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.

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:

To view or obtain specific vehicle standards, please contact any of the following organizations:

Society of Automotive Engineers

Canadian Standards Association

Canada's National Safety Code

Vehicle Safety Exemption Permits

The Vehicle Safety Section issues permits authorizing vehicle equipment exemptions from specific requirements of the Traffic Safety Act and its regulations. The most common permits issued by our section pertain to school buses and commercial buses; these permits allow the use of equipment that does not come equipped from the manufacturer. Examples include pulling a trailer, installation of strobe lights and adaptations for wheel chair lifts. Our permits do not grant allowances for over-weight or over-dimensional vehicles. Unusual vehicles that may pose a risk to the operator or other road users, because of their novel size or operating characteristics, will not be issued a permit for on-road use.

You can now apply for these exemption permits online. Signing up is free, but each exemption permit has a cost of $55.00.  To apply online for a permit click here. You will need to know your Motor Vehicle Identification number (MVID) to register, if you do not know what your MVID is please contact the Vehicle Safety Section.

To view an instructional video on the online application process, click here.  (If you do not wish to apply online please contact the Vehicle Safety Section to obtain an application.)

Notice of Exemption

The following permits are published pursuant to the Vehicle Equipment Regulation AR 122/2009 s. 114(1) and (3); as well as, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation AR 121/2009 s. 40.  The purpose of publishing this Notice of Exemption is to inform the person, organization or owners of the vehicle that is the subject of an exemption. 

For more information, please contact Vehicle Safety Standards.