Automated Commercial Motor Vehicle Pilot Program

In 2016, Ontario introduced O. Reg. 306/15, Pilot Project – Automated Vehicles, enabling the testing of non-commercial motor vehicles such as passenger vehicles, light-duty delivery trucks/ vans, and small shuttles. As highly automated driving technologies continue to advance, the ministry has successfully collaborated with AV technology companies on pilot projects to test light-duty vehicles.

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is now proposing a framework for a 10-year Automated Commercial Motor Vehicle (ACMV) Pilot Program that may be implemented through a new regulation under the Highway Traffic Act. The pilot program would permit eligible participants to test specific ACMVs (i.e., trucks over 4,500kg) on Ontario's roads under defined conditions.

Ontario is committed to supporting the safe adoption of new and emerging transportation technologies to improve road safety, enhance the transportation system, and bolster the economy.

The proposed pilot framework aims to safely test ACMV technologies to evaluate their performance and assess opportunities for improving road safety and supporting the trucking sector. It enables the ministry to establish rules, monitor industry and technology developments, and evaluate how ACMVs integrate with existing road users before considering broader deployment. Throughout the pilot phase, MTO would assess data and insights gathered from on-road testing of ACMVs, engage stakeholders, and make adjustments to the pilot framework, as required.

MTO is providing this notice to inform the public that a proposal has been posted on the Regulatory Registry for 29 days for public comment. We invite you to submit comments on this proposal through the Regulatory Registry.

For more information on the ministry’s proposal, please see the attached ACMV Pilot Framework document.