Vehicle Noise and Winter Tire Rules Update

Summary#

These are final rules (SOR/2021-83) that make small fixes to vehicle noise testing rules and to the winter-tire definition. They clarify that manufacturers may use one of several approved noise tests, and they let industry switch from the old reference tire (SRTT14) to a newer one (SRTT16) for winter-tire testing. The changes came into force on April 28, 2021.

What it does#

• Fixes wording in the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations so companies only have to follow one of the listed noise test standards, rather than being read as having to do every test listed. This corrects an earlier drafting error.
  • The change affects the section that references the noise test ISO 362-1:2015 and other standards for certain vehicle classes (including some buses, trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles).
  • It also removes an obsolete reference to SAE J986, which expired on September 1, 2019.
• Updates the winter-tire definition in the Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations so manufacturers and labs can use the newer test setup and reference tire:
  • Allows the snow traction test under ASTM F1805 (including the newer F1805 - 20 version).
  • Accepts the newer reference test tire (SRTT16, linked to ASTM F2493) and still allows the legacy SRTT14 while remaining stocks last.
  • Sets the comparable traction thresholds used in the tests: a traction index of 110 for the older comparison and 112 for the newer comparison, with a test load of 74% of the rated inflation load.
• Confirms these are administrative updates meant to preserve existing testing options and continuity; they do not create new safety requirements or new costs.

Who's affected#

• Vehicle makers and their testing teams — because of the noise-test wording clarification.
• Tire manufacturers, tire-testing labs and regulators such as Transport Canada — because of the switch from SRTT14 to SRTT16 for winter-tire certification.
• People who buy winter tires are indirectly affected, since the change keeps the certification system working so manufacturers can mark tires for severe snow use.
• Small businesses and consumers are not expected to face new costs from these changes.

Why it matters#

• It prevents confusion and possible extra testing costs by making clear that manufacturers may choose one approved noise test method rather than being forced to run multiple tests.
• It avoids a gap in winter-tire certification by formally allowing the newer SRTT16 reference tire. Without this change, manufacturers and regulators would have run out of the older reference (SRTT14) and could not easily complete required tests.
• It keeps Canada aligned with current testing practice and with the U.S. approach to winter-tire testing, so products and compliance testing remain consistent across markets.