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Safety fitness certificates
The Yukon Territory has adopted the federal Motor Carrier Safety Fitness Certificate Regulations by reference. The regulations require carriers operating the following vehicles to obtain a safety fitness certificate before operating on Yukon highways:
- Trucks, tractors, or trailers, or any combination of these vehicles, that have a registered gross vehicle weight exceeding, or that weigh more than, 4,500 kilograms; or
- Buses that are designed, constructed, and used for the transportation of passengers and that have a designated seating capacity of more than 10 persons, including the driver, if they are operated for purposes other than personal use.
Carriers wishing to obtain the safety fitness certificate must submit information to the National Safety Code Office including proof of insurance, fleet size, articles of incorporation (if a corporation), partnership registration and driver licence number of all principals, and a statement by the motor carrier that the carrier agrees to comply with all motor carrier safety regulations (this statement is on the application).
The safety fitness certificate must be obtained before vehicles can be registered in the territory.
Safety program
Under Yukon regulations, a carrier must designate at least one person that is responsible for ensuring compliance with the National Safety Code Regulations. The person must also provide safety-related information to the carrier’s officers and other employees (such as drivers, maintenance personnel, etc.). The carrier is responsible for ensuring that all persons employed by the carrier to operate or maintain vehicles, or manage the maintenance of such vehicles, knows and is familiar with their responsibilities under the National Safety Code Regulations.
Safety fitness rating
Upon application for the safety fitness certificate, a carrier will be issued a safety fitness rating. Generally, a “satisfactory unaudited” rating will be issued to a carrier upon application. Other safety ratings that may be issued include “satisfactory,” “conditional,” or “unsatisfactory.”
Law
Motor Vehicles Act, Section 122
Regulation
National Safety Code Regulation, NSC Standard 7 adopted by reference
Carrier profiles
The Yukon National Safety Code Office monitors the carrier’s safety fitness profile. Carriers receive demerit points on the carrier profile for events such as accidents, vehicle inspections, and driver violations.
If the carrier’s safety record is no longer meeting the requirements, the carrier will be warned in writing and given a chance to improve the safety record. If the carrier does not respond or does not improve the safety rating, the carrier’s rating will be downgraded to “conditional.” When a carrier’s rating is downgraded to “conditional,” certain restrictions are placed on the carrier’s operation.
The carrier will be given a chance to improve the safety rating by meeting several conditions imposed by the National Safety Code Office; however, if the carrier does not improve or if noncompliance increases, the carrier may be issued an “unsatisfactory” rating. Carriers with an “unsatisfactory” rating may not operate commercial vehicles.
Law
Motor Vehicles Act, 1987 (Canada)
Regulation
National Safety Code Regulation
Facility audits
The facility audit standard will allow for in-depth inspections by government personnel to ensure that carriers are maintaining the required records, as well as complying with all applicable safety standards.
Although differences may exist between the recommended procedure and the actual procedure (when in place), the listing of elements for inspection may be useful in the development of a comprehensive recordkeeping program.
Law
Motor Vehicles Act, Sections 116 and 122
Regulation
National Safety Code Regulation, NSC Standard 15 adopted by reference