There is no requirement to post this notice on the Environmental Registry of Ontario, but we wanted to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your feedback.
Update Announcement
This proposal notice has been updated on July 17, 2023 to advise the public that this file is still under active review. The ministry is reviewing the comments it has received to date. The original proposal date and comment period have not been altered.
This consultation was open from:
September 29, 2021
to November 13, 2021
Decision summary
The Ministry of Transportation has decided not to proceed with the proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 306/15 (Pilot Project – Automated Vehicles) and related amendments to Regulation 628 (Vehicle Permits).
Decision details
Feedback received through this posting has been thoroughly reviewed and considered in determining the Ministry’s next steps regarding the proposed amendments to the Automated Vehicle Pilot Project.
Based on this input, along with feedback from ongoing stakeholder engagement, the Ministry has decided on August 8, 2025 not to proceed with this proposal.
Effects of consultation
Following the Ministry’s review of the feedback received, it was determined that stakeholder and public responses were generally positive, with some reservations. However, this input, along with feedback from ongoing stakeholder engagement, led the Ministry to decide not to proceed with these proposals.
Positive comments focused on expanding the pilot project, broadening the M-plate program, and allowing the use of Micro-Utility Devices (MUDs).
Negative comments focused on specific aspects of the proposed specifications for MUDs, such as height, weight, speed, and pedestrian safety, as well as matters related to insurance requirements and vehicle liability.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue, Building A, Room 212
Toronto,
ON
M3M0B4
Canada
Connect with us
Contact
MTO ERO
438 University Ave
12th Floor
Toronto,
ON
M7A 1N3
Canada
Original proposal
Why consultation isn't required
The Environmental Bill of Rights does not require this proposal to be posted on the Environmental Registry. However, we are seeking public input on both the Regulatory Registry and Environmental Registry.
Proposal details
On January 1, 2016, Ontario launched a 10-year pilot project under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) to allow for the testing of automated vehicles (AVs) on Ontario's roads by eligible participants under certain conditions. This program was enhanced on January 1st, 2019, by allowing for the testing of driverless vehicles under the pilot, permitting the use of conditionally automated vehicles (specifically Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Level 3 AVs) by Ontario consumers and the creation of a cooperative platooning framework for large trucks.
Implementing a pilot marked the first step, among many others, to showcase Ontario as a leader in technology development and as a dynamic and innovative testing ground.
We recognize the importance of new vehicle technologies; however, safety remains a top priority for the ministry. The pilot framework ensures that the province’s roads remain safe while also supporting economic growth and innovation.
The pilot phase also allows the ministry to establish rules, monitor industry and technology developments, and evaluate the safety of AVs prior to the vehicles becoming widely available to the public. On an ongoing basis throughout the pilot, MTO will assess data and information from on-road testing of AVs, engage stakeholders and make amendments to the pilot framework and the Manufacturer Plate Program, as required.
Ontario aims to be a leading jurisdiction in the advancement, deployment and adoption of connected and automated vehicle (CV/AV) technology, harnessing it to achieve our transportation goals, optimize our transportation system, enable economic growth and innovation, and align with other jurisdictions where possible, while protecting road safety in Ontario.
For details on the ministry’s proposal, please see the attached summary. We invite you to submit comments on these proposals for MTO consideration.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue, Building A, Room 212
Toronto,
ON
M3M0B4
Canada
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from September 29, 2021
to November 13, 2021
Connect with us
Contact
Katerina Downard
438 University Ave
12th Floor
Toronto,
ON
M7A 1N3
Canada
Comments received
Through the registry
7By email
1By mail
0