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N.S. Reg. 214/2006
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Vehicle Inspection Regulations
made under subsection 201(7) of the
Motor Vehicle Act
R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 293
O.I.C. 2006-505 (November 28, 2006, effective February 1, 2007), N.S. Reg. 214/2006
amended to O.I.C. 2020-324 (effective December 10, 2020), N.S. Reg. 180/2020
Table of Contents
Please note: this table of contents is provided for convenience of reference and does not form part of the regulations.
Click here to go to the text of the regulations .
Interpretation
Citation
Definitions
Application of regulations
Standards for Official Testing Stations
Facility and equipment requirements for official testing station
Tester required to be employed at official testing station
Testers’ Qualifications and Licensing
Vehicle-specific qualifications for testers
Application for tester’s license or renewal
False statement in tester’s license application
Issue or renewal of tester’s license
Refusal to issue or renew tester’s license
Cancellation or suspension of tester’s license
Inspection Stickers and Inspection Certificate
Forms of inspection stickers and inspection certificate
Sale of inspection stickers and inspection certificates to official testing stations
Voided inspection sticker and certificate
Inspection Procedures
Who may inspect vehicles
Where inspections must be conducted
Duties of tester and vehicle inspector
Vehicle parts that must be inspected
Official Inspection Station Manual
Issue of PDI work orders, inspection stickers and inspection certificates
When rejection sticker must be issued
When vehicle is believed to be unroadworthy
Rejected vehicle with unexpired inspection sticker
Issue of replacement inspection sticker or inspection certificate
Location of inspection stickers
Validity of inspection stickers
Inspection fees
Duties of Owner or Operator of Vehicle
Ensuring vehicle is inspected
Repairs to rejected vehicle
Inspection on sale of vehicle
Inspection of vehicle purchased or registered outside the Province
Exemption for vehicle with certificate of inspection under Motor Carrier Act
Official Testing Station Licensing
Application for official testing station license
Application for renewal of official testing station license
False statement in application for official testing station license
Designation of Registrar for purposes of subsection 201(2B) of the Act
Registrar may inspect premises before official testing station license issued or renewed
Refund of license fee on refusal to issue or renew official testing station license
Official testing station license not transferable
Licensee must return documents if license cancelled or suspended
Licensee name change and license replacement
Filings and registrations with Registry of Joint Stock Companies
Licensee’s duties
Penalties
Category A offences
Category B offences
Category C offences
Category E offences
Category G offences
Schedule A: List of Tools and Equipment Required for Official Testing Stations
Vehicles with registered gross weight of 4500 kg or less, other than motorcycles and
motor-driven cycles
Vehicles with registered gross weight over 4500 kg
Motorcycles or motor-driven cycles
Trailers with registered gross weight of 4500 kg or less without brakes or equipped with
electric or hydraulic brakes
Trailers with registered gross vehicle weight over 4500 kg and equipped with electric,
hydraulic or air brakes
Schedule B
Form 1—Approval Sticker
Form 2—Rejection Sticker
Form 3—Vehicle Inspection Certificate
Interpretation
Citation
1 These regulations may be cited as the Vehicle Inspection Regulations .
Definitions
2 In these regulations,
“Act” means the Motor Vehicle Act ;
“approval sticker” means a sticker issued by a tester or a vehicle inspector under
Section 19;
“business day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday;
“certificate of qualification” for a tester means
(
i) a certificate of qualification issued under the Apprenticeship and
Trades Qualification [ s ] Act ,
(ii) an equivalency card recognized by the Registrar, or
(iii) an Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Program qualification issued
by another province;
“Department” means [the Department of] Transportation and Infrastructure
Renewal;
“inspection” means an inspection of a vehicle in accordance with these regulations;
“inspection certificate” means a certificate issued under
Section 20 or 21 that sets
out the results of an inspection;
“inspection sticker” means an approval sticker or a rejection sticker;
“licensee” means a person to whom an official testing station license is issued
under subsection 201(2A) of the Act;
“new vehicle” means a vehicle that has never been registered in any jurisdiction,
and is sold to its owner by a licensed dealer in the Province;
“Official Inspection Station Manual” means the official inspection station manual
prepared and distributed by the Registrar in accordance with
Section 18A;
“official testing station” means a facility licensed in accordance with
Section
201(2A) of the Act and these regulations;
“PDI work order” means a document authored by a new vehicle manufacturer
setting out the aspects of the vehicle that must be inspected to determine the road
worthiness of the vehicle and which is completed after a successful pre-delivery
inspection;
“pre-delivery inspection” means an inspection prescribed by the manufacturer for a
new vehicle and completed by a tester;
“rejection sticker” means a sticker issued by a tester or a vehicle inspector under
Section 20;
“roadworthy”, in describing a vehicle, means not unroadworthy;
“tester” means a person licensed under
Section 9;
“Type 1 vehicle” means a vehicle in any of the following classes:
(
i) passenger motor vehicles, except taxicabs,
(ii) trucks and vans that weigh under 4501 kg,
(iii) implements of husbandry that are not required to display a
slow-moving
vehicle sign as prescribed under the Act,
(iv) motorcycles,
(
v) motor-driven cycles,
(vi) trailers that weigh less than 4501 kg,
(vii) motor vehicles designed or reconstructed, equipped and used or
intended to be used primarily for sleeping, eating and living quarters,
including
motorized homes or buses converted for that purpose,
(viii) trailers designed and intended for use as temporary or permanent
living accommodations;
“Type 2 vehicle” means a vehicle in any of the following classes:
(
i) trucks and truck tractors that weigh 4501 kg or more,
(ii) trailers that weigh 4501 kg or more,
(iii) ambulances,
(iv) hearses,
(
v) motor vehicle service, repair or towing trucks,
(vi) taxicabs,
(vii) fire department vehicles,
(viii) buses not licensed as public passenger vehicles under the Motor
Carrier Act , except buses that are passenger vehicles as defined in
subsection 2(
h) of that Act,
(ix) vehicles that have permanently mounted equipment on a truck or
truck tractor chassis, such as a crane, a lifting device or well-drilling
or other miscellaneous equipment;
“unroadworthy”, in describing a vehicle, means having a defect or defects that
could result in loss of control of the vehicle or could jeopardize the health or safety
of an occupant of the vehicle or another person;
“used vehicle” means a vehicle that is not a new vehicle;
“vehicle inspector” means a person appointed as a motor vehicle inspector under
Section 6 of the Act;
“voided inspection sticker and certificate” means an inspection sticker and
corresponding inspection certificate that are unusable for any of the reasons set out
Section 14.
Application of regulations
3 These regulations apply only to vehicles or classes of vehicles that must be tested at
official testing stations by order of the Minister under subsection 201(3) of the Act.
Standards for Official Testing Stations
Facility and equipment requirements for official testing station
4 Every official testing station must meet all of the following facility and equipment
requirements:
(
a) it must have an enclosed facility that, in the opinion of the Registrar, is large
enough to permit the proper inspection of any class of vehicle that the
licensee intends to be tested there;
(
b) it must have the tools and equipment listed in
Schedule A for the class of
vehicle to be inspected, or any other tools and equipment that the Registrar
considers appropriate;
(
c) the tools and equipment required by clause (
b) must be kept inside the
station and must be maintained in good working order at all times;
(
d) it must have a secure area for storing inspection stickers;
(
e) it must be located in a facility that conforms with all applicable municipal
by-laws;
(
f) it must be open during as many hours and with as much regularity as is
reasonably necessary to provide service to its typical clients and to permit
the Department to ensure that it complies with these regulations.
(
g) it must be located in a facility owned by or under lease to the licensee it is
licensed to.
Tester required to be employed at official testing station
5 For every official testing station licensed to a licensee, the licensee must employ at least
one tester who has the qualifications set out in
Section 6 that apply to the type of vehicle
to be tested at the official testing station.
Testers’ Qualifications and Licensing
Vehicle-specific qualifications for testers
6 A tester must have the qualifications set out in the following table for the class of vehicle
that the tester inspects:
Class of Vehicle
Tester’s Qualifications
Vehicle with registered
gross weight of 4500 kg or
less, other than a motorcycle
or motor-driven cycle, or
vehicle with registered gross
weight of more than
4500 kg and equipped with
hydraulic brakes
Valid certificate of qualification in any of the
following trades:
– service station mechanic
– automotive service technician
– front end and brake mechanic
Certification by Department before August 1, 2000,
as a tester of vehicles with a registered gross weight
of less than 4501 kg
Vehicle with registered
gross weight of more than
4500 kg and not equipped
with hydraulic brakes
Valid certificate of qualification in the truck and
transport mechanic trade
Motorcycle or motor-driven
cycle
Valid certificate of qualification in the motorcycle
mechanic trade
Certification by Department before August 1, 2000,
as a tester of motorcycles
Trailer with registered gross
weight of under 4500 kg
Before January 1, 2010:
Valid certificate of qualification in any of the
following trades:
– truck and transport mechanic
– automotive service technician
– service station mechanic
– motorcycle mechanic
– recreation vehicle service technician
Certification by Department before August 1, 2000,
as a tester of trailers equipped with electric or
hydraulic brakes
January 1, 2010, and after:
Valid certificate of qualification in either of the
following trades:
– truck and transport mechanic
– recreation vehicle service technician
Completion of an appropriate training program
recognized by the Registrar
Trailer with registered gross
weight of over 4500 kg and
equipped with air brakes
Valid certificate of qualification in either of the
following trades:
– truck and transport mechanic
– transport trailer technician
Application for tester’s license or renewal
(1) An application for a tester’s license, or renewal of a tester’s license, must be made
on the form prescribed by the Registrar and must be submitted to the Department
together with all of the following:
(
a) the fee for a tester’s license or renewal of a tester’s license payable under
subsection 9(5);
(
b) proof of qualification under
Section 6 that is satisfactory to the Registrar.
(2) An applicant for a tester’s license, or renewal of a tester’s license, must take any
examinations and tests that the Registrar requires.
(3) If one year or more has elapsed since the date that the tester’s license expired or
was suspended, the tester must apply for a new tester’s license.
(4) In addition to being required to apply for a new tester’s license, a tester described
in subsection (3) who was certified by the Department before August 1, 2000,
must complete an appropriate training program recognized by the Registrar.
False statement in tester’s license application
8 A person must not make a false statement in an application for a tester’s license or
renewal of a tester’s license.
Issue or renewal of tester’s license
(1) The Registrar may issue or renew a tester’s license in accordance with these
regulations.
(2) A tester’s license is valid for the calendar year for which it is issued or renewed.
(3) A tester’s license must state all of the following:
(
a) the name of the tester;
(
b) the class of vehicle the tester is qualified to inspect;
(
c) the expiry date of the license.
(4) A tester’s license may contain any conditions that the Registrar requires.
(5) The fee for a tester’s license, or renewal of a tester’s license, is $11.70.
(6) The fee for a duplicate tester’s license is $5.80.
Refusal to issue or renew tester’s license
10 The Registrar may refuse to issue or renew a tester’s license for any of the following
reasons:
(
a) the application is not complete, in accordance with subsection 7(1);
(
b) the Registrar determines that the application contains a false statement;
(
c) the applicant does not take an examination or test that the Registrar
requires, or the applicant does not complete an examination or test in a
manner satisfactory to the Registrar;
(
d) the Registrar is not satisfied as to the applicant’s ability or fitness to be a
tester.
Cancellation or suspension of tester’s license
11 The Registrar may cancel or suspend a tester’s license for any of the following reasons:
(
a) the Registrar determines that the tester’s application contains a false
statement;
(
b) the tester’s license was issued on the basis of incorrect or false information;
(
c) the tester is not in compliance with the Act, these regulations or any
condition
of the tester’s license;
(
d) the Registrar is not satisfied as to the tester’s ability or fitness to continue as
a tester.
Inspection Stickers and Inspection Certificate
Forms of inspection stickers and inspection certificate
(1) An approval sticker must be in Form 1 of
Schedule B.
(2) A rejection sticker must be in Form 2 of
Schedule B.
(3) An inspection certificate must be in Form 3 of
Schedule B.
Sale of inspection stickers and inspection certificates to official testing stations
(1) The Department must sell inspection stickers to official testing stations at a fee of
$3.50 each, which includes the corresponding inspection certificate.
(2) The Department may refuse to sell inspection stickers and certificates to an official
testing station if the Registrar believes that the official testing station
(
a) does not have adequate security for the inspection stickers and certificates;
(
b) is not returning the Department’s copies of issued certificates to the
Department in a timely manner.
(3) A person must not sell an inspection sticker or an inspection certificate unless they
are authorized to do so by these regulations.
Voided inspection sticker and certificate
14 An inspection sticker and corresponding inspection certificate are void and unusable if
any of the following occur:
(
a) an incorrect date is punched on the inspection sticker;
(
b) an error is made in completing the inspection certificate;
(
c) either the inspection sticker or the corresponding inspection certificate is
materially damaged or defaced.
Inspection Procedures
Who may inspect vehicles
(1) Only a tester or vehicle inspector may inspect a vehicle and issue any of the
following:
(
a) an inspection sticker;
(
b) an inspection certificate;
(
c) a PDI work order.
(2) A tester may inspect only those vehicles that are in a class of vehicle that the tester
is qualified to inspect under
Section 6.
(3) Despite any other provision of these regulations, a tester who is licensed to inspect
a vehicle with a registered gross weight of 4500 kg or less, other than a motorcycle
or motor-driven cycle, solely on the basis of having been certified by the
Department before August 1, 2000, may issue an inspection sticker or inspection
certificate for that class of vehicle only if the tester’s inspection of the vehicle’s
brakes was done in the presence of a person who holds one of the certificates of
qualification required for a tester of a vehicle of that class.
(4) The following persons are permitted to remove a PDI work order or an inspection
sticker from a vehicle or affix an inspection sticker to a vehicle:
(
a) a vehicle inspector;
(
b) a tester who inspected the vehicle and who is qualified under
Section 6 to
inspect that class of vehicle.
Where inspections must be conducted
(1) An inspection must be conducted and an inspection sticker issued, affixed or
removed only at an official testing station.
(2) Despite subsection (1), a vehicle inspector may inspect a vehicle and issue, affix or
remove an inspection sticker at any location.
Duties of tester and vehicle inspector
(1) A tester or a vehicle inspector must do all of the following:
(
a) conduct and certify an inspection in accordance with these regulations;
(
b) complete and issue an inspection certificate and inspection sticker or a PDI
work order for each vehicle inspected;
(
c) check vehicle registration information for each vehicle inspected and notify
the Registrar no later than 3 business days after the inspection date, on the
form prescribed by the Registrar, if the information on the vehicle’s permit,
including any of the following, does not correspond with the actual vehicle
in any respect:
(
i) the number plates,
(ii) the vehicle identification number,
(iii) the make and year of the vehicle;
(
d) provide true, accurate and complete information to the Registrar for each
vehicle inspected and each inspection sticker and inspection certificate
issued.
(2) Any discrepancy referred to in clause (1)(
c) between the vehicle permit
information and the actual vehicle is not sufficient reason for the tester or vehicle
inspector to refuse to inspect the vehicle or refuse to issue an inspection sticker and
inspection certificate or a PDI work order.
(3) A tester or a vehicle inspector must not do any of the following:
(
a) falsely certify an inspection;
(
b) knowingly issue a rejection sticker for a vehicle that should be approved;
(
c) knowingly issue an approval sticker for a vehicle that should be rejected;
(
d) issue a voided inspection certificate or voided inspection sticker for a
vehicle or affix a voided inspection sticker to a vehicle.
Vehicle parts that must be inspected
(1) All of the following parts of a Type 1 vehicle, except a motorcycle, motor-driven
cycle or trailer, must be inspected:
(
a) windshield and window glass;
(
b) brakes;
(
c) steering system;
(
d) suspension system;
(
e) exhaust system;
(
f) fuel system;
(
g) tires and wheels;
(
h) body components.
(2) In addition to the requirements in subsection (1), the following items must be
inspected when a Type 1 vehicle referred to in subsection (1) has not previously
been inspected under these regulations:
(
a) horn;
(
b) windshield wipers;
(
c) lights;
(
d) mirrors;
(
e) coupling devices and towing connections.
(3) All of the following parts of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must be inspected:
(
a) brakes;
(
b) steering system;
(
c) handlebars;
(
d) suspension system;
(
e) frame and forks;
(
f) exhaust system;
(
g) chain or drive-shaft protection;
(
h) fuel system;
(
i) tires and wheels;
(
j) body components.
(4) In addition to the requirements in subsection (3), the following items must be
inspected when a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle has not previously been
inspected under these regulations:
(
a) horn;
(
b) lights;
(
c) foot rests;
(d) [repealed]
(
e) mirrors;
(
f) windshield or windscreen, if applicable.
(5) All of the following parts of a Type 1 trailer must be inspected:
(
a) for a trailer, brakes, if any;
(
b) coupling devices and towing connections;
(
c) suspension system;
(
d) tires and wheels;
(
e) frame;
(
f) body components.
(6) In addition to the requirements in subsection (5), when a Type 1 trailer has not
previously been inspected under these regulations the lights must be inspected.
(7) All of the following parts of a Type 2 vehicle, except a trailer, must be inspected:
(
a) windshield and window glass;
(
b) brakes;
(
c) steering system;
(
d) suspension system;
(
e) exhaust system;
(
f) fuel system;
(
g) tires and wheels;
(
h) body components;
(
i) horn;
(
j) windshield wipers;
(
k) lights;
(
l) mirrors;
(
m) coupling devices and towing connections.
(8) All of the following parts of a Type 2 trailer must be inspected:
(
a) brakes;
(
b) coupling devices and towing connections;
(
c) suspension system;
(
d) tires and wheels;
(
e) frame;
(
f) body components;
(
g) lights.
Official Inspection Station Manual
18A
(1) The Registrar must prepare and distribute a manual, to be known as the Official
Inspection Station Manual, that specifies
(
a) procedures for inspecting vehicles;
(
b) acceptance and rejection criteria for inspections; and
(
c) any additional matters that the Registrar determines are necessary for
inspecting vehicles and operating an official inspection station.
(2) A licensee and a tester must comply with the Official Inspection Station Manual.
Issue of PDI work orders, inspection stickers and inspection certificates
(1) After completing a satisfactory pre-delivery inspection of a new vehicle, a tester or
vehicle inspector must do one or both of the following:
(
a) issue an approval sticker for the vehicle, together with an inspection
certificate signed by the tester or vehicle inspector, and affix the inspection
sticker to the vehicle in accordance with
Section 23;
(
b) issue a PDI work order and place it in the vehicle.
(2) After completing a vehicle inspection under
Section 28 or 29, a tester or vehicle
inspector must do all of the following:
(
a) remove and destroy the existing inspection sticker and destroy the existing
inspection certificate, if any;
(
b) issue an approval sticker or a rejection sticker for the vehicle, together with
an inspection certificate signed by the tester or vehicle inspector who
performed the inspection;
(
c) affix the inspection sticker to the vehicle in accordance with
Section 23.
(3) A tester or vehicle inspector who issues a PDI work order must ensure that it meets
all of the following criteria:
(
a) is in the form of a work order or similar format;
(
b) indicates the aspects of the vehicle checked in the inspection;
(
c) includes a notation made by the tester or vehicle inspector indicating that
the vehicle passed the inspection;
(
d) is signed by the tester or vehicle inspector who performed the inspection;
(
e) indicates the date and location of the inspection.
(4) Despite subsection (2), if the month and year in which a successful vehicle
inspection is performed under
Section 28 are the same as those displayed on an
approval sticker affixed to the vehicle under clause (1)(a), then the approval sticker
on the vehicle is not required to be removed and replaced.
When rejection sticker must be issued
20 A tester or vehicle inspector must issue a rejection sticker and a corresponding
inspection certificate for a vehicle if any part that is required to be inspected by
Section
(
a) does not meet the standards of the Act, any regulations made under the Act
or the Official Inspection Station Manual; or
(
b) is missing, and the vehicle was designed by its manufacturer to be equipped
with the part.
When vehicle is believed to be unroadworthy
(1) Despite the requirement in
Section 19 to affix an inspection sticker to a vehicle, a
rejection sticker issued for a vehicle must not be affixed to the vehicle if the tester
or vehicle inspector who inspected the vehicle believes that the vehicle is
unroadworthy.
(2) If a tester or a vehicle inspector believes that a vehicle is unroadworthy, the tester
or vehicle inspector must record that the vehicle is unroadworthy on the copy of
the inspection certificate to be returned to the Department and must affix a
rejection sticker to that copy of the inspection certificate.
(3) Neither the operator of an official testing station nor a tester has authority to detain
a vehicle that is recorded as being unroadworthy.
Rejected vehicle with unexpired inspection sticker
21A Despite Sections 19 and 20, if a tester or vehicle inspector determines that a roadworthy
vehicle cannot pass inspection, but the existing inspection sticker is valid for 10 or more
days from the date of inspection, the tester or vehicle inspector may, at the owner’s
request, leave the existing inspection sticker on the vehicle and return the existing
inspection certificate to the owner.
Issue of replacement inspection sticker or inspection certificate
(1) A tester or vehicle inspector may issue a replacement inspection sticker or
replacement inspection certificate if the tester or inspector is satisfied that the
existing sticker or certificate has been lost, damaged or stolen.
(2) A replacement inspection sticker or inspection certificate must be issued with the
same expiry date as the lost, damaged or stolen inspection sticker or inspection
certificate and must be clearly marked “replacement only” by the tester or
inspector.
(3) A tester or vehicle inspector is not required to inspect a vehicle before issuing a
replacement inspection sticker or inspection certificate for the vehicle.
(4) A licensee may charge a maximum fee of $5 for a replacement inspection sticker
or inspection certificate.
Location of inspection stickers
(1) On a vehicle equipped with a windshield, an inspection sticker must be securely
affixed to the lower left-hand interior of the windshield.
(2) On a trailer, an inspection sticker must be securely affixed to the lower left-hand
side of the trailer as near the front as possible, and must be easily visible.
(3) On a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, an inspection sticker must be securely
affixed in any one of the following places:
(
a) top of front mudguard forward of the forks;
(
b) lower left-hand fork leg;
(
c) lower left-hand exterior of the windshield.
Validity of inspection stickers
(1) An approval sticker or a PDI work order issued for a Type 1 vehicle that is a new
vehicle is valid for 3 years from the end of the month of its issue.
(2) An approval sticker issued for a Type 1 vehicle that is a used vehicle is valid for 2
years from the end of the month of its issue.
(3) An approval sticker issued for a Type 2 vehicle is valid for 1 year from the end of
the month of its issue.
(4) A rejection sticker is valid for 10 days including the date it is issued.
(5) Despite subsections (1), (2) and (3), the Registrar or a person designated by the
Registrar may, in writing, extend the expiry date of an approval sticker.
(6) Despite subsection (4), the owner or operator of a vehicle may apply to the
Registrar for an extension of the expiry date of a rejection sticker issued to the
vehicle, and the Registrar or a person designated by the Registrar may extend the
expiry date.
(7) Despite subsections (1) and (2),
(
a) an approval sticker issued for a Type 1 vehicle is valid for 1 year from the
end of the month of its issue if
(
i) the vehicle is purchased by a resident of New Brunswick or Prince
Edward Island, and
(ii) the dealer selling the vehicle does not file a new vehicle information
form with the Registrar on behalf of the purchaser;
(
b) an approval sticker issued for a Type 1 used vehicle that is registered in
New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island is valid for 1 year from the end of
the month of its issue.
Inspection fees
(1) For each completed inspection, an official testing station may charge a fee up to
the applicable maximum fee set out in the following table:
Class of Vehicle
Maximum Fee
Motor vehicle with single rear axle designed for 2
wheels, including passenger car, station wagon, truck
or motorized home
$29.15
Motorcycle or motor-driven cycle
$16.35
Truck or truck tractor, bus or motorized home with
hydraulic brakes and single rear axle designed for 4
wheels (4500 kg or less)
Motor home with 2 rear axles designed for single
wheels (over 4500 kg)
Motor home with single rear axle designed for 4
wheels
$40.85
Truck or truck tractor, bus or motorized home (over
4500 kg) with 2 rear axles designed for 4 wheels
$98.00
Trailer or semi-trailer not equipped with brakes
(4500 kg or less)
$16.40
Trailer or semi-trailer equipped with electric or surge
hydraulic brakes (4500 kg or less)
$22.35 (1 axle)
plus $11.45
for each
additional axle
Trailer or semi-trailer with registered weight of over
4500 kg
$40.85
(2) An additional inspection fee must not be charged for a rejected vehicle that is
returned to the official testing station where the vehicle was inspected while the
rejection sticker is still valid or the extension period granted by the Registrar or the
Registrar’s designate under subsection 24(4) has not expired.
Duties of Owner or Operator of Vehicle
Ensuring vehicle is inspected
(1) An owner or operator of a vehicle that is a vehicle or a member of a class of
vehicles ordered by the Minister to be inspected in a specified time period under
subsection 201(3) of the Act must
(
a) ensure that an inspection of the vehicle is conducted and certified by a tester
or a vehicle inspector; and
(
b) produce the valid inspection certificate or PDI work order for the vehicle at
the request of a peace officer.
(2) Except as provided in subsection 28(6), an owner or operator of a vehicle
described in subsection (1) must not operate the vehicle without
(
a) a PDI work order in their possession; or
(
b) a valid inspection sticker in place and a valid inspection certificate for the
vehicle in their possession.
(3) A vehicle operating with an in-transit permit does not require an inspection sticker.
Repairs to rejected vehicle
27 If a vehicle is inspected at an official testing station and is issued a rejection sticker, the
owner or operator of the vehicle must
(
a) have the necessary repairs made to the vehicle to bring it into conformity
with the standards of the Act, any regulations made under the Act and the
Official Inspection Station Manual; and
(
b) return the vehicle to an official testing station before the expiry date of the
rejection sticker or the expiry of the extension period granted under
subsection 24(4).
Inspection on sale of vehicle
(1) A dealer must not sell a Type 1 new vehicle unless it has been inspected and
certified by a tester and it has a valid approval sticker and corresponding inspection
certificate.
(1A) A person must not sell a Type 1 used vehicle or a Type 2 vehicle unless it has been
inspected and certified by a tester or vehicle inspector while in the registered
owner’s possession within 30 days before the date the vehicle is sold and it has a
valid approval sticker and corresponding inspection certificate.
(2) The cost of an inspection is the responsibility of the seller.
(3) Despite subsections (1) and (1A), a person may sell a used vehicle that has not
been inspected and certified by a tester or vehicle inspector if the purchaser gives
written acknowledgment of the absence of an inspection to the Department in a
form acceptable to the Department.
(4) For the purposes of this Section, a vehicle that is assigned or consigned to or in the
possession of a licensed dealer for sale or resale purposes is deemed to be
registered in the name of that dealer.
(5) Despite subsections (1) and (1A), a vehicle that has a valid inspection sticker does
not require inspection before transfer if the ownership of the vehicle is being
changed as a result of any of the following:
(
a) a transfer of ownership to an immediate family member, as defined in the
Income Tax Act ;
(
b) a transfer of ownership from the lessor to the lessee, if the lessor is not a
dealer;
(c) [repealed]
(
d) a sale to [a] licensed dealer;
(
e) a sale to [a] salvage yard;
(
f) a transfer from a deceased person to the deceased person’s estate;
(
g) a transfer into or from joint ownership if one of the original owners remains
an owner.
(6) Despite subsections (1) and (1A), a new vehicle with a valid PDI work order does
not require inspection before transfer if the transfer is the sale of the vehicle to a
licensed dealer.
Inspection of vehicle purchased or registered outside the Province
(1) Subject to subsection (2), a vehicle that is purchased or registered outside the
Province and is required to be registered in the Province must be inspected at an
official testing station no later than 30 days after the date the vehicle enters the
Province.
(2) If a vehicle has passed an inspection to determine its roadworthiness and a valid
certificate of inspection has been issued for it by a jurisdiction that is a party to a
reciprocal agreement with the Province in this respect, the vehicle does not have to
be inspected at an official testing station or to display an inspection sticker while
the certificate of inspection issued by the reciprocating jurisdiction remains in force
and the corresponding inspection sticker issued by the reciprocating jurisdiction is
displayed.
(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), a vehicle must not be operated in the Province if it
is not equipped in accordance with the Act, any regulations made under the Act
and the Official Inspection Station Manual.
Exemption for vehicle with certificate of inspection under Motor Carrier Act
30 Despite any other provisions of these regulations, as long as a valid certificate of
inspection is in force for a vehicle under the Motor Carrier Act or any regulations made
under that Act, the vehicle does not have to be inspected at an official testing station or
otherwise comply with these regulations.
Official Testing Station Licensing
Application for official testing station license
31 An application for an official testing station license must be made on the form prescribed
by the Registrar and must be submitted to the Department together with all of the
following:
(
a) an application fee of $62.40;
(
b) the official testing station license fee payable under subsection 37(4);
(
c) verification from the appropriate municipal authority that the facility in
which the official testing station is to be located conforms with all
applicable municipal by-laws;
(
d) proof that the applicant owns or leases the facility in which the official
testing station is to be located;
(
e) proof that the applicant has employed a tester in accordance with
Section 5;
(
f) if applicable, proof of the applicant’s incorporation, or partnership or
business name registration;
(
g) if the applicant is a body corporate or a partnership, or does business under
another name, proof that the applicant has made all required filings and
registrations with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies, and is in good
standing with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies;
(
h) a declaration, made by a person familiar with the business operations of the
applicant and who has authority to bind the applicant, that certifies all of the
following:
(
i) that the information in the application is true,
(ii) that the facility in which the official testing station is to be located
meets the requirements of clauses 4(a), (
b) and (
c) and will be open
as required by clause 4(e),
(iii) that all inspections at the official testing station will be conducted in
accordance with these regulations;
(
i) any information or documentation in addition to that described in clauses (
a) to (
h) that the Registrar requires to establish to the Registrar’s satisfaction
that the applicant is able and fit to operate an official testing station.
Application for renewal of official testing station license
(1) An application for renewal of an official testing station license must be made on
the form prescribed by the Registrar and must be submitted to the Department
together with all of the following:
(
a) the official testing station license fee payable under subsection 37(4);
(
b) proof that the licensee employs a tester in accordance with
Section 5;
(
c) if applicable, proof of the licensee’s incorporation, or partnership or
business name registration;
(
d) if the licensee is a body corporate or a partnership, or does business under
another name, proof that the licensee has made all required filings and
registrations with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies, and is in good
standing with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies;
(
e) a declaration, made by a person familiar with the business operations of the
licensee and who has authority to bind the licensee, that certifies all of the
following:
(
i) that the information in the application is true,
(ii) that the facility in which the official testing station is located
continues to conform with all applicable municipal by-laws and to
meet the requirements of clauses 4(a), (b), (
c) and (e),
(iii) if applicable, that the licensee has complied and will continue to
comply with any condition of their license,
(iv) that the licensee continues to own or lease the facility in which the
official testing station is located,
(
v) that all inspections at the official testing station have been, and will
continue to be, conducted in accordance with these regulations;
(
f) any information or documentation in addition to that described in clauses (
a) to (
e) that the Registrar requires to establish to the Registrar’s satisfaction
that the licensee continues to be able and fit to operate an official testing
station.
(2) If one year or more has elapsed since the expiry date of a licensee’s license, the
licensee must apply for a new official testing station license.
False statement in application for official testing station license
33 A person must not make a false statement in an application for an official testing station
license or renewal of an official testing station license.
Designation of Registrar for purposes of subsection 201(2B) of the Act
34 The Registrar is designated as a person who may cancel, suspend or refuse to issue or
renew an official testing station license in accordance with subsection 201(2B) of the
Act.
Registrar may inspect premises before official testing station license issued or renewed
35 Before an official testing station license is issued or renewed, the Registrar or persons
authorized by the Registrar may inspect the official testing station premises, the security
measures proposed for or used at the official testing station, and the equipment to be
used or being used for inspections at the official testing station.
Refund of license fee on refusal to issue or renew official testing station license
36 If the Registrar refuses to issue or renew an official testing station license, any license fee
that accompanied the application for the license or renewal must be refunded to the
applicant.
(1) An official testing station license must state all of the following:
(
a) the name of the licensee;
(
b) the address of the official testing station;
(
c) the expiry date of the license.
(2) An official testing station license may contain any conditions that the Registrar
requires.
(3) An official testing station license is valid for the calendar year for which it is
issued or renewed.
(4) The fee for an official testing station license is $133.25.
Official testing station license not transferable
(1) An official testing station license is not transferrable.
(2) Despite subsection (1), if a licensee dies, the licensee’s estate may continue to
operate the official testing station under the licensee’s license as long as all other
requirements of the Act and these regulations for operating an official testing
station are complied with.
Licensee must return documents if license cancelled or suspended
39 If the Registrar cancels or suspends an official testing station license, the licensee must
immediately return all of the following to the Department:
(
a) the original official testing station license;
(
b) all unused inspection stickers and inspection certificates;
(
c) all voided inspection stickers and inspection certificates;
(
d) any material given to the licensee by the Department other than that
described in clauses (
a) to (c).
Licensee name change and license replacement
(1) If a licensee changes their name, the licensee must give the Registrar details of the
name change no later than 10 days after the date of the change.
(2) When the Registrar is notified of a licensee’s name change, the Registrar may issue
a replacement official testing station license at no fee.
(3) A replacement official testing station license is valid until the expiry date of the
license that is being replaced.
(4) When a replacement official testing station license is issued, the licensee must
destroy the license that is being replaced along with all copies of it.
Filings and registrations with Registry of Joint Stock Companies
41 If a licensee is a body corporate or a partnership or does business under another name,
the licensee must make all required filings and registrations with the Registry of Joint
Stock Companies and be in good standing with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
Licensee’s duties
42 A licensee must do all of the following:
(
a) provide true, accurate and complete information to the Registrar;
(
b) ensure that all inspections are conducted in accordance with these
regulations;
(
c) allow the Registrar or Department staff or persons authorized by the
Registrar to inspect the equipment, premises and any materials used for
inspections at any time during the hours the official testing station is open;
(
d) notify the Registrar if ownership of the official testing station is changing,
or if its operation is being suspended or terminated, at least 14 days before
the date of either occurrence;
(
e) notify the Registrar at least 5 business days before the start date or end date
of a tester’s employment with the licensee;
(
f) maintain a record of each inspection conducted at the official testing station
for 3 years following the inspection date;
(
g) promptly provide any inspection records or relevant information requested
by the Registrar or by a peace officer;
(
h) display all signs and licenses issued to the licensee in the manner required
by the Registrar;
(
i) notify the Registrar in writing of the names of persons authorized by the
licensee to buy inspection stickers and inspection certificates on behalf of
the licensee;
(
j) take all necessary precautions to safeguard inspection stickers and
inspection certificates from loss or theft;
(
k) immediately forward all of the following to the Department:
(
i) the Department’s copies of issued certificates,
(ii) voided inspection stickers and voided inspection certificates;
(
l) report lost or stolen inspection stickers or certificates to the Registrar, and
stolen inspection stickers or certificates to the local police authorities, no
later than 2 business days after the date they became aware of the loss or
theft.
Penalties
Category A offences
43 Any person who violates clause 42(d), (e), (
h) or (
i) is guilty of an offence and liable on
summary conviction to the penalties provided for a category A offence in the
Summary
Proceedings Act .
Category B offences
44 Any person who violates any of the following is guilty of an offence and liable on
summary conviction to the penalties provided for a category B offence in the
Summary
Proceedings Act :
(a) subsection 19(3);
(aa) clause 26(1)(b);
(b) subsection 26(2);
(c) subsection 29(1);
(
d) clause 42(
c) or (
g) or subclause 42(k)(i).
Category C offences
45 Any person who violates any of the following is guilty of an offence and liable on
summary conviction to the penalties provided for a category C offence in the
Summary
Proceedings Act :
(a) clause 17(1)(c);
(b) clause 26(1)(a);
(
c) subclause 42(k)(ii).
Category E offences
46 Any person who violates any of the following is guilty of an offence and liable on
summary conviction to the penalties provided for a category E offence in the
Summary
Proceedings Act :
(a) subsection 16(1);
(b) clause 17(1)(d);
(c) clause 17(3)(d);
(
d) Section 39;
(
e) clause 42(b), (f), (
j) or (l).
Category G offences
47 Any person who violates any of the following is guilty of an offence and liable on
summary conviction to the penalties provided for a category G offence in the
Summary
Proceedings Act :
(
a) Section 8;
(b) subsection 13(3);
(c) subsection 15(1), (2) or (4);
(d) clause 17(1)(
a) or (b);
(e) subsection 17(3)(a), (
b) or (c);
(ea) subsection 18A(2);
(f) subsection 20(2);
(g) subsection 28(1) or (1A);
(
h) Section 33;
(
i) clause 42(a).
________________________________________________________________
Schedule A: List of Tools and Equipment Required for Official Testing Stations
Vehicles with registered gross weight of 4500 kg or less, other than motorcycles and
motor-driven cycles
1. Hoist or axle stands
2. Floor jack (heavy duty)
3. Trouble light
4. Hand tools
5. Air compressor
6. Tire pressure gauge (hand)
7. Tire tread depth gauge
8. HD/LP aiming device
9. Suspension gauge/dial indicator
10. Micrometer
11. Drum gauge
12. Torque wrench/sockets for wheel replacement
13. Pry bar (ball joints)
Vehicles with registered gross weight over 4500 kg
1. Truck/bus hoist and axle stands
2. Heavy duty floor jack capable of lifting class of vehicle
3. Fifth wheel dummy pin
4. Long pry bar
5. HD/LP aiming device
6. Suspension gauge/dial indicator
7. Tire pressure gauge
8. Tread gauge
9. Air compressor
10. Wheel jack
11. Torque wrench/sockets for wheel replacement
12. Trouble light
13. Hand tools
14. Drum gauge
15. Micrometer
16. Wheel chocks
17. Axle seal/sleeve installation tool
Motorcycles or motor-driven cycles
1. Floor jack (heavy duty)
2. Trouble light
3. Hand tools
4. Tire pressure gauge (hand)
5. Tire tread depth gauge
6. HD/LP aiming device
Trailers with registered gross weight of 4500 kg or less without brakes or equipped with
electric or hydraulic brakes
1. Floor jacks or axle stands
2. Pry bar
3. Suspension tester
4. Hand tools
5. Trouble light
6. Tire pressure gauge
7. Tire tread gauge
8. Test panel for lights and brake operation
Trailers with registered gross vehicle weight over 4500 kg and equipped with electric,
hydraulic or air brakes
1. Heavy duty floor jack and axle stands
2. Long pry bar
3. Tire pressure gauge
4. Tire tread gauge
5. Suspension tester/dial indicator
6. No-go gauge (king pin)
7. Air compressor, hoses and couplings adequate to conduct brake check
8. Wheel jack
9. Wheel chocks
10. Test panel for lights and electric brakes, if applicable
________________________________________________________________
Schedule B
Form 1—Approval
Sticker
Form 2—Rejection
Sticker
________________________________________________________________
Form 3—Vehicle Inspection Certificate
Legislative History
Reference Tables
Vehicle Inspection Regulations
N.S. Reg.
214/2006
Motor Vehicle Act
Note: The
information in these tables does not form part of the regulations and is
compiled by the Office of the Registrar of Regulations for reference only.
Source Law
The current consolidation of the Vehicle Inspection Regulations made under the Motor Vehicle Act includes all of the following regulations:
N.S.
Regulation
In force
date*
How in force
Royal Gazette
Part II Issue
214/2006
Feb 1,
date
specified
Dec
22, 2006
49/2009
Apr 1,
2009 &
Jun 1, 2009
date
specified
Mar
13, 2009
114/2011
Jul 1,
date
specified
Apr
15, 2011
238/2011
Aug 1,
date
specified
Jul
29, 2011
140/2013
Jun 1,
date
specified
Apr
12, 2013
138/2015
Jun 1,
date
specified
Apr 8,
312/2015
Aug 1,
date
specified
Sept
18, 2015
319/2015
Sept
15, 2015
date
specified
Sept
18, 2015
180/2020
Dec 10,
date
specified
Jan 1,
The following regulations are not yet in force and
are not included in the current consolidation:
N.S.
Regulation
In force
date*
How in force
Royal Gazette
Part II Issue
*See subsection 3(6) of the Regulations Act for
rules about in force dates of regulations.
Amendments by Provision
ad. = added
am. = amended
fc. = fee change
ra. = reassigned
rep. = repealed
rs . = repealed and substituted
Provision affected
How affected
2 ........................................................
am. 180/2020 (clause lettering removed)
2, defn .
of “approval sticker” .....
am. 180/2020
2, defn .
of “certificate of qualification” ............................
rs . 238/2011
2, defn .
of “Department” ............
am. 180/2020
2, defn .
of “new vehicle” ............
ad. 49/2009
2, defn .
of “Official Inspection Station Manual” .......................
rs . 238/2011
2, defn .
of “PDI work order” ......
ad. 180/2020
2, defn .
of “pre-delivery inspection” ..................................................
ad. 49/2009 ; am. 180/2020
2, defn .
of “Type 1 vehicle” .......
ad. 49/2009
2, defn .
of “Type 2 vehicle” .......
ad. 49/2009
2, defn .
of “used vehicle” ...........
ad. 49/2009
6 ........................................................
am. 49/2009
9(5)-(6) .............................................
fc. 114/2011, 140/2013, 138/2015
13(1) .................................................
fc. 114/2011, 140/2013, 138/2015
15(1) .................................................
rs . 180/2020
15(4) .................................................
rs . 180/2020
17(1)(b) .............................................
am. 180/2020
17(2) .................................................
am. 180/2020
18 ......................................................
rs . 49/2009
18(4)(d) .............................................
rep. 238/2011
18(9) .................................................
rep. 238/2011
18A ...................................................
ad. 238/2011
19 ......................................................
rs . 49/2009, 180/2020
20-21 .................................................
rs . 49/2009
21A ...................................................
ad. 49/2009
24 ......................................................
rs . 49/2009
24(1) ..............................................
am. 180/2020
24(7) ..............................................
ad.
238/2011
25(1) .................................................
rs . 114/2011; am. 238/2011; rs . 140/2013, 312/2015, 319/2015
26(1)(b) .............................................
am. 180/2020
26(2) .................................................
rs . 180/2020
26(3) .................................................
ad. 180/2020
27(a) .................................................
am. 238/2011
28(1) .................................................
rs . 49/2009
28(1A) ..............................................
ad. 49/2009
28(3) .................................................
am. 49/2009; rs . 238/2011
28(5) .................................................
rs . 49/2009; am. 238/2011
28(6) .................................................
rs . 180/2020
29(1) .................................................
rs . 49/2009
29(3) .................................................
am. 238/2011
31(a) .................................................
fc. 114/2011, 140/2013, 138/2015
37(4) .................................................
fc. 114/2011, 140/2013, 138/2015
44(a) .................................................
ra. as 44(aa) 180/2020
44(a) .................................................
ad. 180/2020
44(aa) ................................................
ra. from 44(a) 180/2020
47( ea ) ................................................
ad. 238/2011
47(g) .................................................
am. 49/2009
Note that changes to headings are not
included in the above table.
Editorial Notes and Corrections
Note
Effective
date
The reference to the Department of Transportation and
Infrastructure Renewal in s. 2 should be read as a reference to the
Department of Transportation and Active Transit in accordance with O.I.C.
2021-56 under the Public Service Act ,
R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 376.
Feb 23, 2021
The reference to the Department of Transportation and
Infrastructure Renewal in s. 2 should be read as a reference to the
Department of Public Works in accordance with O.I.C. 2021-209 under the Public Service Act , R.S.N.S. 1989, c.
Aug 31, 2021
Repealed and Superseded
N.S.
Regulation
Title
In force
date
Repealed
date
Note: Only
regulations that are specifically repealed and replaced appear in this
table. It may not reflect the entire
history of regulations on this subject matter.