles imported from other Canadian jurisdictions, from the US, and from other countries.

Additional Research and Resources

15 Passenger Vans

• 15 Passenger Vans Review Report (2013)
• 15-Passenger Vans Evaluation FAQs (2013)
• Safety Guidelines for the Use of 15-Passenger Vans (2013)

Best Practices for Combating Auto-Theft

• Best Practice Models for Combating Auto-Theft (November 2010)

Best Practice for Regulating Excessively-Raised Vehicles

• Best Practice for Regulating Excessively-Raised Vehicles (December 2010)

Flood Damaged Vehicles

• Flood Damaged Vehicles Backgrounder (September 2017)
• Model for Flood Damaged Vehicles (May 2007)

Managing Motorized Personal Mobility Devices

• Discussion Paper and Recommendations Regarding Issues of Managing Motorized Personal Mobility Devices (October 2010)

Best Practices for Power Assisted Cycles

• Best Practices Guide for Power Assisted Cycles (December 2002)

Best Practice for Registration of Glider Kits

• Glider Kit Identification Form (Bilingual)
• Best Practices for Registration of Glider Kits (June 2015)