Canada revising tire safety standards

OTTAWA (Nov. 22, 2013) — Canada's Transport Ministry is revising the nation's safety regulations concerning tires to align Canada's rules and regulations more closely with those in the U.S.

The ministry also is introducing standards for "appropriately marked" winter tires.

The revised regulations will replace the current Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations, 1995 (MVTSR, 1995).

"Safety is paramount when out on the road," Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said. "The safety of Canadian road users will be improved as all tires sold in Canada must meet the new testing requirements, in addition to proposed standards for appropriately marked winter tires."

The regulations for winter tires allow the enforcement of winter tire standards if manufacturers choose to use the peaked mountain with a snowflake symbol, the ministry said. When Canadian-market manufacturers choose to apply this symbol, it indicates to consumers that the tire meets Canadian winter tire regulatory standards.

"These changes will give consumers easier and better access to crucial information about their tires," said Jeff Walker, vice president of public affairs for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). "CAA supports regulatory measures that enhance consumer knowledge and choice."

The Canadian government said it is responding to tire and vehicle manufacturers who have encouraged the government to align Canadian tire safety regulations with those of the U.S.

Alignment also supports the principles of the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council announced by Prime Minister Harper and President Obama in February 2011.

Manufacturers will have until Sept. 1, 2014 to conform to the new regulations, the ministry said.