Truck drivers and carriers face 60 new federal fines for Hours-of-Service violations – including those specific to mandated electronic logging devices (ELDs).
Coming in three tiers, the fines range from $300 to $1,000 for drivers, and $600 to $2,000 for motor carriers.
The lowest tier includes administrative and minor recordkeeping contraventions. A second tier includes on-duty/drive limitations; off-duty requirements; more serious recordkeeping contraventions that increase risk; and contraventions that make it difficult to enforce carrier compliance.
(Photo: Isaac Instruments)
Topping the scales are fines for tampering, falsifying or obstructing records, and the most serious on-duty/driving limitations and rest requirements.
Higher than initially proposed
Transport Canada initially proposed fines of up to $300, $500 and $1,000 over the three tiers, but jurisdictions wanted higher fines in each tier, and stiffer fines for motor carriers than drivers, the regulations note.
“Driver fatigue is recognized in Canada and internationally as a critical risk factor associated with motor vehicle crashes. Fatigue in commercial drivers is especially important given that crashes involving large trucks and buses can cause more severe injuries and more frequent fatalities than private passenger vehicle crashes,” say the regulations finalized on July 5 in Canada Gazette Part II.
“Commercial motor vehicle drivers are particularly at risk because of the monotonous nature of their work, extended workdays, irregular schedules, and poor sleep hygiene.”
Examples of ELD fines
Some of the steepest ELD-related fines include:
Failing to ensure a commercial vehicle is equipped with a required ELD — $1,000
Using more than one ELD at the same time — $1,000
Requesting, requiring or allowing drivers to use more than one ELD at the same time — $2,000
Failing to ensure an ELD is calibrated, maintained and working — $1,000
Failing to repair or replace an ELD within a required time period — $1,000
Failing to create and maintain a system of accounts for ELDs — $1,000
Tampering with an ELD — $1,000
Requesting, requiring or allowing someone to tamper with an ELD — $2,000
