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 in 2026. Continue to follow the Motor Vehicle Act until then.
Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) stations
The Traffic Safety Act (TSA) passed in the Nova Scotia Legislature in October 2025 and will come into effect in 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 Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) stations 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 MVI stations
- MVI station requirements
- Regulated vehicle activities
- Vehicle equipment, safety and inspections regulation
- Collision reporting
MVI station requirements
What is being changed
The TSA has standardized operational requirements for regulated vehicle businesses, including MVI stations:
- application requirements
- MVI stations must keep records, paper or digital, for 3 years
- notification to the Registrar of change of ownership moving to 10 days from 14 days
- requirement for regular business hours and signage moved to the regulations
- additional policy content moved to the regulations
Action required
Review and familiarize yourself with the updated MVI Inspection Manual when available.
Regulated vehicle activities
What is being changed
The TSA groups several businesses together (dealerships, Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) stations, driving schools and commercial carriers) under a new licensing category called regulated vehicle activities.
Criteria for a regulated vehicle activity licence:
- gives the Registrar authority to approve or deny a licence application based on their opinion of past convictions or suspension of other vehicle activity licences
- gives the Registrar authority to deny or restrict an individual's involvement as "management" of a vehicle business based on previous activity/licence suspensions of other business
The following processes will be introduced:
- formalizing the ability for the Registrar to suspend a vehicle activity licence
- establishing clear requirements for reinstatement if suspended
- cancelation of a vehicle activity licence if the licence is being used contrary to the act or public interest
Licences issued under the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) will remain valid until they expire.
Action required
No action required. This is for awareness only.
Vehicle equipment, safety and inspections regulation
What is being changed
The TSA has introduced the Vehicle Equipment, Safety and Inspections (VESI) Regulations to provide clarifications and requirements for equipment standards, including the following:
- vehicle lamp changes
- brake changes
- body components
- air bag rules
- occupant restraint system removal rules
- hand grips
Action required
Inform yourself of the changes by reviewing the Vehicle Equipment, Safety and Inspections Regulations once available.
Collision reporting
What is being changed
The TSA replaces the vague serious collision reporting standard with a requirement to report any unreported reportable collision to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles or police.
A reportable collision means damage in excess of $2,000 or a collision involving injury or death.
This change provides repair shops with clearer guidance on what must be reported, though it may alter which collisions are reported in the future compared to current practices.
Action required
No action is required, the process for filing a report remains the same. This is for awareness only.