Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Project...What is it?

1. Commercial V ehicle Impoundment Program A n I n i t i a t i v e o f T h e M i n i s t r y o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n

2. Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Program INTRODUCTION On February 2, 1998, the government of Ontario introduced the Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Program as part of its aggressive campaign to improve commercial vehicle safety in Ontario. Ontario is the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce impoundment for seriously unsafe trucks, buses and trailers. This program was a principle recommendation of Target ’97, a joint industry/government task force, which work together closely, to improve truck safety in Ontario. Wheel-Offs, resulting in fatalities, was a contributing factor to the establishment of the Impoundment Program. It prompted the Ministry of Transportation to take a closer look at vehicle safety and maintenance by operators and initiate more stringent enforcement measures.

3. Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Program WHAT IS IT? Commercial Vehicle Impoundment is part of a progressive enforcement program where critically defective commercial vehicles are impounded for a minimum of 15 days for the first incident within a 2 year period, 30 days for a second incident within 2 years and 60 days for a third or subsequent incident within 2 years If one or more critical defects are found on a bus, truck or trailer, an officer will remove the licence plates and inspection stickers from the specific vehicle unit. Section 82.1 of the Act governs Suspension and Impoundment of Commercial Motor Vehicles for Critical Defects under Ontario Regulation 512/97 . The owner and/or operator and/or driver are charged under the Highway Traffic Act 84 (1) Operating Unsafe Vehicle This program is designed for Commercial Motor Vehicles only, as defined in section 16 (1) of the Highway Traffic Act, including exemptions

4. Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Program WHAT IS IT? The Registrar of Motor Vehicles issues an order to impound the vehicle and suspend the vehicle registration, based on the recommendation and notes of a impound-certified officer. The vehicle’s load will be removed at the inspection location and the vehicle will be transported, by a third party contractor, to a secure impound facility. The vehicle must remain at the impound facility for the designated period. The owner may claim the vehicle after all costs associated with the towing, removal and impoundment of the vehicle have been paid. When the impound period is complete, the vehicle is released by the Registrar and must be towed or floated to a qualified repair facility. The vehicle must then be certified as safe and a new Annual Inspection Decal is placed on the unit before it can be operated in Ontario. Vehicles will not be impounded for failing to meet Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance out-of-service standards. A vehicle found with a critical defect would be in much worse condition than a vehicle placed out-of-service.

5. Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Program WHAT IS IT? Vehicle repairs can only be conducted at a ministry-approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Station following removal from impound. Commercial vehicles abandoned at impound facilities will be disposed of under the provisions of the Repair and Storage Liens Act. Ontario Regulation 512/97 sets out very clear guidelines for determining when defects are serious enough to be deemed so critical as to jeopardize the safety of the public and the driver. The critical defect criteria has been developed to include brakes, wheels, and rims, steering, tires and suspension/frame components. A Commercial Motor Vehicle can also be impounded from a Criminal Code Driver’s Licence Suspension. Police are notified and lay the charges.

6. This program contributes to Road User Safety by giving Transportation Enforcement Officers the authority to apply a broader enforcement to a vehicle found with critical defects CVIP has contributed to making Ontario roads the safest and the best In North America. Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Program How does CVIP contribute to Road User Safety? Due to the large fines associated with Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Program, it prompts operators to be more diligent and informed in keeping compliant with the law and the maintenance of their Commercial Motor Vehicles This program motivates operators to ensure their drivers are more diligent when conducting their required pre-trip inspections. Pre-trip inspections prompt repairs to a defective vehicle before it sets out on its route. Through media coverage of decreased truck collisions and fatalities it is evident to the motoring public of Ontario , that this program is effective and that the Ministry of Transportation is extremely serious about Road User Safety.

7. Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Program CONCLUSION The success of this program hinges on the dedication and professionalism of Ministry of Transportation Enforcement Officers and the Road User Safety Division The Commercial Vehicle Impoundment Program is an aggressive and progressive initiative that keeps unsafe Commercial Motor Vehicle’s off the road. The program, in conjunction with the modernization of Ontario's CVOR, Carrier Safety Rating and Facility Audit Programs, is pro-active and re-active to promoting safety of Commercial Vehicles operating on Ontario Highways. The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario has proven to be a world leader in Road User Safety Thank you