AMPs for Motor Vehicle Safety
Order Fixing July 1, 2023 as the Day on which Section 15 of the Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act Comes into Force: SI/2023-21
This Order fixes July 1, 2023 as the day section 15 of the Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act comes into force, enabling an administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) regime under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. It allows Transport Canada to issue monetary penalties (maximums set at $4,000 for individuals and $200,000 for corporations) as an alternative to criminal prosecution; the related AMPs regulations were pre-published on May 7, 2022 and will come into force 90 days after their Part II publication.
- Published
- July 5, 2023
- Department
- Unavailable
- Section
- Order Fixing July 1, 2023 as the Day on which Section 15 of the Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act Comes into Force
- Comment deadline
- Unavailable
- Effective date
- July 1, 2023
- Publication part
- Part II
Summary
Summary#
This is the federal order titled Order Fixing July 1, 2023 as the Day on which Section 15 of the Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act Comes into Force. It sets July 1, 2023 as the day a change to the Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act takes effect so Canada can use administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for some motor-vehicle safety breaches.
What it does#
- Brings section 15 of the Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act into force on July 1, 2023.
- Enables an AMPs regime under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act so enforcement officers can issue fines as an alternative to criminal prosecution.
- Sets the top penalty amounts at $4,000 for an individual and $200,000 for a corporation (these maximums are in the amended law).
- Notes that the related Administrative Monetary Penalties (Motor Vehicle Safety) Regulations were pre-published on May 7, 2022 and will come into force on the 90th day after they are published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
Who's affected#
- Companies that make, import, sell or test motor vehicles and vehicle equipment (manufacturers, importers, suppliers).
- Businesses that distribute, install or repair vehicle parts and safety equipment.
- Enforcement staff at Transport Canada, who will be able to use AMPs.
- Road users and the general public indirectly, because the change aims to improve vehicle safety.
- If it is unclear who is affected in a specific case, the regulation text and Transport Canada guidance will have the details.
Why it matters#
- AMPs give regulators a quicker, less costly way to respond to safety breaches than criminal prosecution. That can speed up fixes to unsafe vehicles or equipment.
- The change makes it more likely that companies will comply with safety rules, which can reduce risks to drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
- This brings vehicle safety enforcement into line with other Transport Canada programs that already use AMPs, and gives businesses clearer expectations about penalties for non-compliance.
Key topics
Source: Canada Gazette