Commercial Vehicle Safety / National Safety Code

The National Safety Code (NSC) is a code of minimum performance standards for the safe operation of commercial vehicles and has been adopted by all jurisdictions in Canada. The NSC applies to all people responsible for the operation of commercial vehicles which include trucks, buses, power units and trailers. The NSC is designed to encourage trucking safety, promote efficiency in the motor carrier industry, and achieve consistent safety standards in this area across Canada.

The NSC specifically addresses driving behaviour and the safe carriage of the vehicle’s cargo or its passengers. Safety-related NSC standards cover: safety ratings, facility audits, driver and carrier profile systems, trip inspection reports, driver hours of service, commercial vehicle maintenance and inspections, and load security. The code’s administrative standards cover self-certification for drivers, single-driver licencing, a classified driver licence system, medical standards, knowledge and performance testing, and a driver-examiner training program.

All owners of commercial vehicles are required to register as carriers under the NSC. When you register a commercial vehicle in the province you will automatically be sent the required application to complete for registration.

The Compliance Review Facility Audit Safety Package is designed to provide general guidance to carriers and their drivers to ensure requirements as outlined by the National Safety Code standards are achieved. If used appropriately, the guide is a tool which will enable the carrier to maintain a concise method of keeping records pertaining to the condition and maintenance of its vehicles. It can also provide for a method of tracking a driver’s performance in carrying out his/her duties.

Commercial Vehicle Regulations

Commercial vehicle road safety in Canada is a shared responsibility between Transport Canada and the Provinces and Territories.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Regulations that pertain to commercial vehicle operation are under the Highway Traffic Act. A complete list of regulations is available here

Transport Canada Information for Commercial Vehicles

https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is a not-for-profit organization, established to promote an environment free of commercial vehicle accidents and incidents. They establish transportation safety standards for motor carriers, drivers, vehicles, and inspectors through compliance, education, training, and enforcement programs.

Commercial Vehicle Information in Other Provinces

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