Regulation - Minister
Commercial Vision Waiver Program
Regulation Number(s):
340/94 s. 18
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Highway Traffic Act
Summary of Proposal:
The Ministry is developing an assessment program for Classes A, C, D and F drivers with reduced vision. The program would require interested applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria, provide detailed vision assessments, and complete necessary in-clinic and on-road evaluations to individually assess their capacity to adequately compensate for their reduced vision.
The program is being designed for classes A, C, D and F in response to an order from the Ontario Court of Justice indicating the Ministry should have in place an individualized assessment program for Class C drivers by July 15, 2021.
The program is being developed for classes A, C, D and F in consultation with field experts and medical consultants with expertise in both vision and driving behaviours, as well as input from industry stakeholders and the data from new and emerging research.
The program aims to assess, over time, whether interested participants are able to show that they have developed strategies, skills and abilities to compensate for their visual impairment, and to do so in a manner that reduces the risk to commercial vehicle safety.
Program participants would be responsible for all assessments and costs required to be considered in the program, which may be considered restrictive. Other costs identified include those for administration and monitoring of program and program participants as well as consultation fees for experts.
The program is being designed for classes A, C, D and F in response to an order from the Ontario Court of Justice indicating the Ministry should have in place an individualized assessment program for Class C drivers by July 15, 2021.
The program is being developed for classes A, C, D and F in consultation with field experts and medical consultants with expertise in both vision and driving behaviours, as well as input from industry stakeholders and the data from new and emerging research.
The program aims to assess, over time, whether interested participants are able to show that they have developed strategies, skills and abilities to compensate for their visual impairment, and to do so in a manner that reduces the risk to commercial vehicle safety.
Program participants would be responsible for all assessments and costs required to be considered in the program, which may be considered restrictive. Other costs identified include those for administration and monitoring of program and program participants as well as consultation fees for experts.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
A Regulatory Impact Analysis is currently being conducted on this proposal. Costs to government include administration and monitoring of program and program participants as well as consultation fees for experts.
At a high level, the proposed program would allow individuals with reduced vision to increase their livelihood and mobility, thereby making a positive economic impact on Ontario's economy. This proposed program aligns with government priorities as it represents a commitment to increase accessibility of some Ontario commercial vehicle operators by providing an opportunity to seek a waiver of the vision requirements. This initiative responds to stakeholder requests and the court decision to reduce barriers for those with reduced vision by providing an individualized assessment method. The government continues to show a willingness to embrace change and to increase participation in the economy for those individuals with reduced vision.
At a high level, the proposed program would allow individuals with reduced vision to increase their livelihood and mobility, thereby making a positive economic impact on Ontario's economy. This proposed program aligns with government priorities as it represents a commitment to increase accessibility of some Ontario commercial vehicle operators by providing an opportunity to seek a waiver of the vision requirements. This initiative responds to stakeholder requests and the court decision to reduce barriers for those with reduced vision by providing an individualized assessment method. The government continues to show a willingness to embrace change and to increase participation in the economy for those individuals with reduced vision.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
21-MTO011
Posting Date:
March 11, 2021
Comments Due Date:
April 25, 2021
Contact Address:
Ministry of Transportation
Driver Improvement Office
Driver and Vehicle Services Branch
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue
Toronto, ON M3M 0B4
Driver Improvement Office
Driver and Vehicle Services Branch
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue
Toronto, ON M3M 0B4