A Pilot Project to Safely Test Autonomous Vehicles

Regulation Number(s):

N/A



Bill or Act:

N/A

Summary of Decision:

Effective January 1, 2016, Ontario Regulation 306/15 establishes a pilot project for testing automated vehicles on Ontario's roads under certain conditions.



All comments were carefully considered and various stakeholder consultations were held to create a framework that balances road safety without creating new regulatory burdens that could stifle investment or innovation in Ontario.



For full details of the pilot project, please see attached Ontario Regulation 306/15.



Further Information:

Proposal Number:

13-MTO043

Posting Date:

December 17, 2013

Summary of Proposal:

MTO recognizes the importance of new vehicle technology, especially if it can expand mobility options for Ontarians. Safety is a top priority; however, and thus the ministry reviews all new vehicle types and technology to determine whether they are safe for Ontario's roads.



This proposal is a first for Canada and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Ontario as a leader in technology development with the potential to attract new business opportunities. In addition, it will allow the ministry to proactively evaluate and determine how these vehicles can be safely integrated with other road users prior to them becoming widely available to the public, which manufacturers indicate could be in the near future.



Currently, three U.S. jurisdictions have implemented laws for the purposes of testing autonomous vehicles on their roads. The ministry is considering a potential pilot framework to allow for the testing of autonomous vehicles under similar conditions in Ontario. Proceeding by first conducting a pilot is consistent with the approach of U.S. jurisdictions, and would enable the ministry to establish rules, monitor and safely evaluate the pilot during the testing phase.



For details on the ministry's proposal, please see the attached. We invite you to submit comments on this proposed pilot project for MTO consideration.



Contact Address:

Ministry of Transportation

Safety Policy and Education Branch

Road Safety Policy Office

87 Sir William Hearst Ave

Building A, Room 212

Toronto, Ontario

M3M 0B4



Effective Date:

January 1, 2016

Decision:

Approved