The Government of Canada is improving safety in the commercial driving industry
News release
June 13, 2019 Etobicoke, ON Transport Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to improving road safety in order to keep all Canadian road users safe. Commercial driver fatigue is a long-standing road safety issue, and that’s why the Government is taking new measures to address this issue.
Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, is mandating the use of electronic logging devices by federally regulated commercial truck and bus operators.
This new requirement will come into force on June 12, 2021, and will replace paper-based daily logbooks. This requirement builds on the regulatory proposal that was published in Canada Gazette, Part I on December 16, 2017.
This new requirement is the result of longstanding collaboration among all levels of government and industry partners. It also addresses a Saskatchewan Coroners Service recommendation following the tragic collision involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team.
Electronic logging devices are tamper-resistant devices that are integrated into commercial vehicle engines. They are intended to ensure that commercial drivers drive within their daily limit and accurately log their working hours. The devices track when and how long drivers have been at the wheel, and ensure they are complying with the Government of Canada’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations.
Use of the devices also reduces administrative burdens, such as eliminating the need for paper daily logs and reducing the time enforcement officers need to verify regulatory compliance. Additionally, these new devices are aligned with the United States road safety regulations and will support economic growth, trade, and transportation on both sides of the border.
Transport Canada conducted extensive consultations with industry to ensure the implementation of the devices are feasible. As a result of these consultations, a third-party certification process will be put in place to ensure that the electronic logging devices will be accurate and reliable.
Quotes
“These new mandatory logging devices in commercial vehicles will improve safety for drivers and for all Canadians. Collaboration with stakeholders and partners was key to putting these regulations in place. I thank my provincial and territorial colleagues in helping to develop this technical standard, and look forward to them introducing this requirement for operators within their jurisdictions. We know that fatigue increases the risks of accidents and that is why we are taking action across all modes of transportation.”
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
“The vast majority of our companies and drivers in our industry fully comply with hours of service rules, but, undoubtedly, the implementation of tamperproof, third-party electronic logging devices will further enhance safety and help ensure all drivers and companies hold themselves to the highest levels of compliance.”
Scott Smith
Chair, Canadian Trucking Alliance
“This regulation will help to level the playing field for compliant carriers, and allow them to compete with rates that are achievable in the legal environment they operate in. It will help enforcement officers more easily verify compliance and remove those operators from the road who are not operating legally, improving road safety for all users.”
Mike Millian
President, Private Motor Truck Council of Canada
Quick facts
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As part of the regulatory development process, Transport Canada is committed to aligning with vehicle regulations in the United States to the fullest extent possible provided that it is in the best interest of Canadians.
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By further aligning Canadian and U.S. logging device regulations, Canadian and U.S. operators can use the same logging device in both countries
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Transport Canada estimates that the mandatory requirement for electronic logging devices will reduce the risk of fatigue-related collisions by approximately 10 percent.
Associated links
Contacts
Delphine Denis
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
delphine.denis@tc.gc.ca
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
media@tc.gc.ca
613-993-0055
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