Applying for a Motor Carrier License

(With or without an Extra-Provincial Operating License):

An application for a Motor Carrier License is in [FORM A]. If you are also applying for an Extra-Provincial License, or are applying solely for an Extra-Provincial License, the application should also be sent in [FORM 30]. A financial statement, business plan and a schedule of rates for the service you plan to operate must accompany the application. Also, an internal brake component inspection form must be completed prior to the issuance of a commercial vehicle license.

When an application for Regular General Route Public Passenger Service is received, the matter will be advertised in one issue of the Royal Gazette and local newspapers and a public hearing will be held to determine if a license should be granted to the applicant.

When an application for Charter, Irregular Area, Route or Contract Service is made, it will be advertised in one issue of the Royal Gazette after which a waiting period of 7 days is in effect for anyone wishing to file opposition to the application. If opposition is received, the matter will be set down for a public hearing, following which a decision will be rendered in approximately one to four weeks. If no opposition is received, the Board will consider your application and provided all requirements have been met, a license will issue.

Insurance requirements are as follows:

• For vehicles 20 passengers and under - $2,000,000 Third Party Liability (inclusive limits) and $2,000,000 passenger liability and property damage (inclusive limits )
• For vehicles 21 passengers or over - $2,000,000 third party liability (inclusive limits) and $3,000,000 passenger liability and property damage (inclusive limits) [See section 18 of Motor Carrier Act Regulations].

A Form G, Certificate of Insurance, must come directly from your insurance company, not the agent. Most insurance companies have the Insurance Form G and are aware of this requirement.

If a license is granted, the vehicles to be used to provide the service are subject to a semiannual inspection by a Board's Passenger Vehicle Inspector. There is no fee associated with this inspection. The owner is responsible to supply a place for the Inspector to inspect the vehicle(s) and a person other than the Inspector to drive the vehicle during the road and brake test portion of the inspection.

There are no application fees. Carriers presently pay an annual plating fee of $515.30 per vehicle for a Motor Carrier License. An additional $257.65 is required for each Extra- Provincial plate. If the applicant is applying for an Extra-Provincial plate only, the fee is $515.30 per plate. It is recommended that new applicants not invest in vehicles until they have been granted an operating authority by the Board.

Interested applicants should also review the Motor Carrier Act and Regulations, which outline the regulatory requirements for companies or persons transporting passengers for hire within the province, as well as regulations under the Motor Vehicle Act related to commercial vehicles.

Applying for a Commercial Vehicle License

Effective January 1, 2003, both the Board Public Passenger Motor Carrier Act Regulations and the Governor in Council Public Passenger Motor Carrier Act Regulations were amended to require commercial vehicles to be regulated. These Regulations are safety based and not economic in nature.

The Regulations apply to all carriers who operate a commercial vehicle as a public passenger vehicle that has a seating capacity of eight (8) passengers or less, excluding the driver, and that provides a daily, weekly, or other regular service, or a charter or tour service that enters or departs any municipality. All carriers who wish to continue to provide service as a commercial vehicle operator must apply for a commercial vehicle license.

Motor Carrier Inspectors who perform the semi-annual inspections of an applicant's vehicle(s) will also review the applicant's hours of work, trip inspection, and maintenance records documentation to ensure compliance with the amended Regulations. An application for a Commercial Vehicle License is in [FORM L]. Also, an internal brake component inspection form must be completed prior to the issuance of a commercial vehicle license.

Insurance requirements are as follows:

• For vehicles 20 passengers and under - $2,000,000 Third Party Liability (inclusive limits) and $2,000,000 passenger liability and property damage (inclusive limits ).

A Form G, Certificate of Insurance, must come directly from your insurance company, not the agent. Most insurance companies have the Insurance Form G and are aware of this requirement.

If a license is granted, the vehicles to be used to provide the service are subject to a semiannual inspection by a Board's Passenger Vehicle Inspector. There is no fee associated with this inspection. The owner is responsible to supply a place for the Inspector to inspect the vehicle(s) and a person other than the Inspector to drive the vehicle during the road and brake test portion of the inspection. There is a fee of $257.65 for a plate.

Interested applicants should review the pertinent provisions of both the Board Public Passenger Motor Carrier Act Regulations and the Governor in Council Public Passenger Motor Carrier Act Regulations.

If you require assistance in the completion of an Application Form or wish to clarify any matters related to these requirements, you may contact the Public Passenger Division office at (902) 424 -4448.