Proposal
Revised Pilot Framework for Electric Low-Speed Vehicles
Regulation Number(s):
N/A
Instrument Type:
Proposal
Bill or Act:
N/A
Summary of Proposal:
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) recognizes the importance of creating an effective regulatory environment that accommodates the use of new and innovative vehicle types and technologies - however safety remains a top priority. For the past 13 years, Ontario's roads have been among the safest in North America and the MTO seeks to maintain and improve on this leading safety record.
Following the sunset of the previous pilot, low speed vehicles (LSVs) are not permitted for use on public highways in the province. MTO is proposing to introduce a regulation under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) that would allow for the piloting of electric LSVs.
This approach strikes a balance that will minimize regulatory burdens, encourage innovation in Ontario's automotive sector and ensure the safety of all road users.
The Ontario government is interested in promoting transportation modes that are environmentally friendly, help to reduce air pollution and reduce reliance on conventional fuel. The proposed pilot aligns with Ontario's five-year Climate Change Strategy, which aims for Ontario to become a North American leader in low-carbon and zero-emission transportation.
LSVs are fully electric vehicles powered by a motor that is recharged by plugging into a standard electrical outlet. LSVs have a maximum speed of 40 km/h and must meet federal standards for lighting, mirrors, parking brake, windshield and seatbelts. Since LSVs are exempt from much of the standard safety equipment required for passenger vehicles, the use of these vehicles is recommended only on low-speed roads.
A revised pilot provides opportunities to raise environmental awareness, to educate the public about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of new vehicles that are less damaging to air quality.
For more detailed information, please see the attached backgrounder.
The ministry invites any feedback on this proposal as well as any additional suggestions or comments on how the ministry could regulate on-road use of compliant low-speed vehicles.
Following the sunset of the previous pilot, low speed vehicles (LSVs) are not permitted for use on public highways in the province. MTO is proposing to introduce a regulation under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) that would allow for the piloting of electric LSVs.
This approach strikes a balance that will minimize regulatory burdens, encourage innovation in Ontario's automotive sector and ensure the safety of all road users.
The Ontario government is interested in promoting transportation modes that are environmentally friendly, help to reduce air pollution and reduce reliance on conventional fuel. The proposed pilot aligns with Ontario's five-year Climate Change Strategy, which aims for Ontario to become a North American leader in low-carbon and zero-emission transportation.
LSVs are fully electric vehicles powered by a motor that is recharged by plugging into a standard electrical outlet. LSVs have a maximum speed of 40 km/h and must meet federal standards for lighting, mirrors, parking brake, windshield and seatbelts. Since LSVs are exempt from much of the standard safety equipment required for passenger vehicles, the use of these vehicles is recommended only on low-speed roads.
A revised pilot provides opportunities to raise environmental awareness, to educate the public about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of new vehicles that are less damaging to air quality.
For more detailed information, please see the attached backgrounder.
The ministry invites any feedback on this proposal as well as any additional suggestions or comments on how the ministry could regulate on-road use of compliant low-speed vehicles.
Further Information:
BACKGROUNDER - Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs)
Proposal Number:
16-MTO039
Posting Date:
July 8, 2016
Comments Due Date:
August 23, 2016
Contact Address:
Ministry of Transportation
Safety Policy and Education Branch
Road Safety Policy Office
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M3M 0B4
Safety Policy and Education Branch
Road Safety Policy Office
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M3M 0B4