On January 1, 2019, Ontario introduced important amendments to
its automated vehicles (AVs) pilot project regulatory framework.
The amendments support Ontario's ambition to be a leading
jurisdiction in the advancement, deployment, and adoption of
automated driving technology. We highlighted some of these
amendments below.
1. Opening the Way to Public Use of SAE Level 3 AVs
The original regulatory framework allowed for testing of certain
AVs under a 10-year pilot project. In its first iteration, all
motor vehicles with driving automation Levels1 0, 1 or 2
were exempt from the pilot program.2 Any higher level of
automation (Levels 3, 4, and 5) were prohibited from being operated
on Ontario roads, except for testing as set out in the regulation.
The amendments now extend this exemption to "properly
maintained" AVs in "good working order" originally
manufactured to operate at Level 3 or manufactured to operate at
Level 2 and modified by the original equipment
