This page contains information related to the Traffic Safety Act that is not currently in effect. This information is provided to help Nova Scotians prepare for the Traffic Safety Act, expected to take effect on 19 October 2026. Continue to follow the Motor Vehicle Act until then.
Municipalities
The Traffic Safety Act (TSA) passed in the Nova Scotia Legislature in October 2025 and will come into effect on 19 October 2026. The Act will modernize the rules of the road and improve safety for Nova Scotians on roads and highways across the province. The Act will replace the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), in place since the early 1900s. The Traffic Safety Act has greater flexibility, enabling government to respond more quickly to modern and evolving transportation needs.
This page highlights the key changes that will affect dealerships and explains what these changes mean for your operations. The goal is to provide clear, straightforward information so you can prepare for the transition.
If you have any questions or require clarification, contact the TSA team at tsa@novascotia.ca.
Upcoming changes that will impact municipalities
- Bylaw making authority
- Name change and authority
- New regulation
- Speed limits
- Traffic control devices
- Winter parking ban
Bylaw making authority
What is being changed
New optional bylaw making authority for municipalities includes:
- regulating the use of bicycles, personal transporters, electric kick-scooters and other traffic in bicycle lanes established by the municipality and sidewalks
- respecting the immobilization by a peace officer of a vehicle or other conveyance left on private property.
Action required
No action is required. This is for awareness only.
Name change and authority
What is being changed
The term Local Traffic Authorities has been updated to Municipal Traffic Authorities.
Transition regulations allow for the appointments of Local Traffic Authorities under the MVA to continue as Municipal Traffic Authorities under the TSA.
The council of a municipality shall appoint one or more persons as a Municipal Traffic Authority for all or part of the municipality and may appoint a Deputy Municipal Traffic Authority. There are no qualification requirements for the appointed individual(s).
As is the case with the MVA and Local Traffic Authorities, under the TSA, Municipal Traffic Authorities must approve the placement of official traffic control devices and signals on municipal roads.
Action required
No immediate action is required. Update content as appropriate.
New regulation
What is being changed
The TSA has introduced a Powers and Duties of Traffic Authorities regulation that consolidates the roles and responsibilities of Traffic Authorities. This regulation includes topics such as:
- speed zones - clarification that speed zone begins at the point the sign is placed until the point where another sign is placed that displayed a different speed limit
- school areas - new language to clarify the placement of school area traffic signs. Added language to require the speed zone be lowered to 30 km/h in a school zone when the posted speed is 50 kilometres per hour or less. No other changes to school area rules
- authority for owners of private property to place official traffic signs and signals in the same manner as a traffic authority
- expanded definition of what traffic authorities can prohibit on highways by the placement of traffic signs
Action required
Familiarize yourself with the regulation once available.
Speed limits
What is being changed
A Municipal Traffic Authority can set a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour or less on municipal roads, including less than 50 kilometres per hour.
Action required
No longer required to obtain approval from the Provincial Traffic Authority when setting speed limits of 80 kilometres per hour or less on municipal roads.
Traffic control devices
What is being changed
On or after 1 April 2027, new or planned replacement of traffic signal lights (red, green, amber) must adhere to industry standards (300 millimetre lens).
On or after 1 April 2029, new or planned replacement of traffic signals must not:
- display a flashing green ball traffic signal
- consist of words “WALK” or “DON’T WALK”
Action required
No action is required. This is for awareness only.
Winter parking ban
What is being changed
Under the MVA, municipalities were required to submit the regulation to the province. Under the TSA, the winter parking ban will be considered an Order. Traffic Authorities must continue to publish notice of any winter parking order and forward copy to the Provincial Traffic Authority.
Action required
Adjust processes as needed. No longer required to submit regulation.