New Regulations for Seasonal Farm Workers

New regulations introduced today, Sept. 21, will allow seasonal agriculture workers from Mexico, Jamaica or Barbados to use their home driver's license for the duration of their stay in Nova Scotia.

"We are growing the economy and addressing labour shortages by allowing seasonal agricultural workers to use their home license for the duration of their stay in Nova Scotia," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex.

As road safety continues to be an important concern, seasonal workers on a Nova Scotia farm will be required to carry an International Driving Permit with their home license to ensure that they are fully qualified and follow safe driving standards.

Under the Motor Vehicle Act, temporary residents are still required to get a Nova Scotia driver's license after exhausting a 90-day period where they are allowed to drive in the province with a valid driver's license from their home jurisdictions.

The act was amended in 2009 to broaden the classes of people, including seasonal farm workers, allowed to drive a motor vehicle in Nova Scotia without having to obtain a driver's license.