TORONTO — Ontario’s educational enforcement period for the new trip inspection standard is set to end on Jan. 1, 2008.

Full enforcement of Regulation 199/07 is expected to commence at that time.

Although many jurisdictions are not yet ready to implement the new standard, Ontario has decided to stay with its original schedule.

The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada is one group reminding members that all truck drivers in the province will be required to carry the new two-part form, which includes the applicable inspection schedule as well as the daily inspection report.

Minor defects must now be reported by the person doing the inspection and must be noted on the trip inspection form. In this instance the operator may make the decision to keep the vehicle in service, however, no vehicle can be driven with a major defect.

For vehicles based outside of Ontario but operating into Ontario, the existing trip inspection form from the home jurisdiction or one meeting the requirements of the National safety Code will be accepted, but the Ontario Ministry of Transportation has stressed that all vehicles will be subject to appropriate action if major or un-noted minor defects are found.

“Officers have been encouraged to exercise discretionary enforcement and to continue to provide assistance to the industry in achieving compliance with the new standard,” according to MTO.