Canadian Legislative Updates
Drive Clean Testing Changes Proposed in Ontario
The province of Ontario is proposing amendments to Drive Clean testing which, if implemented, would save drivers time and money, all the while continuing to protect the environment.
The proposed changes would exempt all cars, trucks and buses less than seven years old from being tested as part of the registration renewal process. Also proposed would be exemptions for vehicles such as passenger cars, vans and SUVs from being tested if the vehicle is:
- Being transferred between family members;
- Coming off lease and being purchased by the person who was leasing the vehicle; or
- Having its registration renewed and has passed a test in the previous year.
It is projected that the proposed changes would come into effect on September 1, 2011.
Cell Phone Ban to be heavily enforced in Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Ron MacKinley has asked police to strictly enforce the law banning the use of hand-held electronic communication devices while driving.
MacKinley highlighted that with the law now in place for over a year, it is still common to see drivers talking and texting on their hand-held devices. Police are being asked to ensure that the message is reinforced that this behavior is unsafe for everyone on the road and those caught breaking the law will be fined.
Drivers convicted of breaking the law face fines ranging from $250 to $400 and three demerit points. Since the law came into effect in January 2010, a total of 113 charges have been laid.