Transport Canada to relax rules on importing cars without immobilizers (December 03, 2007)

Transport Canada is proposing an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR) to make it easier for Canadians to import vehicles from the United States that are either already equipped with an electronic immobilization system “or can be fitted with one.”
As of Sept. 1, 2007, motor vehicle safety regulations require that all new cars, vans, light trucks and SUVs sold in Canada or imported into Canada come equipped with electronic, anti-theft immobilizers.
“Canada requires these systems in response to the public’s desire to reduce the trend of thefts for convenience and to protect innocent parties from serious accidents, injury and death,” the government announced.
Currently, the government does not register cars made in the United States that do not meet Canadian standards for anti-theft immobilizers.
But the government said its new proposal would “offer more flexibility to Canadians wishing to import vehicles and maintains efforts to ensure safety on our roads.”
“Our government is committed to ensuring safety on Canadian roads and highways,” said Lawrence Cannon, the minister of transport, infrastructure and communities. “This amendment will simplify and clarify the process for Canadians importing U.S. vehicles, to ensure those vehicles meet our requirements with respect to anti-theft immobilizers.”
The government noted imported vehicles might have to be modified to meet requirements for daytime running lights, child tether anchorage systems and anti-theft immobilization devices.
The proposed amendment will be published in the Canada Gazette Part I on Dec. 1, 2007. Interested parties have 15 days to comment. The proposed regulation would take effect shortly after the consultation period.