New Alta trucking regs around the calendar corner

EDMONTON — Canada Day will be a celebration of new trucking regulations in Alberta, bringing the province in line with other jurisdictions in North America.

On July 1, the province’s new Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation (CVSR) and the amended Vehicle Equipment Regulation (VER) go into effect.

According to Alberta Transportation, the changes are necessary to ensure Alberta regulations are consistent with current Canadian and North American standards. The new and amended rules are the result of an extensive consultation with commercial vehicle stakeholders including industry, municipal, and safety organizations.

The new CVSR consolidates nine previous regulations and contains changes affecting the operation of commercial vehicles in Alberta. The revised VER contains minor changes related to commercial and passenger vehicles. 

Starting July 1, a ‘one-window’ approach
to truck safety takes effect in Alberta

The CVSR and VER are aimed at enhancing traffic safety and streamlining regulations for easy reference by the public, industry, and law enforcement.

"There will now be a one-window approach for commercial vehicle safety, maintenance, and equipment standards in Alberta,” says Luke Ouellette, Minister of Alberta Transportation. “The changes will also make it easier for Alberta carriers to conduct business in other jurisdictions due to harmonized standards."

The regulations cover a broad range of vehicle safety and equipment needs, but some of the key changes for commercial vehicles include:

— A requirement for daily trip inspection written reports for trucks, truck-tractors, trailers and buses that must be kept by the carrier for at least six months and a new offence for commercial vehicles that are not maintained in safe operating condition.

— Also, commercial vehicles need to have brakes on all wheels (including trailers) except where vehicles are exempted by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act or the Traffic Safety Act.

— The use of an advance warning triangle will be the only recognized advance warning device — flags and flares will no longer be recognized as they are obsolete.

— There will also be a requirement for a new compliance label or a mechanical fitness certificate issued by a qualified professional engineer for any modified commercial vehicle (manufactured on or after January 1, 2012).

The complete regulations are posted on Alberta Transportation’s website (click here).