In a letter to industry associations sent October 31, the Ministry is reminding the trucking industry to be prepared for enforcement of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate starting in January 2023 for both federal and provincial carriers that operate in Ontario. ELD ‘reminder’ notices will also be sent directly to CVOR program participants with email addresses on their account throughout the coming weeks and roadside officials will continue their effort to raise awareness during interactions with commercial vehicles and drivers.
“OTA applauds MTO for moving forward on the ELD mandate with enforcement in January to make our roads safer and to level the competitive playing field in the industry,” said Geoff Wood, OTA’s Sr VP Policy.
According to the MTO communications:
“Details of Ontario’s provincial ELD mandate were communicated on November 1, 2021, to outline requirements and criteria for commercial truck and bus carriers in Ontario. These changes make it mandatory for commercial motor vehicle drivers who operate within Ontario to use an ELD to record their hours of service”.
“While requirements took effect for commercial truck carriers on June 12, 2022, Ontario has implemented an education and awareness period for both the provincial and federal ELD mandates through to January 1, 2023 (without penalties). This approach has been taken to support industry in the successful transition to ELDs and align with the enforcement approach of federal ELD mandates as advised by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.”
“As we approach the conclusion of the education and awareness period, Ontario carriers continue to be advised:
- The education and awareness period is a temporary measure.
- To prepare and research device options and ensure that any ELD procured is a certified device as approved by Transport Canada.
- To expect education and awareness of ELD requirements to be discussed during interactions with commercial vehicle enforcement (penalties will not be issued)
- To be aware of the regulations and requirements of the provinces or territories where they will be operating (provinces and territories are responsible for enforcing the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations).
- Enforcement action will be taken following the conclusion of the education and awareness period on January 1, 2023, including charges and penalties for violations of federal and provincial ELD mandates”
For complete details of MTO’s communication click here: Ontario ELD-Reminder Notice_public
For additional ELD resources from MTO, click here
Nationally, all of the provincial associations in the Canadian Trucking Alliance are reporting their respective governments are ready to enforce the ELD regulations starting January 1, 2023.