The Ontario Regulation 306/15: Pilot Project – Automated Vehicles took effect on Jan. 1, establishing a pilot framework for the on-road testing of automated vehicles (AVs) on Ontario’s roads by eligible participants under certain conditions.
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) committed to assess on an ongoing basis throughout the 10-year pilot, data, metrics and information from on-road testing of AVs, to engage stakeholders and make amendments to the pilot framework, as required.
In response to growing stakeholder interest in connected and automated vehicle testing and deployment, advances in AV technology and to ensure economic competitiveness, MTO would like to inform stakeholders that effective January 1, 2019, the following amendments to the existing AV pilot regulation will take effect:
- Vehicles with Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE) level 3 technology that are originally manufactured with a driving automation system, and commercially available for sale in Canada are no longer required to be part of the AV pilot;
- Testing ofdriverless AVs on Ontario’s roads under certain conditions is allowed under the AV pilot;
- Testing of Cooperative Truck Platoons on Ontario’s roads while under certain operating conditions are allowed under the AV pilot.
The ministry will continue to consult key stakeholders, review research, and monitor ongoing developments related to this technology. MTO will continue to collect data to monitor and evaluate its AV pilot program.
For more information on the enhancements to the AV pilot, updated application form and amended regulation, please visit the ministry’s website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/vehicles/automated-vehicles.shtml and http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/cooperative-truck-platooning.shtml.