Custom Van Conversions, Mobile Office, Medical Vans, Executive vans, Mercedes Benz Master Upfitter

Sprinters

As a BC upfitters, our sprinter van conversions are distinguished not only for their ultra-glamorous aesthetics but for every custom detail executed to perfection.

FAQ Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 

What is the National Safety Mark?

The national safety mark (NSM) is the property of the Government of Canada and its use is authorized by the Minister of Transport to manufacturers of new vehicles offered for sale in Canada. Transport Canada requires the manufacturers that are authorized to affix the mark, to have the capability to certify their vehicle production to comply with the regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Is the National Safety Mark mandatory for vehicle manufacturers in Canada?

Any company who is engaged in the business of manufacturing vehicles in Canada, who ships from one province to another, or deliver to any person for the purpose of being so shipped, any vehicle of a prescribed class manufactured in Canada must apply their National Safety Mark (NSM) number to the vehicle. Also, most provincial Highway Traffic Acts require that a company affix an NSM to all vehicles that they manufacture.

What are my obligations as a vehicle manufacturer in Canada?

As a vehicle manufacturer established in Canada, you are required to ensure that all your entire vehicle production meets all the applicable standards and maintain such records. You must also have the ability to issue recalls and respond to compliance audits. Your company must therefore be familiar with all aspects of the MVSA, Motor Vehicle Regulations (MVSR) and CMVSS.

Visit our Guidelines on Enforcement and Compliance Policy Web page for additional information on meeting your compliance obligations as a vehicle manufacturer in Canada.

How do I know what standards my vehicle production must conform to?

You must read Schedule III of the MVSR and look for an “X” in the column that refers to the class of vehicle that your company intends on manufacturing. Where an “X” is present, you must read the standard and verify if the standard does in fact apply to your vehicle production. You can then consult our CMVSS summary page to obtain information specific to the various standards that apply.

FAQ     Altered Vehicle

• 9 (1) If a company alters a vehicle, other than an incomplete vehicle or a truck tractor not fitted with a fifth wheel coupling, that was in conformity with these Regulations in such a manner that its stated GVWR and GAWR are no longer accurate, or if the company alters the vehicle otherwise than by the addition, substitution or removal of readily attachable components such as mirrors or tire and rim assemblies or by minor finishing operations, the company shall

  • (a) ensure that the compliance label and information label, if applicable, remain on the vehicle;

  • (a.1) respect the gross axle weight ratings and gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle recommended by the original manufacturer or, where the company increases the ratings, ensure that they are

    • (i) increased in accordance with the original manufacturer’s written recommendations, or

    • (ii) within the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle’s components when the altered vehicle is loaded for its intended use;

  • (b) ensure that the vehicle conforms to the standards referred to in subsection 5(2), in respect of the work carried out by the company to alter the vehicle; and

  • (c) subject to subsection (2), apply to the vehicle an additional label displaying

    • (i) the words “THIS VEHICLE WAS ALTERED BY / CE VÉHICLE A ÉTÉ MODIFIÉ PAR” or “ALTERED BY / MODIFIÉ PAR” followed by the name of the company that altered the vehicle,

    • (ii) the month and year during which the alteration of the vehicle was completed,

    • (iii) the drawing referred to in paragraph 6(1)(c),

    • (iv) in accordance with paragraph 6(1)(e), the new gross vehicle weight rating and gross axle weight ratings of the vehicle as altered, where they differ from those shown on the original compliance label,

    • (v) in accordance with paragraph 6(1)(f), the type of vehicle, where it differs from the type shown on the original compliance label, and

    • (vi) in the case of a multi-purpose passenger vehicle or bus manufactured from a cutaway chassis, a motor home or a recreational trailer, the information referred to in subsection 6(8).

• (2) The drawing referred to in paragraph (1)(c) may be displayed on a label applied to the vehicle beside the compliance label.

• (3) In the case of a motor home or a recreational trailer, the information referred to in subparagraph (1)(c)(vi) may be displayed on a separate label applied to the vehicle beside the compliance label or in a conspicuous or readily accessible location.