Vehicle Equipment Standards

The Manitoba government has clarified and modernized vehicle equipment standards under the new Vehicle Equipment, Safety and Inspection Regulation.

Manitoba now has a comprehensive regulatory framework for vehicle equipment requirements and inspection standards, which Manitoba government can update in the future, as technology emerges, in conjunction with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Light vehicle inspection standards had not been updated in over 20 years.  The new regulation is expected to reduce time lost related to interpretation of repair requirements, and bring enhanced clarity regarding minimum vehicle equipment, safety, inspection and repair requirements.

Vehicle equipment requirements are modernized in several areas, including:

  • Protected lights – Lights that are not allowed are clearly identified in the new regulation.  A vehicle may not be quipped with flashing lights, unless they have a permit.
  • Emergency lighting – Lighting is updated and clarified for vehicles used by police, fire and ambulance services, as well as volunteer, part-time or on-call fire fighters, and emergency medical responders.
  • White strobe lighting –Taxis and other vehicles for hire will no longer require a permit to be equipped with a white strobe light for emergencies.
  • Tow truck lighting – Roadside assistance vehicle use expanded to allow for up to two flashing red lights that activate only when working at roadside.
  • Collector vehicles – New fair weather rules have been created for vehicles manufactured before Dec. 31 1948. This will allow classic vehicles to be driven on dry pavement without fenders or windshield wipers.

Light Vehicle Inspection Fees

Light vehicle inspection fees for a vehicle safety inspection are no longer mandated in regulation.  As of March 1, 2019, there is no longer a $55 prescribed fee for a light vehicle inspection. Automotive facilities are free to set the rate for light vehicle inspection.

Light vehicles are only required to undergo a vehicle inspection for registration:

  • upon change of ownership
  • when coming from out of province
  • when salvaged for repair
  • when unsafe 

Manitoba Public Insurance continues to oversee approved inspection stations on behalf of the Manitoba government. 

Resources

If you have questions or need more information, contact:
Manitoba Infrastructure
csi@gov.mb.ca