COVID-19 – Commercial carrier information

Information for drivers

All Albertans who want to take a driver’s road test can now book one online as the province continues to open up the economy and access to personal protective equipment (PPE) increases.

Information about the tests and required health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can be found in COVID-19 Road Tests: Eligibility and procedures (PDF, 77 KB). All drivers will have to follow these procedures, including signing this Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability ("Assumption and Release") for Road Tests During the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF, 126 KB) form to the test to be signed in front of the driver examiner.

We are experiencing increased online scheduling requests so drivers are encouraged to check back regularly if they are having problems connecting with us.

Knowledge tests

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles has extended the expiration of the following driver knowledge test results:

• Class 1 to 4: Knowledge test results expiring between March 1, 2020 and September 20, 2020 – 180 days past the original date of expiry

Driving schools

All driving schools are responsible for determining when they can provide services in a safe manner.

For information about operating a business during COVID-19 visit Alberta Biz Connect.

Motor vehicle documents

All motor vehicle documents must now be renewed prior to expiry. Alberta driver’s licences, vehicle registrations, and other permits and certificates that expired prior to May 15, 2020 must now be renewed.

Find select registry services available remotely through encrypted email or fax.

Some registry agents have voluntarily closed or are operating with reduced hours. Call your local registry office to ensure it is open and confirm whether they provide the service you require remotely.

Regulations and policies

The following vehicle inspection certificates must now be renewed if they have expired:

• Commercial Vehicle Inspection certificates and decals
• Out of Province Motor Vehicle Inspection certificates
• Salvage Motor Vehicle Inspection certificates

Carriers providing direct assistance to the COVID-19 response efforts can apply for exemptions to the provincial hours of service requirements.

• These exemptions will be given through permits, and permit fees will be waived.
• Permits will only be considered for carriers with Excellent, Satisfactory or Satisfactory Unaudited Safety Fitness Ratings.
• These permits can be obtained by emailing [email protected].

Commercial carriers transporting supplies in direct assistance to the COVID-19 pandemic response will be allowed to:

• increase the weight that wide base single tires can carry on provincial and municipal roads without a permit
• increase the weight commercial vehicles with tridem and tridem drive axles can carry on municipal roads without a permit, to match what they can carry on provincial roads
• be exempt from road bans on provincial and municipal roads
  • these vehicles would still have to comply with bridge carrying capacity limitations and truck routes
• be exempt from municipal bylaws that restrict the hours they operate and park

Direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries. The load must consist primarily of supplies and equipment used in direct assistance to the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. These concessions are in place until August 14, 2020.

Commercial Vehicles COVID Exemptions Updates (PDF, 59 KB)

511 Alberta

Commercial carriers can access an interactive map on 511 Alberta to find open restaurants, restrooms and showers on Alberta highways.

Long-haul

All commercial carriers and drivers, whether they cross provincial, territorial or the Canada-United States (U.S.) border, are being encouraged to continue to follow comprehensive sanitation and health protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We recommend all commercial drivers travelling to or returning home from the U.S. or elsewhere in Canada:

• self-distance and avoid standard greetings, such as shaking hands
• regularly disinfect vehicles and any shared surfaces, inside and out, with antimicrobial disposable wipes or bleach solution
• wash hands whenever you stop for fuel, food or other reasons
• stay away from public places or large gatherings
• have enough food and water supplies so you can self-isolate on route if needed
• monitor your health, taking appropriate action if you feel ill at home or in another jurisdiction
• self-isolate on days off
• self-declare to dispatch and to 811 or a health care practitioner, if you have come in contact with anyone who has COVID-19, and follow the instructions provided

Additional measures to support commercial carriers will be published on this page as they are approved. For more information, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.

Update (08-14-20)

All Ministerial Orders in respect of Ministerial order no. 23/20, Ministerial order no. 24/20, and Ministerial order no. 32/20 have expired as of August 15, 2020. All COVID-19 Railway related suspensions are no longer in effect.

Bill of Lading requirements

The Bill of Lading adds liability to consignors and carriers to ensure that goods being transported are not damaged or spoiled upon receipt.

To support social distancing efforts, carriers are reminded they can provide any required documents under the Bill of Lading electronically, as per section 31(1) and 31(2) of the Electronic Transactions Act. Carriers may:

• create and store these documents electronically
• provide these documents electronically to consignors
• acquire digital signatures from consignors upon satisfactory receipt of the goods
• provide these records in electronic form as part of any audits or compliance reviews

Electronic bills of lading are authorized continually.

Alberta Traffic Safety Board appeals

For decisions received between March 17, 2020 and June 15, 2020, Albertans and businesses will have until July 15 to file appeals of decisions by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles or peace officers to the Alberta Transportation Safety Board (ATSB).

For decisions received between March 17, 2020 and August 14, 2020, Albertans and businesses will have until September 14, 2020 to file for judicial review of ATSB decisions.

Provincial railways

Extensions and temporary suspensions of regulatory requirements granted under a Ministerial Order as a result of COVID-19 for employees of provincially regulated railways have expired as of August 14, 2020. These include:

• Submission of results of a periodic safety audit when applying for a new or renewed approval to operate a railway.
• Re-examinations of railway employees’ knowledge on required subjects and hands-on competency of actual job tasks.
• Periodic medical fitness for duty assessments for railway employees in safety critical positions.

If you have questions regarding Provincial Railway compliance, contact [email protected].

Key contacts

Permitting Questions: [email protected]
Driver Program Questions: [email protected]
International Registration Plan: [email protected]
Driver Fitness and Monitoring: [email protected]
Commercial Carrier Questions: [email protected]
Inspection certificate questions: [email protected]
Dangerous Goods: [email protected]
International Registration Plan: [email protected]
Provincial Rail Questions: [email protected]