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Highway Safety Common Questions



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Where can I find information on use of seat belts on PEI?

Since 1987, it has become mandatory to wear seat belts in PEI.  More information on Seat Belts.


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Where can I find information on child restraint safety?

There are four types of child restraint systems.  More information on Child Restraints Safety.


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Where can I find information to help me be a co-pilot to a new driver?

A Guide for Parents of New Drivers.


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I am a volunteer firefighter, do I have to pay to get my vehicle registered?

No, but for more information on this topic, click here.


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Where can I find information on motor vehicle inspections?

Annual inspection required on all motor vehicles and trailers. All commercial vehicles and commercial trailers over 4,500 kg must have valid inspection. Fee: passenger cars and light trucks $24.00. Replacement inspection sticker $10.00. Commercial vehicles and commercial trailers range from 45 to 90 minutes of posted shop labour rate.

For more information contact Doug MacEwen.


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Where do I find information on operating a Moped on PEI ?

Valid operator's licence or Class 6 motorcycle licence or Class 8 moped licence.

More information on Mopeds.


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Where can I get a driving record abstract?

Contact Information


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Is information about motor vehicle violations shared between provinces?

All provinces are members of the Canadian Driver Licence Compact. Traffic offence conviction information covering eight categories is exchanged among the jurisdictions.

For more information contact John MacDonald.


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Where can I get a Highway Safety Permit?

Contact your local Access center.


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Where can I get information on Drinking and Driving on PEI?

Blood and breath tests are authorized. Presumptive level .08%. For minors, presumptive level is zero tolerance. Driving (riding) a moped, bicycle, or horse while under the influence of alcohol is illegal and a punishable offense. Roadside suspension of 7 days for B.A.C. level exceeding .05%. Province has administrative licence suspension law.

For more information contact John MacDonald.


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How can I obtain a Disabled Parking Permit?

For information and to obtain a Disabled Parking Permit application contact the Council of the Disabled.

Application forms must be completed by a doctor and returned to the Council of the Disabled. There is a $27.00 fee for a temporary permit, of which $20.00 is refunded when the permit is returned. There is a $7.00 renewal fee per year for the permit if it is required on an ongoing basis.

For an application only contact one of PEI's Access PEI sites.


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Where can I schedule an appointment for driver examinations?

To arrange an appointment to obtain your driver's licence, you can contact any of the following locations. Driving tests can be conducted from the following locations:


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Where can I get a Driver's Handbook and information about driving on PEI?

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal's Driver's 2010 Handbook is available online in English and French:


[PDF file] or can be viewed by section.
You can also purchase the Driver's Handbook from any Access PEI location for a fee of $10.00 plus GST.


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Where can I find information on the Compulsary Insurance Program?

This program is regulated under the Highway Traffic Act Compulsary Insurance Regulations that mandates that insurance cancellations are required to be reported by the insurance companies. Staff conduct the investigations with follow-up action against uninsured motor vehicle owners when necessary.


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Where can I find information on Commercial Vehicle Enforcement?

Enforcement programs focus on three principal areas. All issues dealing with the drivers of commercial vehicles, their vehicles and the loads they carry.

Eight hundred to one thousand (800-1000) vehicles cross the fixed scales daily plus portable scales. Officers check for:

  • Permit Conditions
  • Documentation
  • Hours-of-Work Log Books
  • Axle Weights
  • Commodity Types
  • Taxable Goods
  • Violations of applicable acts
  • Dangerous Goods/Placards/Training Certificates
  • Vehicle Registration Requirements
  • Driver Licence and Class, Disinfection Certificates
  • Collection of Applicable Fees
  • Safety Equipment
  • Level I Vehicle Inspections

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers

  • Conduct compliance Audits
  • Patrol all provincial highways
  • Operate fixed scale locations
  • Operate portable scales
  • CVSA on-road inspections
  • Issue special permits
  • Provide information to commercial vehicle industry
  • Liaison with other enforcement agencies
  • Enforce Roads Act
  • Enforce Vehicle Weights Regulations
  • Enforce Highway Traffic Act
  • Inspect Car Dealers
  • Conduct a variety of reviews for other Departments

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Where can I find information on the National Safety Code?

The National Safety Code for motor carriers is a comprehensive code minimum performance standard for the safe operation of commercial vehicles and buses over 4500 kg. The National Safety Code has 15 standards as follows:

  • Single Driver Licence Concept
  • Knowledge and Performance Test
  • Driver Examiner Training Program
  • Classified Driver Licensing System
  • Self-certification
  • Medical Standards for Drivers
  • Carrier and Driver Profiles
  • Short-term Suspension
  • Hours-of-service Regulations
  • Security of Loads
  • Commercial Vehicle Maintenance
  • CVSA On-road Inspections
  • Trip Inspections
  • Compliance Reviews
  • Facility Audits

National Safety Code Officer

  • Liaison with inspect installation owners and mechanics
  • Conduct information seminars
  • Investigate complaints against inspection stations and mechanics
  • Evaluate mechanics
  • Update inspection criteria and materials
  • Monitor Station performance

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Where can I find information on the Novice Driver Program?

A mandatory educational program for all new drivers who do not complete a formal driver education program. Approximately 1400 students complete this program annually with 70 courses conducted per year. Courses are offered in West Prince, Summerside, Charlottetown, Montague and Souris. Courses are scheduled by Highway Safety staff and conducted by part-time staff.

Novice Driver Instructors

  • Teach Novice Driver Course



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Where can I find information on the Driver Improvement Program?

Driver Improvement Officers are responsible for:

  • Counselling and retesting of elderly and problem drivers, assisting them with maintaining their drivers' licenses and driving privileges;
  • Conduct mandatory educational courses;
  • Referrals to outside agencies such as Addiction Services;
  • Recommendations for licence reinstatement; and
  • Recommendations for cancellations of driving privileges.

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Where can I find information on the Canadian Reciprocity Registration Agreement (CRRA)?

This is a full and free reciprocity agreement for Category B vehicles with GVW less than 11,797 kg that are travelling inter-provincially within the Canadian provinces. The license plate and registration provided by the plate jurisdiction will serve as proper registration and will be recognized by the host jurisdiction


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Where can I find information on the Collision Reporting System (CARS)?

The collection of data from motor vehicle collision reports completed by police is keyed into a database and used for management of drivers, carriers and for statistical analysis.

There are approximately:

  • 2500 collision reports completed by local police agencies yearly
  • 16-20 fatal collisions annually
  • 800-1000 injuries resulting from collisions annually
  • Information from database is used by:
    • insurance companies
    • management of problem drivers
    • program results
    • engineering services - roadway design and problem areas
    • police for safety priorities
    • National Collision statistics

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Where can I find information on the Stolen and Wrecked Vehicle Monitoring Program?

This consumer protection program is designed to monitor severely damaged vehicles on PEI. The program provides for branding registration permits to identify salvage, rebuilt, and non-repairable vehicles.


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Where can I find information on the Medical Review Board?

The Medical Review Board is comprised of two doctors and a representative from Highway Safety who meet on a monthly basis to review drivers' medicals. The board provides recommendations to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles regarding the driver's medical suitability to national standards as it relates to the issuance, cancellation or suspension of their driver's licence.


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Where can I find information about Driver Examining?

Drivers are tested on an appointment basis at five locations across the province: Alberton, Summerside, Charlottetown, Montague and Souris. Driver Examiners conduct knowledge tests and behind-the-wheel testing, commercial licence classes 1 to 4 (700 tests annually) and cars and light trucks, class 5 (1284 tests annually).

To arrange an appointment to obtain your driver's licence, you can contact any of the following locations.

Driving tests can be conducted from the following locations:

  • Access PEI Alberton
  • Access PEI Summerside
  • Access PEI Charlottetown
  • Access PEI Montague
  • Access PEI Souris

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Where can I find information on Safety Section Administration Officers?

Provide information and services relating to:

  • Driver's licensing procedures
  • License certification system
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Vision exams
  • Written exams
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Driver education programs
  • Safe driving programs
  • Novice Driver Course
  • Child seat inspections
  • Highway Traffic Act
  • Off-Highway Traffic Act
  • Roads Act and related Regulations

Provide technical advice/support services for AccessPEI staff regarding policies and procedures.

Provide clerical support for staff, including:

  • Inspections Officer
  • Highway Safety Coordinator
  • Scales Officers
  • Facility Auditor
  • Registrar
  • Driver Improvement Officer
  • Driver Qualifications Officer
  • Manager of National Safety Code
  • other staff as required

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Where can I find information on Safety Officers?

Safety officers:

  • Conduct knowledge tests (medicals and vision)
  • Road test drivers
  • Inspect installations of child seats
  • Retest older drivers
  • Liaison with Addiction Services
  • Special interviews
  • Review driver records
  • Reinstatement interviews
  • Area of residence testing/restricted license
  • Show cause interviews
  • Counsel drivers

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Where can I find information on the 55 Alive/Mature Driving Course?

For information on driver improvement courses specially designed for seniors, please visit: The 55 Alive/Mature Driving Course

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