The Regulated Vehicles (Safety Fitness, Operator Identification and Records and Vehicle Exemptions) Regulation, M.R. 132/2024 is a regulation enacted under The Highway Traffic Act, C.C.S.M. c. H60. This regulation sets out a comprehensive framework for the operation of regulated vehicles in Manitoba, focusing on safety, operator identification, record-keeping, and specific vehicle exemptions. It applies to regulated vehicles, with certain exceptions for personal use, farm trucks, trailers, and vehicles used exclusively for emergency purposes.

The regulation mandates that operators obtain a safety fitness certificate for each regulated vehicle, which certifies that the vehicle meets safety standards. Operators must provide detailed information during the application process, including proof of liability insurance, a list of vehicles, and a written safety plan. The safety fitness certificate must be renewed regularly, and the regulation establishes that a failure to maintain adequate insurance or comply with safety requirements can lead to penalties. The insurance requirements stipulate that operators must carry policies covering liability for injury or damage caused by their vehicles, with varying amounts depending on the type of cargo or passenger being transported.

For those applying for or renewing a safety fitness certificate, the regulation requires that operators submit a range of documents, including proof of compliance with safety standards and the operator’s insurance coverage. Additionally, a record of any actions taken regarding the safety fitness certificate, such as cancellations or suspensions, must be provided. If an operator’s safety rating drops, further training is required for the designated compliance officer. Furthermore, the regulation stresses that certain documents must be kept for a period of at least two years, including records of driver disclosures, inspections, and actions taken related to safety ratings.

In terms of operator identification, the regulation requires operators to display their name or a distinctive mark, along with their National Safety Code number, prominently on the lateral sides of their vehicles. This ensures that each regulated vehicle is easily identifiable and associated with its operator.

One of the significant provisions of the regulation is the set of exemptions for certain types of vehicles. These exemptions include vehicles used solely for personal transportation, farm trucks registered under a specific category, and vehicles used for emergency purposes. Limited-use regulated vehicles, such as those with a registered gross weight of 6,800 kg or less and operated within a limited geographic area, are also exempt from certain provisions of the regulation. These vehicles must be used primarily for specific types of cargo, such as agricultural products, machinery, or livestock, and their operation must meet certain criteria, such as not transporting goods for profit.

By establishing clear requirements for safety certifications, insurance, operator identification, and record-keeping, the regulation seeks to ensure that vehicles operating on Manitoba’s roads meet high safety standards.

Manitoba (132/2024) December 13, 2024