News release

Public Input Wanted for Regulations That Govern Roles for Police, Traffic Authorities

Transportation and Active Transit (Feb. - Aug. 2021)

Government continues to seek input on Traffic Safety Act draft regulations.

Nova Scotians can now provide feedback on proposed regulations that outline the roles and responsibilities for various agencies established by the Traffic Safety Act, including law enforcement and traffic authorities.

This is the fifth group of draft regulations being shared for public comment.

Highlights of this phase of regulations include:

  • requirements and standards for traffic signal lights and other road signs, including addition of traffic signals for bicycles
  • highway marking standards
  • modernizing the process for issuing winter parking restrictions
  • clarification of rules around seizing and impounding vehicles
  • enabling businesses and non-profit organizations to obtain assessible parking permits when transporting and assisting individuals with a mobility impairment

The regulations related to roles and responsibilities are available online today, March 9.

The Traffic Safety Act regulations are being released in phases. The phases released so far include regulations for drivers, vehicles, rules for using the road and business licencing. Draft regulations on the administrative part, which includes penalties, is expected to be released for comment in late March.

Nova Scotians can get more information and provide feedback by going to: https://novascotia.ca/traffic-safety-act-public-engagement/

The deadline for feedback on regulations related to roles and responsibilities is April 2.

Quick Facts:

  • the Traffic Safety Act was passed unanimously in the fall of 2018 and will replace the outdated Motor Vehicle Act, which was written in the early 1920s
  • the act is designed as a framework, setting broad policy and regulatory authority to quickly address changing technologies and future road-safety needs
  • since the last major revision in 1989, the Motor Vehicle Act has been amended more than 62 times
  • the legislation, once in effect, will be more concise than the current MVA, moving technical detail to regulation and allowing more flexibility and responsiveness to emerging issues
  • the Traffic Safety Act reflects significant stakeholder engagement with 31 groups and 23 partners including Bicycle Nova Scotia, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Road Safety Advisory Committee, Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police and Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
  • in September, the first phase of draft regulations, the drivers regulations, were released for public feedback. Public comment on vehicle and use of the road have also concluded
  • the act and regulations will take effect following the public review phase and once upgrades to the Registry of Motor Vehicles computer system are completed

Additional Resources:

Bill 80 – The Traffic Safety Act: https://nslegislature.ca/legc/bills/63rd_2nd/1st_read/b080.htm

Follow Us