WHITEHORSE — The Yukon Highways and Public Works Minister has enacted the National Safety Code (NSC) Regulations for commercial vehicles, which will begin an educational period.

These regulations are designed to increase safety on Yukon highways by requiring that all commercial drivers and vehicles meet nationally agreed upon standards, effective May 1, 2008.

“Ensuring that Yukon has safe highways, as well as safe drivers, are top priorities for the department,” said Archie Lang, Minister of Highways and Public Works. “The NSC is a safety-based regulation and Yukon, along with all other Canadian jurisdictions, is committed to effectively establishing these standards for the heaviest and largest vehicles on our highways.”

The regulations affect vehicles with commercial licence plates having a registered gross vehicle capacity of more than 4,500 kg, and commercially plated buses with a seating capacity of more than 10 people, including the driver.

An education period will begin immediately and end on May 1, 2008.

Yukon-based commercial carriers that do not yet have an NSC number are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, while registration is free.