Safety Fitness Certificate

Scope

The scope of a safety fitness certificate depends on the type and size of the vehicles that the operator uses, the nature of their business, and the jurisdictions where they operate. For example, in Alberta, a safety fitness certificate is required for any commercial vehicle that has a registered gross vehicle weight or actual weight exceeding 4,500 kg, or any bus that has a seating capacity of more than 10 persons and is used for purposes other than personal use. 

Regulatory citations

• The Motor Vehicle Transport Act (MVTA)
• The Motor Carrier Safety Fitness Certificate Regulations
• The Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance Regulations
• The National Safety Code (NSC)

Key definitions

• SFC – Safety Fitness Certificate
• NSC – National Safety Code

Summary of requirements

A safety fitness certificate is a document that shows that a commercial vehicle operator has met the minimum safety standards required by law. It is issued by a provincial authority to an extra-provincial motor carrier undertaking, which is a business that operates commercial vehicles across provincial or international borders. A safety fitness certificate includes a motor carrier’s safety rating, their National Safety Code number, and their legal operating name.

The scope of a safety fitness certificate depends on the type and size of the vehicles that the operator uses, the nature of their business, and the jurisdictions where they operate. For example, in Alberta, a safety fitness certificate is required for any commercial vehicle that has a registered gross vehicle weight or actual weight exceeding 4,500 kg, or any bus that has a seating capacity of more than 10 persons and is used for purposes other than personal use. To apply for a safety fitness certificate, an operator must complete an online course, pass a knowledge test, provide information about their insurance coverage, and confirm that they have a safety and maintenance program.

A safety fitness certificate is valid for as long as the operator maintains compliance with the safety regulations and standards. The provincial authority may suspend, cancel, or downgrade the safety fitness certificate if the operator fails to meet the requirements or violates the rules. The operator must also notify the provincial authority of any changes to their business name, address, contact information, vehicle fleet, or insurance policy.

A safety fitness certificate is an important document that demonstrates the operator’s commitment to safety and responsibility. It also helps to protect the public from unsafe carriers and promote fair competition in the transportation industry. If you are interested in learning more about the safety fitness certificate program in Canada, you can visit this website3 for more information.