Canada updates tyre regulations

Canada’s transportation regulatory body, Transport Canada, has outlined a number of changes in regulations pertaining to tyres. The new regulations, announced by Transport Minister Lisa Raitt on 20 November, are intended to enhance the safety of tyres manufactured for the Canadian market; they also bring Canadian regulations more closely in line with those enforced in the United States. Manufacturers have until 1 September 2014 to comply with the regulations.

“Safety is paramount when out on the road,” said Raitt. “The safety of Canadian road users will be improved as all tyres sold in Canada must meet the new testing requirements, in addition to proposed standards for appropriately marked winter tyres.”

The newly-announced regulations allow the enforcement of winter tyre standards if manufacturers choose to use the peaked mountain with a snowflake symbol. Transport Canada’s viewpoint is that when Canadian-market manufacturers choose to apply this symbol, it indicates to consumers that the tyre meets Canadian winter tyre regulatory standards.

“These changes will give consumers easier and better access to crucial information about their tyres,” said Jeff Walker, vice-president of public affairs for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). “CAA supports regulatory measures that enhance consumer knowledge and choice.”

By implementing these regulations, Transport Canada says the country’s government is responding to tyre and vehicle manufacturers who have encouraged the government to align Canadian tyre safety regulations with those of the United States. Alignment also supports the principles of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council announced by Canadian Prime Minister Harper and US President Obama in February 2011.

The new regulations replace the current Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations, 1995