Ontario has put forth a framework for a 10-year pilot program which would allow truck carriers to test specific automated commercial motor vehicles (ACMVs), those over 4,500 kilograms, on Ontario roads under defined conditions.

In 2016 the province introduced regulations that enabled the testing of non-commercial, automated vehicles (AVs) such as passenger vehicles, light-duty delivery trucks and 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. Ontario is now proposing a framework for a 10-year ACMV pilot program that may be implemented through a new regulation under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA),” they state.

The pilot program’s aims include evaluating performance. “It enables the ministry to establish rules, monitor industry and technology developments and evaluate how ACMVs integrate with existing road users before considering broader deployments,” they write. “The proposed pilot program would support the research and development of automated technologies for some commercial motor vehicles in Ontario by allowing for safe and regulated testing on Ontario’s roads.” 

The framework considers ‘level three’ automation, where vehicles can drive themselves under limited conditions, will not operate unless all conditions are met, and which must have a driver available to take over the driving task if requested by the vehicle. It also enables ‘level four’ automation where a driver is not required to take over the driving task, and ‘level five’ automation where the vehicle can drive itself under all conditions.

Liable for damage 

“For ACMV testing with and without a driver, all HTA rules and regulations for commercial vehicles still apply,” they write, including hours of service, security of load and inspections. “If approved for driverless testing, the applicant must demonstrate how the carrier will satisfy all HTA rules and regulations that typically apply to drivers of commercial motor vehicles,” the framework states. “A carrier is liable for any damage to highway infrastructure.” 

Some restrictions include operating in school zones, transit routes and in areas occupied by a high volume of vulnerable road users (cyclists, pedestrians). Adverse weather conditions and dawn and dusk darkness are also discussed. They also say long combination vehicles, tractor double-trailers, lift axle-equipped semitrailer configurations, truck-trailer configuration and busses will not be permitted under the program.

The deadline for providing comments on the framework to the province is November 14, 2024.