National Safety Code of Canada

The National Safety Code presents minimum performance and safety standards, including medical standards for drivers, to the provincial and territorial licensing authorities.  The Code was created as a means of achieving uniform standards across Canada with the result that a driver licensed in one province is considered licensed in all provinces.

The National Safety Code applies to motor carriers who operate public service vehicles and commercial trucks with a registered gross vehicle weight (RGVW) of 4,500 kilograms or more, and buses designed to carry 11 or more passengers including the driver, and including school buses.

Are You Medically Qualified to Drive?

The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators issues guidelines for establishing basic minimum medical qualifications for drivers.

The guidelines are used by both physicians and administrators in assessing an individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. 

» Read More

The relevant standards affecting ATU members are summarized below:


Single Driver’s Licence

This standard is designed to ensure that no driver holds more than one licence. In addition, a series of administrative procedures have been agreed upon to ensure driving infractions are assigned to a single licence and record.

Under this standard, a driver must:

  • make a written disclosure to the motor carrier, of any and all driver’s licences held, including the jurisdiction (Province, or Territory);
  • provide class of licence, status of licence and the actual name in which each licence is held;
  • hold a licence in one jurisdiction only; and
  • provide a current copy of driving record (abstract) before being hired, and annually thereafter – or the driver may sign a waiver authorizing the employer to obtain a copy of the driving record.

Knowledge and Performance Tests

This standard sets out the process for standardized testing of commercial drivers, and includes the criteria for both written and road tests.


Medical Requirements

All commercial drivers must undergo a medical examination at the time of licence application and at recommended periodic intervals. This Standard is intended as a guide to establish basic minimum medical qualifications, to be utilized by physicians, licencing administrators and medical review boards to assess an individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Click here to read the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators’ Medical Standards for Drivers.   


Short-Term Suspensions

In the event that a public service vehicle or commercial truck is stopped and the driver is found not to be in compliance with the hours of service requirements, a short-term suspension may be imposed.


Hours of Service

New Hours of Service requirements for Commercial Vehicle Drivers took effect on January 1, 2007.  Some provinces have chosen to exempt public transit operators from these restrictions. 

These new regulations require:

  • a daily minimum of 10 hours off-duty;
  • a minimum 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time before re-commencing driving after reaching the on-duty, driving or a new elapsed time limit;
  • a daily maximum driving time of 13 hours;
  • a daily maximum on-duty time of 14 hours;
  • an elapsed time limit of 16 hours from the last off-duty period of 8 hours or greater;
  • a minimum rest period for team drivers using a vehicle equipped with sleeper berth accommodations of 4 consecutive hours;
  • a maximum 70-hour cycle over 7 days and a maximum 120-hour cycle over 14 days;
  • a minimum of 24 consecutive hours off-duty, at least once every 14 days for all drivers.

Daily Trip Inspection Report

This standard was created to ensure early identification of vehicle problems and defects, and to prevent the operation of vehicles with conditions that are likely to cause or contribute to a collision or vehicle breakdown.

This standard places several requirements on the carrier, prohibiting a carrier from allowing an un-inspected or unsafe vehicle to be operated, ensuring defect are corrected and providing drivers with a schedule of inspection items.

In addition, drivers must: 

  • Not drive a commercial vehicle unless it has been inspected according to the Regulations
  • Ensure that required inspections are carried out and defects reported to the carrier according to the Regulations
  • Complete the required inspection report, carry it in the vehicle, and provide it to an inspector on demand
  • Monitor the vehicle while driving, record defects found and report them to the carrier prior to next scheduled inspection
  • Report major defects immediately and not operate vehicle until the major defect has been corrected
  • Forward the inspection report to the carrier within 20 days

Issues