Three-wheeled vehicle pilot project
Nova Scotia is conducting a 5-year pilot to allow the registration and operation of federally defined three-wheeled vehicles (TWVs) on Nova Scotia’s roadways. The pilot will allow government to evaluate their use in Nova Scotia from a road safety aspect, while addressing requests from dealers and the public, and bringing us in line with other Canadian provinces.
Three-wheeled vehicles are a unique passenger vehicle with 3 wheels, automotive seats, foot pedals and a steering wheel, but often don’t have air bags, a windshield, roof or side panels with doors, and weigh less than 1000 kg. Motor trikes (three-wheeled motorcycles with straddle seats and handle bars) are already permitted to be registered and operated as motorcycles.
The Three-wheeled vehicle pilot will run from 15 May 2024 to15 May 2029. The pilot will evaluate the rules for the safe operation of three-wheeled vehicles, safety equipment requirements and appropriate penalties for not following the pilot regulations. Three-wheeled vehicles will be registered and permitted as passenger vehicles.
During the pilot, the following rules for the safe operation of three-wheeled vehicles in Nova Scotia will apply:
- vehicle must be federally approved and bear the manufacturer’s compliance label issued under the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Canada) specifying it as being “TWV/VTR”
- vehicle must continue to meet the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that applied to its class of vehicle at the time it was manufactured or imported
- drivers are required to have a class 5 licence without 5N for Newly Licensed Driver to operate a three-wheeled vehicle in Nova Scotia (you can’t have a Learner’s Licence or a class 5 licence with 5N for Newly Licensed Driver)
- drivers and passengers are required to wear approved motorcycle helmets
- passengers need to be 9 or older
- drivers are not allowed to tow anything behind the vehicle or have a sidecar attached
- three-wheeled vehicles can’t be used during a driver’s examination
- three-wheeled vehicles must be driven in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act and regulations
- three-wheeled vehicles need to be inspected as a passenger vehicle (Type 1) by a qualified technician
- motorcycle and new and used car dealers can sell three-wheeled vehicles