New Regulations For Commercial Vehicle Carriers and Drivers Come Into Effect

New regulations governing commercial vehicle carriers and drivers have come into effect on Prince Edward Island, following extensive national industry consultations and research.

The Province has proclaimed new regulations under the Highway Traffic Act which establish a demerit point system which will cover driver and vehicle violations, inspection violations and at-fault collisions. Any violations which occur will be documented on the carrier’s profile. All provinces, states and territories within Canada, the United States and Mexico are reciprocating jurisdictions. This means that regardless of where a violation occurred in North America the information will be documented, transferred to the home province of the driver and carrier and added to their operating record. These operating records will then generate a safety rating that will be made available through the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Another feature of the new regulations empowers the Registrar of Motor Vehicles or designated staff to complete facility audits to ensure compliance for proper maintenance records, driver records, log book inspections and records retention.

“These new regulations will build upon our present system of inspection and enforcement to further strengthen road safety for commercial vehicle operators and the rest of the travelling public. They are also an example of the continuing effort by governments across North America to develop common operating and safety standards,” said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea. Shea added that the Department of Transportation and Public Works will be holding information sessions with the trucking industry over the next few months to assist in the implementation of the new system.