Speed Limiter Regulations - Ontario, Canada

Effective January 1, 2009

As of January 1, 2009, Speed limiters are required by law in Ontario (HTA 68.1 Regulation 587). Quebec has had similar legislation since December 2007. With the implementation of speed limiters, the Government hopes to reduce the number and severity of truck related crashes as well as significantly reduce the emission of green house gases. Although the law went into affect on January 1, 2009 there will be a 6 month ‘soft enforcement’ period to allow drivers and/or companies time to introduce the process and educate employees during their normal maintenance period.

This requirement is mandatory on all commercial motor vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1995 with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating over 11,794 kg. Vehicles manufactured prior to this date, as well as busses, cranes and emergency vehicles are exempt. The law is quite specific and refers to all vehicles operating in Ontario regardless of base plate, the law will be enforced by police forces and MTO officers. Fines for non-compliance are not yet set however, the law allows between $250 - $20,000. The Ministry of Transportation Ontario expects the fines to average approximately $390.00.

The speed limiter must be set to a maximum of 105 km/hr thru the ECM (Electronic Control Module). Trucks travelling 115 km/hr or above will automatically be charged for not having an activated speed limiter. Tampering with the limiter is an offence, however drivers or companies can purchase software/computers to adjust the limit to operate in areas with higher speed limits, however when in Ontario it must be set at 105 km/hr or less.

Enforcement officers will plug a small portable device into the connection at the ECM to ensure compliance. Drivers and/or companies can be charged for non-compliance. It should be noted that non-compliance will not count against CVOR records as only Ontario & Quebec currently have adopted this legislation

Costs to setup speed limiter are slightly less than $100.

For more information, please review:

• Speed Limiter Handout (Ontario Ministry of Transportation)
• Speed Limiter Presentation

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