Failing the audit can have serious consequences for the carrier’s safety rating and compliance status. Depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance detected, a carrier may face:

• Safety directives, which are orders from the authority to correct deficiencies within a specified time frame.
• Administrative penalties, which are fines imposed by the authority for violating the NSC regulations.
• Summary offence tickets, which are tickets issued by the auditor or enforcement officer for specific offences under the NSC regulations.
• Change of safety rating, which can affect the carrier’s ability to operate in other jurisdictions and insurance premiums. A failed audit will result in the safety rating being changed to Conditional, which means the carrier needs to improve compliance within a certain period. In rare circumstances, a carrier may be deemed unfit to operate and assigned an unsatisfactory rating, which means the carrier’s authority to operate commercial vehicles may be suspended or cancelled.
• Potential economic and financial losses, which may result from reduced business opportunities, increased costs, or legal liabilities.