Vehicle Standards and Exemption Permits
The Vehicle Safety Section is responsible for vehicle equipment, safety legislation and standards in Alberta. We direct and evaluate existing legislation and safety standards regarding vehicle equipment and develop new legislation as it is required. As new and unusual vehicles enter Alberta we develop the policy that will provide a safe vehicle operating environment. The Vehicle Section also provides advice on the application of Alberta’s legislation.
New Equipment Requirements for School Buses:
Effective September 1, 2010, all school buses must have, except where a municipal by-law prohibits their use, four amber and four red alternating flashing warning lamps, and a white flashing strobe light. In addition all school buses will have to be equipped with reflective markings (reflective tape). For detailed information concerning these new requirements see sections 89, 90, and 91 of Alberta’s Vehicle Equipment Regulation on Alberta’s Queen’s Printer’s website. (Click here to view this regulation.)Use of White Flashing School Bus Strobe Lamps:
Section 73 of Alberta’s Use of Highway and Rules of the Regulation will be amended September 1, 2010 to require the operator of a school bus to activate the white flashing strobe lamp when operating in adverse atmospheric and visibility conditions, including fog, blizzard and smoke, and to allow its use whenever increased visibility is desirable. Check the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation on the Queen’s Printer’s website after September 1, 2010 (Click here to view this regulation.)Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation:
Effective July 1, 2009, the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation will be amended to change the definition of power bicycles and mopeds. The definitions are being updated to be consistent with federal definitions of power and assisted bicycles and limited speed motorcycles. The changes are explained further in Frequently Asked Questions. Any questions can be directed to vehicle.safety@gov.ab.ca. Watch this web page for future updates and further information on small vehicles.
Helpful guides and tools:
- Owning and Operating a Power Bicycle or Moped In Alberta: Outlines the updates to vehicle definitions that come into effect July 1, 2009.
- Owning and Operating a Small Vehicle in Alberta: Outlines the updates to vehicle definitions that come into effect July 1, 2009.
- Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide: Information on towing a recreational trailer. This does not apply to commercial vehicles.
- Make It Safe, Make It Visible: Information on the safe transport of farm equipment in Alberta.
- Rules and Regulations Applying to Small Vehicles: Information on mopeds, powerbikes, off-highway and prohibited small vehicles in Alberta.
To view or obtain specific vehicle standards, please contact any of the following organizations:
Society of Automotive Engineers
Canadian Standards Association
For more information, please contact Vehicle Safety Standards.
