Regulation - LGIC
Recreational Vehicle Driver Licensing
Regulation Number(s):
Ontario Regulation 340/94
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8
Summary of Decision:
The Ministry of Transportation amended Ontario Regulation 340/94 (Drivers' Licences) under the Highway Traffic Act to exempt drivers who do not have a Class A driver's licence from a trailer weigh limitation in the regulation. Currently, only Class A drivers can tow a trailer with a weight over 4,600 kg. The exemption will allow a person driving a pickup truck to pull a recreational trailer with a weight over 4,600 kg. The exemption is limited to fully licensed drivers operating for personal purposes without compensation.
Further Information:
Highway Traffic Act
Ontario Regulation 340/94 Drivers' Licences
Highway Traffic Act
Ontario Regulation 340/94
Proposal Number:
11-MTO019
Posting Date:
May 19, 2011
Summary of Proposal:
The Ministry of Transportation is proposing that drivers would be allowed to tow a recreational vehicle (RV) that exceeds 4,600 kg gross weight on a full-G Class driver's licence. The existing combined gross weight limit of 11,000 kg would remain the same. The current licensing requirement for operating such a vehicle combination is Class A.
Increasingly, new models of towed RVs weigh more than 4,600 kg and their design and engineering has improved dramatically since the classified licensing system was created in 1977.
The proposed regulatory amendment promotes tourism, represents new business opportunities for the RV industry, and is consistent with driver's licence requirements in 41 U.S. jurisdictions and five Canadian jurisdictions. It would also align Ontario with the current licensing requirement for motor homes. In addition, it would align Ontario with the Canadian federal recommended framework for drive licence requirements found in the National Safety Code Standard 4 - Classified Driver Licensing System.
The towed RV must be Transport Canada compliant and manufactured to either CSA Z-240 or Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (of America) standards.
The Ontario Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association, which represents the majority of RV dealers within the province and Ontarians who operate RVs, would provide orientation and voluntary training to the purchasers and owners of large, towed recreational vehicles to further support road safety.
This proposal applies to RVs hitched to a pick up truck by means of a fifth-wheel hitch assembly with only one recreational vehicle being towed. No other type of towed vehicle is eligible for this proposal nor are RVs equipped with air brakes. The RV must be operated for personal use only and not for commercial purposes.
Drivers towing a recreational vehicle will still be subject to all other driver licence class requirements. G1 and G2 licence holders are not eligible for this proposal.
Increasingly, new models of towed RVs weigh more than 4,600 kg and their design and engineering has improved dramatically since the classified licensing system was created in 1977.
The proposed regulatory amendment promotes tourism, represents new business opportunities for the RV industry, and is consistent with driver's licence requirements in 41 U.S. jurisdictions and five Canadian jurisdictions. It would also align Ontario with the current licensing requirement for motor homes. In addition, it would align Ontario with the Canadian federal recommended framework for drive licence requirements found in the National Safety Code Standard 4 - Classified Driver Licensing System.
The towed RV must be Transport Canada compliant and manufactured to either CSA Z-240 or Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (of America) standards.
The Ontario Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association, which represents the majority of RV dealers within the province and Ontarians who operate RVs, would provide orientation and voluntary training to the purchasers and owners of large, towed recreational vehicles to further support road safety.
This proposal applies to RVs hitched to a pick up truck by means of a fifth-wheel hitch assembly with only one recreational vehicle being towed. No other type of towed vehicle is eligible for this proposal nor are RVs equipped with air brakes. The RV must be operated for personal use only and not for commercial purposes.
Drivers towing a recreational vehicle will still be subject to all other driver licence class requirements. G1 and G2 licence holders are not eligible for this proposal.
Contact Address:
Driver Programs Office, Program Development and Evaluation Branch, Room 051, Building "A", 1201 Wilson Ave. Downsview, ON, M3M 1J8
Effective Date:
July 1, 2011
Decision:
Approved