Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) Frequently Asked Questions - General
The vehicle
- What is a low-speed vehicle (LSV)?
- What is the purpose of the pilot?
- Is a low-speed vehicle the same as a Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle? What about a golf cart?
- Is an LSV an off-road vehicle?
- Are electric passenger vehicles allowed on Ontario’s roads?
- What do you mean when you say LSVs “registered” with Transport Canada are eligible for the parks pilot, but that these LSVs also have to be “registered” with MTO to be eligible for use province-wide?
- How does a manufacturer or importer go about registering their LSV?
- Is the province doing anything to assist the electric vehicle industry?
- Why did the ministry launch additional pilots before the current one expired?
- What are the fines associated with offences related to LSVs?
- Do drinking and driving laws apply to LSVs?
- If these vehicles are environmentally friendly, why is the ministry limiting where they can be used?
- These cars seem perfect for G1 and G2 drivers. Why aren’t you allowing novice drivers to practice on low-speed vehicles?
- Will there be a problem with speed differentials, faster moving vehicles travelling alongside slower moving ones?
- What federal vehicle standards are low-speed vehicles currently required to meet?
- What other types of vehicles are being pilot tested under the pilot provision of Bill 169, The Transportation Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005?
- How much do LSVs cost?
- Will there be some type of identification on the vehicle to let people and police know it is an LSV and not a modified golf cart?
- 40 km/h is slow. Can I modify my LSV to make it go faster?
- Can I sell/buy a used LSV?
- Can I buy an LSV from the U.S. or another Canadian province and register it in Ontario?
- How can I get information on the safety limitations of LSVs before I purchase one?
- Can municipalities pass a bylaw banning LSVs on roads?
- Can I get road-tested in an LSV?
- In this pilot, will LSVs be treated as slow-moving vehicles?
- Where can I buy a slow-moving vehicle sign?
- I heard that B.C. and Quebec require signs on their roadways saying LSVs are allowed. Why isn’t Ontario going with signs, too?
- Why are LSVs being restricted to roads with speeds of 50 km/h or less?
- What should I do when reaching an intersecting road with a speed limit higher than 50 km/h? Do I have to make a U-turn and go back?
- Does my LSV require branding?
- Will my vehicle require an emissions test?
- Can another vehicle (e.g., a golf cart, go-cart, etc.) be converted into a low-speed vehicle for use by pilot operators?
- Are LSVs really less safe than other vehicles on Ontario roads, like motorcycles?
- Motorcycles don't require occupant safety standards, so why are LSV operators subjected to additional driving restrictions?
Smaller Vehicles
1. What is a low-speed vehicle (LSV)?
- The Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) and its regulations define a “low-speed vehicle” as a vehicle, other than an all-terrain vehicle, or a vehicle imported temporarily for special purposes, that:
- is designed for use primarily on streets and roads where access and the use of other classes of vehicles are controlled by law or agreement;
- is powered by an electric power train;
- does not produce emissions;
- is designed to travel on four wheels;
- does not use fuel as an on-board source of energy;
- has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 1,361 kg;
- has an attainable speed in 1.6 km of more than 32 km/h but not more than 40 km/h, on a paved level surface; and
- meets the Transport Canada Technical Document 500 standards for LSVs. (This means LSVs are required to have, at minimum, such equipment as headlamps, turn signals, parking brake, windshield, seat belt assembly, and exterior and interior mirrors).
2. What is the purpose of the pilot?
- The government has publicly committed to supporting and promoting transportation options that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are energy efficient, such as car-pool lanes and public transit.
- These pilots demonstrate the government’s commitment to expand mobility options for Ontarians while promoting environmental sustainability and fuel conservation.
- Piloting these electric, low-speed vehicles will help us to:
- Gather information and assess the safety impacts of allowing the operation of LSVs in low-speed settings;
- Examine experiences and results of the pilot to help determine the long-term feasibility of LSVs in mixed traffic settings; and
- Determine where low-speed vehicles are best suited – and safest -- to travel in future.
3. Is a low-speed vehicle the same as a Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle? What about a golf cart?
- A neighbourhood electric vehicle is considered a low-speed vehicle as long as, at the time of manufacture, it met all of the requirements of a low-speed vehicle under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA).
- Although golf carts may resemble low-speed vehicles, they typically do not meet the vehicle safety requirements for low-speed vehicles as specified in the MVSA (e.g., windshields).
- Only LSVs manufactured by a company registered with Transport Canada and that have a compliance label are eligible for the pilot.
4. Is an LSV an off-road vehicle?
- A low-speed vehicle does not meet the definition of an off-road vehicle, according to the Off-Road Vehicles Act.
5. Are electric passenger vehicles allowed on Ontario’s roads?
- Yes. Full-size electric passenger cars are legal for operation on Ontario’s roads IF they meet all federal standards for a passenger car and equipment requirements under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
- All passenger cars, whether gas or electric powered, must meet 40 federally-mandated standards for lights, brakes, windshield, structural strength, bumpers, chassis, etc. A few electric passenger vehicles are being produced, and there are some on our roads today. These vehicles are plated and registered as passenger cars. Vehicle manufacturers are developing new electric passenger cars they intend to offer to the public in the near future.
6. What do you mean when you say LSVs "registered" with Transport Canada are eligible for the parks pilot, but that these LSVs also have to be "registered" with MTO to be eligible for use province-wide?
- The parks pilot allows conservation employees to use an LSV that meets the minimum standards.
- For the pilot on 50 km/h roads, the vehicle must meet the minimum standards as well as additional requirements.
7. How does a manufacturer or importer go about registering their LSV?
- Firstly, a manufacturer and/or importer must be registered with Transport Canada. Information on how to import a vehicle into Canada can be found on Transport Canada’s website at:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safevehicles/importation/index.htm - For the province-wide pilot, the manufacturer and/or importer would also be required to send the Ministry of Transportation proof, authenticated by a recognized independent third party, that the LSV meets the additional five Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for occupant protection, driver impact, side door strength, occupant restraint system in frontal impacts and seatbelt assembly anchorages.
8. Is the province doing anything to assist the electric vehicle industry?
- Recently, the province launched its Next Generation of Jobs Fund, which provides $1.15 billion to help innovative companies create well-paying, sustainable jobs, including those that support Ontario’s Go Green Plan by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. This is in addition to the substantial investments of more than $1 billion that the Ontario government has made in recent years to encourage the manufacture of cleaner/greener cars and other products to curb climate change.
9. Why did the ministry launch additional pilots before the current one expired?
- The province made a commitment to allow LSVs on its roads.
- The ministry commissioned a study by the National Research Council (NRC) to determine how LSVs can be safely used on Ontario’s roads. The study identified risks in seven areas related to traffic flow, human factors, traffic safety, LSV equipment, road infrastructure, licensing and operating restrictions. The report provided recommendations to minimize these safety risks. The decision to proceed with allowing LSVs on Ontario roads incorporated many, but not all, of the NRC recommendations. A copy of the study can be found on the ministry’s website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/emerging/lsvtechreport.pdf
- The Ministry of Transportation consulted with other ministries, LSV manufacturers, environmental groups, safety advocates, insurance industry, law enforcement and municipalities on these recommendations.
- The LSV proposal was posted on the Regulatory Registry for public feedback.
10. What are the fines associated with offences related to LSVs?
- Under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), any person who commits an act while operating a LSV contrary to any of the LSV pilot’s regulations is guilty of an offence, and upon conviction, is liable to a minimum fine of $250 and maximum fine of $2,500.
- Any person who commits an act while operating a LSV contrary to the regulations of the Act, or the Criminal Code, could have charges, and their subsequent penalties, laid under either or both.
11. Do drinking and driving laws apply to LSVs?
- Yes. An LSV is a motor vehicle and drinking and driving in a motor vehicle is a Criminal Code of Canada offence. If convicted, the offender would be subject to the Criminal Code penalties, including a fine or jail time, and a driving prohibition.
- LSV operators are also subject to the “warn range” sanctions.
12. If these vehicles are environmentally friendly, why is the ministry limiting where they can be used?
- As the name implies, low-speed vehicles travel at low speeds and have a maximum speed of 40 km/h. In fact, the definition of an LSV says it can’t have a maximum speed of more than 40 km/h.
- The government must balance the need to test environmentally friendly, low- emission vehicles while maximizing operator safety and the safety of other road users. These vehicles are not intended for use on roads with high traffic density and LSVs are incapable of reaching the speed limits of most public roads.
- Certain vehicles (e.g., mopeds, limited-speed motorcycles and bicycles) have restrictions on where they can travel. For example, mopeds and limited-speed motorcycles can’t travel on controlled-access highways such as the 400 series highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa and the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway.
13. These cars seem perfect for G1 and G2 drivers. Why aren’t you allowing novice drivers to practice on low-speed vehicles?
- LSVs can only go 40 km/h, which makes it difficult for these vehicles to keep up with other traffic.
- In addition to bigger, faster vehicles, LSVs will also be travelling alongside smaller, slower vehicles.
- There may be an expectation from other drivers that the LSV can keep up with other traffic which may put additional pressures on new drivers.
14. Will there be a problem with speed differentials, faster moving vehicles travelling alongside slower moving ones?
- This is, in fact, one of the safety risks identified in the NRC study. NRC recommended that an LSV only be allowed to be operate on roads with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less, be required to display a slow moving vehicle sign, and that congestion concerns be addressed by use of a separate right-of-way or separated/adjacent LSV/bicycle lane.
- There is evidence that the crash risk is lowest near the average speed of traffic and increases for vehicles traveling much faster or slower than the average speed of traffic.
- Some studies find that there is an increased risk of collision for travel speeds below the average traffic flow speed.
- However, other studies do not find a relationship between slower speeds and increased crash involvement.
15. What federal vehicle standards are low-speed vehicles currently required to meet?
- LSVs may look similar to passenger cars, but LSVs are only required to meet three federally mandated vehicle safety standards compared to 40 for passenger vehicles such as lights, braking, bumpers, windshields, etc.
- The three safety standards that an LSV must meet are: (1) Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), (2) seatbelt assemblies, and (3) a specially created umbrella standard for LSVs that includes various lamps, mirrors, reflectors, parking brake and a windshield. Only the VIN, seatbelt assemblies and windshield components of the LSV requirements must meet performance standards. The other items are only required to be present and operational.
- LSVs are not required to have safety features required of conventional passenger cars, such as doors, windows or airbags. They have limited occupant protection and have performed poorly on crash tests.
16. What other types of vehicles are being pilot tested under the pilot provision of Bill 169, The Transportation Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005?
- Power-assisted bicycles (electric bicycles or e-bikes) can be used by anyone aged 16 and older. Segways can be used by persons with disabilities who are 14 years of age or older, Canada Post letter carriers and police.
17. How much do LSVs cost?
- Like passenger cars, the prices of LSVs vary. LSVs typically sell for $10,000 to $17,000 (Canadian), but you are advised to contact your local LSV manufacturers/dealers for confirmation.
18. Will there be some type of identification on the vehicle to let people and police know it is an LSV and not a modified golf cart?
- Low-speed vehicles will be unable to travel faster than 40 km/h and are required to display a slow-moving vehicle sign.
- LSVs will be required to have an interior warning label visible to occupants that states the safety and operating limitations of LSVs.
- The federal compliance label for LSVs, typically located on the inner door edge of the driver side, will state the vehicle type is an LSV and will be required under the pilot regulation to also indicate LSV compliance with five additional CMVSS requirements (denoted as ONT-LSV-5CMVSS) if used in the province-wide pilot on 50 km/h roads. LSVs used in the controlled environment pilot must have either a compliance label that bears the notation “ONT-LSV- BASIC” or “ONT-LSV-5CMVSS”.
19. 40 km/h is slow. Can I modify my LSV to make it go faster?
- No. One of the conditions under the pilot is that no vehicle modifications are allowed that would increase the speed of an LSV.
- Under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), any person who commits an act while operating an LSV contrary to any of the LSV pilot’s regulations is guilty of an offence, and upon conviction, is liable to a minimum fine of $250 and maximum fine of $2,500.
20. Can I sell/buy a used LSV?
- Yes. As with registering a used passenger car, a safety certificate will be required. You will also be required to provide a signed declaration form that states acknowledgement of the LSV pilot and the vehicle’s safety limitations.
- A safety certificate can only be obtained from a registered Motor Vehicle Inspection Station if the LSV passes all necessary safety inspections. A copy of the Declaration Form is available at a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office or it can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/emerging/index.shtml#low
- Under the pilot, an LSV must have a warning label that is affixed by the manufacturer in a location plainly visible to the driver and to any passenger seated next to the driver that states:
- This LSV cannot attain a speed higher than 40 km/h;
- This LSV is not equipped with the safety features customarily found in passenger cars and LSV owners and drivers are advised to confirm the vehicle’s safety features, if any, with the manufacturer; and
- Since an LSV emits little or no noise, LSV owners and drivers are advised that other road users may not be alerted to the presence of the vehicle.
- A person cannot sell an LSV for use on public roads, nor pass a safety inspection, unless the LSV has a warning label in the vehicle and a federal compliance label that indicates the LSV meets the additional five CMVSS required by the LSV pilot regulation to operate on Ontario roads.
21. Can I buy an LSV from the U.S. or another Canadian province and register it in Ontario?
- An LSV can be used in Ontario as long as it meets the definition of a low-speed vehicle under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) and bears an LSV compliance label that is affixed by the manufacturer in compliance with federal requirements.
- To be eligible for the amended pilot, LSVs must be manufactured and/or imported by companies registered with Transport Canada as a manufacturer/importer of LSVs.
- In addition to the federal requirements, LSVs – both from home and abroad --- will have to comply, and provide evidence of compliance to MTO, with additional provincial requirements.
- The LSV must be operated as per the rules and regulations of the pilot.
22. How can I get information on the safety limitations of LSVs before I purchase one?
- The Ministry has informed eligible LSV manufacturers/importers registered with Transport Canada of the registration requirements for their customers, and provided copies of the declaration form to provide to their customers prior to purchase.
- Eligible LSVs are required to have a warning label plainly visible to occupants informing the prospective purchaser of its safety limitations.
- Both Transport Canada and the Ministry have communicated their views on the safety of LSVs on their respective websites.
23. Can municipalities pass a bylaw banning LSVs on roads?
- No. Municipalities may not pass by-laws to prohibit LSVs on roads within their jurisdiction.
24. Can I get road-tested in an LSV?
- No. You will not be able to use an LSV for your road test.
25. In this pilot, will LSVs be treated as slow-moving vehicles?
- Yes. Low-speed vehicles are slow-moving vehicles and must conform to the rules of the road for slow-moving vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
- Low-speed vehicles must have a slow-moving vehicle sign affixed in accordance with the regulations.
26. Where can I buy a slow-moving vehicle sign?
- You can purchase a slow-moving vehicle sign at certain retail outlets, typically stores that sell hardware.
27. I heard that B.C. and Quebec require signs on their roadways saying LSVs are allowed. Why isn’t Ontario going with signs, too?
- Requiring LSV signs on roadways is only a guideline in B.C. and Quebec (except that, in Quebec, it is a requirement to have a sign on roads with slopes exceeding a specified angle). It is not a requirement to display signs on roadways.
- Various stakeholders were consulted and this issue was not raised as a concern.
28. Why are LSVs being restricted to roads with speeds of 50 km/h or less?
- By definition, low speed vehicles (LSVs) cannot attain speeds greater than 40 km/h. Allowing LSVs on higher speed roads could potentially increase the safety risk to LSV drivers and other road users created by the speed differentials.
- This approach is consistent with permitted use in B.C. and Quebec.
- Also, by limiting to 50 km/h roads, the extended pilot would:
- permit the evaluation of the operation of electric low-speed vehicles (LSVs) in mixed traffic on low-speed roads of 50 km/h or less across the province.
- help determine the safety impacts of allowing LSVs to be driven in a non-enclosed environment and to observe how they integrate with other road users in actual mixed traffic settings.
- determine where low-speed vehicles are best suited – and safest -- to travel in future.
- Other slower moving vehicles --- limited-speed motorcycles, bicycles, mopeds --- are restricted to roads with lower speed limits.
29. What should I do when reaching an intersecting road with a speed limit higher than 50 km/h? Do I have to make a U-turn and go back?
- The pilot allows LSVs to drive directly across an intersecting road with a speed limit greater than 50 km/h but no more than 80 km/h, but only if it occurs at an intersection with a traffic control device that controls traffic in all directions.
- Operators are advised to become familiar with the posted speed limits in your area before purchasing an LSV.
30. Does my LSV require branding?
- A LSV cannot enter the branding program. It will be branded as “Irreparable”, the same as motorcycles and limited-speed motorcycles.
31. Will my vehicle require an emissions test?
- No. Because these vehicles are electric, they will be exempt from emission testing.
32. Can another vehicle (e.g., a golf cart, go-cart, etc.) be converted into a low-speed vehicle for use by pilot operators?
- No. The pilot is intended to test vehicles originally manufactured as LSVs.
- The vehicle must qualify as a low-speed vehicle under the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations and be labeled as such by the manufacturer and meet all labeling requirements under the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations.
- Also, to be eligible for the Ontario LSV pilot, LSVs must be manufactured and/or imported by companies registered with Transport Canada as manufacturers/importers of LSVs.
Smaller Vehicles
33. Are LSVs really less safe than other vehicles on Ontario roads, like motorcycles?
- Federally, motorcycles are required to meet 12 vehicle safety standards (e.g., brake hoses, lighting system, alternative requirements for headlamps, mirrors, VIN, hydraulic brake fluid, tire selection and rims, motorcycle brake systems, motorcycle controls and displays, glazing materials, fuel system integrity and noise emissions).
- Motorcycle operators require a special driver’s licence, must be helmeted, typically wear protective clothing to reduce injury, can move at the same speed as other traffic and can accelerate quickly to cross other roads or to escape hazardous situations.
- Our goal for the introduction of new vehicle types should be to match or exceed the safety of higher performing vehicles such as passenger cars.
34. Motorcycles don't require occupant safety standards, so why are LSV operators subjected to additional driving restrictions?
- Federally, crash testing for occupant safety is not required for motorcycles, just as it is not required for LSVs. However, provincially, Ontario requires helmet use for all motorcyclists (and bicyclists under the age of 18). The safety benefits of helmets are well documented.
- It is important to note that LSVs are not required to have seatbelt assembly anchorages that meet performance standards; if the seatbelt assembly is poorly anchored, the safety benefits accorded to drivers and passengers may be inadequate.
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