Transport Canada harmonizes TSDs with U.S.

OTTAWA, (March 1, 2004) — Transport Canada has published revisions to the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations’ Technical Standards Document in order to harmonize the rules with the U.S.

Published in the Canada Gazette on Feb. 14, the notice affects Revision 2 Technical Standards Document No. 105, “Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems,” and Technical Standards Document No. 121, “Air Brake Systems.” The revision of these two TSDs replicates the regulatory text of the Final Rule issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that was published in the Federal Register on August 11, 2003.

Revision 2 of TSD No. 105 introduces a new requirement for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 4 536 kg that are equipped with hydraulic and electric brakes to pass the braking-in-a-curve test, whereas the new revision of TSD No. 121 extends this requirement, which currently applies to truck tractors only, to single-unit trucks and buses that are equipped with air brakes. The addition of this test is intended to complement the existing antilock brake system and stopping distance requirements.

The revision of TSD No. 105 also adds the definitions “full brake application” and “maximum drive-through speed,” and Table 1 in both TSDs has been updated to include the new test. In addition, a requirement has been added to both TSDs that, when alternative compliance options are permitted, manufacturers must identify, prior to certification, the option that they have selected for a particular vehicle, make, or model.

The revisions are effective as of the date of publication of this notice and will become enforceable six months later. Vehicles manufactured during the six-month interim period may conform to the requirements of either Revision 1 or Revision 2 of the TSDs.

Copies of Revision 2 of TSDs No. 105 and 121 may be obtained at www.tc.gc.ca/RoadSafety/mvstm_tsd/ index_e.htm.