U.S. motor carriers operating in Manitoba face safety compliance rules that require them to hold a provincial safety fitness certificate.

Effective Sept. 1, carriers without an equivalent operating authority from another Canadian jurisdiction need to apply for a Manitoba Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC), according to the Manitoba government website. The move brings U.S. operators in line with local carriers, under Section 312.2 of the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act.

The requirement applies to all regulated vehicles, which include trucks and tractors with a registered gross vehicle weight of 4,500kg (10,000lbs) or more, as well as passenger vehicles and buses with 11 or more seats including the driver.

To qualify, carriers must meet the same standards as Manitoba-based operators. That includes showing proof of insurance, ensuring vehicles pass inspection requirements, completing educational components, and adhering to safety protocols. Once granted, certificates must be renewed annually, with operators submitting documents that prove they continue to meet or exceed provincial requirements.

In addition, carriers will be required to display their company name or logo and their newly assigned National Safety Code number, or Canadian equivalent, on vehicles so they can be easily identified by other road users and enforcement officers.