OTTAWA, July 21, 2008 – A new federal regulation took effect on June 25, 2008, that improves the design of bumpers on Canadian passenger cars by harmonizing the Canadian car test speed requirements with those already established in North American and European markets. By updating the Canadian bumper standard, the Government of Canada is ensuring that:
- new internationally consistent pedestrian safety requirements can be introduced;
- design and manufacturing costs can be reduced for Canadian manufacturers; and
- consumers are provided with more choice while maintaining road safety.
“This amendment will offer more choice to Canadians who wish to import vehicles, while maintaining the safety of Canadian roads,” says the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “It will also improve Canada’s international competitiveness by lowering development and testing costs.”
Although the amended bumper standard will facilitate importation, before buying a vehicle in the U.S., Canadians should check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) about the rules and process for importing vehicles (www.riv.ca).
Harmonization of the bumper standard is consistent with the spirit of the Canada-U.S. Security and Prosperity Partnership to reduce regulatory differences and facilitate international trade while maintaining high levels of safety.
While the provincial and territorial governments have jurisdiction for road use and after-market additions to motor vehicles, Transport Canada develops safety standards and regulations for new vehicles and vehicles imported for use in Canada.
The amendment was initially published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on March 22, 2008, after which Canadians had 30 days to review and respond to it. The final amendment was published on June 25, 2008, in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
