Undeniably, road accidents can reap unpleasant outcomes. From vehicle damage to minor or fatal injuries or even death, anything is a possibility. But when a commercial heavy vehicle is involved in an accident, the tragedies that unfold are indescribable.
According to official government figures, vehicle collisions robbed 1,745 innocent lives in 2020, while the severe injuries figure stood at 7,868. Although statistics reveal that a small vehicle is most likely to collide with another small one than a truck or a bus, we can not deny the reality that accidents involving a car and a heavy vehicle are far more catastrophic.
As we speak, about 324,200 truck drivers are roaming Canadian roads. Given the trucking industry boom and surging demand for commercial truck drivers, these numbers are likely to increase dramatically in the coming years. Resultantly, the federal government introduced the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program to ensure the safety of commercial vehicle drivers, their passengers, and the other traffic on the road.
Sadly, many truck drivers disregard the program’s importance and do not go for the said inspections. Little do they know that this program is mandatory, and failure to get their vehicle inspected can get them into serious trouble with the law.
As a professional truck repair shop in Calgary and a proud provider of commercial vehicle inspection services, it is our duty to educate both veteran and novice truckers.
Read Also: What Makes LLN Truck Repair The Best Truck Repair Shop In Calgary?
So, this blog post will provide a systematic overview of what commercial vehicle inspection is and why it is crucial.
A Glimpse Into The Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program
As pointed out earlier, the government’s aim behind the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program is to reduce the death toll, injuries, and property damage resulting from crashes involving commercial vehicles.
According to Section 19 of the Vehicle Inspection Regulation (AR 211/2006), owners of all commercial vehicles must obtain a valid inspection certificate and decal. Failure to provide an inspection certificate upon the request of a peace officer or during an investigation will render a commercial vehicle ineligible to cooperate on the highway.
Although the program is federally mandated, the inspection requirements may vary from province to province. All jurisdictions acknowledge other participating provinces or territories’s commercial inspections as equivalent to the inspection mandated in their legislation except in rare circumstances. For this reason, it is always a good idea to contact your provincial or territorial authorities for more information.
For instance, the weight requirements for a vehicle to be deemed commercial may vary slightly between Alberta and British Columbia.
In the case of Alberta, the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program is mandatory for the following:
- Commercial vehicles registered for a weight of or exceeding 11,794kg;
- Commercial vehicles with a combined registered weight of 11,794 kg or more;
- Commercial vehicles that have a manufacturer’s seating capacity for 11 or more persons (including the driver);
- Any vehicles being towed by an NSC vehicle;
- A vehicle operating under the authority of an Operating Authority Certificate.
What Is A Commercial Vehicle?
Although LLN Truck repair carries out CVIP inspections for all kinds of trucks, the program does not only apply to trucks alone. Many people falsely believe that a commercial vehicle simply refers to a commercial truck used by carrier businesses.
Contrarily, the National Safety Code (NSC) defines trucks, trailers, semi trucks, and buses or a combination of these vehicles that exceed a gross vehicle weight of 11,794 kg as commercial vehicles. However, it is imperative to note that the minimum 11,794 kg limit is for intra-provincial operations. For vehicles that operate extra-provincially, a CVIP becomes mandatory for a vehicle if its gross vehicle weight exceeds 4,500kg.
Why Is Commercial Vehicle Inspection Necessary?
You must understand as an individual that you are not the only one on the losing end if your commercial vehicle gets in an accident. Besides the economic loss, property damage, and injuries you sustain, the accident directs significant damage at the other party as well.
While there are good chances of survival when a small vehicle collides with another small one, the results of a collision between a small vehicle and a truck or bus are more detrimental to the small vehicle and its innocent occupants.
Thus, it is your responsibility to ensure that your truck not only meets but exceeds the minimum CVIP requirements and is stable enough for operations.
How Often Does A Commercial Vehicle Need A CVIP Inspection?
In this regard, most Canadian provinces seem to be on the same page. In Alberta, all types of trucks must undergo a comprehensive commercial vehicle inspection on an annual basis from an authorized inspector. LLN Truck Repair is an authorized provider of commercial vehicle inspection services for all kinds of trucks in Calgary and the surrounding areas.
On the other hand, commercial buses must undergo the inspection bi-annually.
LLN Truck Repair Provides High-End CVIP Services In And Around Calgary
As a seasoned team of truckers and technicians, we know exactly what it takes to help your commercial truck meet federal CVIP requirements. We not only carry out a comprehensive inspection but also suggest and provide possible solutions if the truck fails the test. Learn more about LLN Truck Repair.
Need a CVIP inspection? Contact us now