Lecture 12: Highway Traffic Act Notes PDF

🛣️ Lecture 12: highway traffic act Highway Traffic Act (HTA) Driver’s License Section 32.(1): No person shall drive a motor vehicle unless they are licensed for that class of vehicle. The Official MTO B...

🛣️ Lecture 12: highway traffic act Highway Traffic Act (HTA) Driver’s License Section 32.(1): No person shall drive a motor vehicle unless they are licensed for that class of vehicle. The Official MTO Bus handbook: important handbook to have when taking your class f licences. Class F License Required for: Regular buses with a maximum capacity of 24 passengers. Ambulances. Definition of Bus (HTA): A motor vehicle designed to carry ten or more passengers and used for transportation. Example: A 15-passenger van is classified as a bus and requires a Class F license. Ambulance and Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Ambulance Defined under the Ambulance Act: (a) An ambulance. Lecture 12: highway traffic act 1  (b) A cardiac arrest emergency vehicle operated by or under hospital authority. Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Vehicles operated by an ambulance service but not classified as ambulances. Assigned an emergency response vehicle number by the Director of the EHS Branch of MOHLTC. Examples include ERU, FRU, and PRU. Emergency Vehicle Definitions Includes: Ambulance, fire department, police department, or public utility emergency vehicles. Ministry vehicles operated by officers under the HTA or Public Vehicles Act. Conservation officer (CO), fishery, provincial park, or mine rescue training officer vehicles when used in the line of duty. Commercial Motor Vehicles Excludes: Definitions, ss. 16-23.1 Vehicles under 4,500 kilograms (except buses). Ambulances, fire apparatus, hearses, casket wagons, mobile cranes, motorhomes, and tow trucks. Emergency Warning Lamps Red and Blue Flashing Lights: Restricted to police vehicles. Lecture 12: highway traffic act 2  Red and blue colours are used to increase contrast, so that drunk drivers and people can differentiate it and be aware. Forward-Flashing Red Lights: Allowed for ambulances, fire, police, public utility emergency vehicles, and school buses. Green Flashing Lights Restricted to: Firefighters proceeding to emergencies. Prescribed volunteer medical responders driving prescribed vehicles. Siren / Horn Only ambulances, fire, police, public utility emergency vehicles, or ministry vehicles can be equipped with sirens. Devices mimicking sirens are prohibited. Hand-Held Devices Prohibition: Using cell phones or wireless devices while driving is prohibited. Exemptions: Ambulance, fire, or police vehicle drivers; calling 911. Inspection Reports Operators of commercial motor vehicles must complete daily vehicle inspection reports (Daily Vehicle/circle checks). Exceeding Posted Speed Limits Allowed for: while on a call 2005, c. 26, sched. A, ss. 17 (6),34 (2) Fire vehicles responding to emergencies. Lecture 12: highway traffic act 3  Police vehicles performing lawful duties. Ambulances transporting patients in emergencies. Stop Signs / Red Lights General Rule: Drivers must stop at marked stop lines, crosswalks, or intersections when faced with stop signs or red lights. Emergency Vehicle Exception: Fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles may proceed after stopping and ensuring safety. Red Light Camera Exception: Emergency vehicles must stop before proceeding through red lights; violations captured on camera are subject to charges unless lights are visibly activated. Yielding to Stopped Emergency Vehicles Drivers must: Slow down and proceed with caution near stopped emergency vehicles with activated lights. Move to another lane if it is safe to do so. Penalties for Non-Compliance: First offence: $400–$2,000 fine, 3 demerit points. Subsequent offence (within 5 years): $1,000–$4,000 fine, potential jail (up to 6 months), and license suspension (up to 2 years). Highway Closures Police officers may close highways or sections by posting signs or traffic control devices. Driving on Closed Highways Lecture 12: highway traffic act 4  Prohibited unless: Performing duties in road service, ambulance, fire department, public utility emergency, or police vehicles. Emergency ‘High Beam’ Lights Alternating high beams are restricted to emergency vehicles only. School Bus Safety Drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights, except on divided highways. Applies to all vehicles, including emergency vehicles. Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) Overview Enacted: Provincial statute established in 1979. Content: Divided into 10 parts, including 32 regulations. Purpose: Protects workers. Establishes the Internal Responsibility System. Outlines legal duties of workplace parties. Specifies penalties for non-compliance. What’s in the Green Book Occupational Health and Safety Act. Regulations for industrial establishments. Critical Injury Regulation (definition). Lecture 12: highway traffic act 5  Indexes: Act index. Industrial regulations index. Regulations affecting or made under the Act. Ministry of Labor Field Offices. Definitions 1. Owner: Includes trustees, receivers, tenants, lessees, occupants, or their agents for workplaces. 2. Employer: Employs one or more workers. Contracts services of one or more workers. 3. Supervisor: Has charge over a workplace. Has authority over workers. Example: City of Toronto lead hands charged as supervisors by MOL. 4. Worker: An individual compensated for work or services. 5. Industrial Establishment: Offices, buildings, shops, and associated structures/lands. 6. Prescribed: Defined by regulations in the Act. Workplace Hazards - Repetitive Strain - Slip, trip, fall - working near motorized vehicles and equipment - using and operating machinery - Noises Lecture 12: highway traffic act 6  - Substance exposure - Workplace violence Toxic Substances Includes: Dirty Dozen. 1. Acrylonitrile 2. Arsenic 3. Asbestos 4. Asbestos (building) 5. Benzene 6. Coke Oven Emission 7. Ethylene Oxide 8. Isocyanates 9. Lead 10. Mercury 11. Silica 12. Vinyl Chloride Designated substances. New chemicals. WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System): Labeling of WHMIS-controlled products. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Worker training (generic and workplace-specific). Right to Refuse/Stop Work Lecture 12: highway traffic act 7  Exclusions and Limitations: When workers may refuse unsafe work. Work Refusal Procedure: Defines "dangerous circumstances." Work Stoppage Procedure: Outlined in the Act. Reprisals Prohibited Employers cannot: Dismiss, discipline, suspend, intimidate, or penalize workers for compliance with the Act or enforcement efforts. Enforcement Powers of MOL Inspectors Enter workplaces unannounced. Conduct tests, take samples, or require employers to do so. Question workplace individuals. Prohibit equipment use, issue orders, and seize records. Orders: Stop work. Forthwith (immediate compliance). Time-compliant orders. Issue tickets under the Provincial Offences Act. Penalties Charges can be laid up to one year after a violation. Guilty individuals face: $25,000 fine, one-year jail term, or both. No Helmet = $195 Lecture 12: highway traffic act 8  No protective eye wear = 195 No ‘Ji viz’/ jacket on roadway = 295 No N95 = 195 No safety foot wear =195 Add a 30% victims’ services charge Critical Injury Defined as serious injuries that: Place life in jeopardy. Cause unconsciousness or significant blood loss. Fracture legs/arms (not fingers/toes). Amputate major body parts (excluding fingers/toes). Cause severe burns or eye injuries. Worker Duties Required: Comply with the Act and regulations. Use protective devices, clothing, or equipment as required. Report missing/defective equipment or violations to employers/supervisors. Prohibited: Tampering with protective devices. Pranks, contests, or dangerous conduct. Unsafe equipment use or practices. Worker Rights Lecture 12: highway traffic act 9  Right to Know: About hazards and regulations. Right to Participate: In workplace safety discussions. Right to Refuse Unsafe Work: Exceptions exist where danger is inherent or refusal endangers others. Dealing with Hazards 1. Remove hazards. 2. Control hazards. 3. Establish safe procedures. 4. Use personal protective equipment (PPE). Signal Person Required when vehicle operators lack full visibility. Signal person must: Be competent. Stay in full view of the operator and intended travel path. Remain clear of vehicle travel path. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Workers must be trained in the care and use of PPE. Requirements: Head Protection: For head injury risks. Eye Protection: For potential eye injuries. Foot Protection: For foot injury risks. High Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA) Lecture 12: highway traffic act 10  Required for: Workers near moving vehicles. Paramedics: Must wear HVSA during active roadway calls. Features: 360-degree visibility. Retro-reflective bands on arms, legs, and torso. X-pattern stripes on back. Class 3 HVSA for maximum visibility. Introduction The HTA establishes rules for vehicle operation, traffic control, safety measures, licensing, and enforcement on Ontario’s roadways. It aims to ensure public safety, regulate transportation, and support efficient traffic management. Part I - Administration 1. Powers and Duties of Ministry: The Ministry of Transportation is tasked with implementing and enforcing the Act, including issuing permits, licenses, and regulations. 2. Registrar of Motor Vehicles: Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, the Registrar oversees vehicle and driver licensing, ensures compliance, and manages vehicle records. 3. Electronic Operations: The Act allows tasks (e.g., license issuance or fee payments) to be performed electronically, simplifying administration. 4. Fees and Penalties: Fees for services like license issuance or renewal are prescribed by regulation. Lecture 12: highway traffic act 11  Dishonored payments incur penalties and interest, potentially affecting licenses or permits. 5. Permit or License Cancellation: False or incorrect information provided on permits or licenses can result in immediate cancellation, with a 60-day correction period in some cases. 6. Protection from Liability: Officials executing their duties in good faith under the HTA are protected from personal liability, although the Crown remains liable for torts. Part II - Permits 1. Permit Requirements: All vehicles operating on public highways must have valid permits and number plates. Permits for trailers are also required. 2. Historic Vehicles: Vehicles over 30 years old, unmodified from the manufacturer’s original design, qualify as historic and may receive special permits. 3. Permit Carrying: Drivers must carry their vehicle's permit (or a copy) and produce it upon request by a police officer. 4. Fees and IRP (International Registration Plan): Commercial vehicles under international agreements must adhere to special permit requirements. Part III - Parking Permits 1. Accessible Parking Permits: Issued to persons with disabilities for parking in designated spaces. Misuse is subject to inspection and penalties. Lecture 12: highway traffic act 12  2. Inspection and Compliance: Police or officials may inspect accessible parking permits for validity. Part IV - Licenses 1. Driver’s License as a Privilege: Driving is a regulated privilege, not a right, contingent upon compliance with laws and license conditions. 2. Minimum Age: Specific age requirements apply to motor vehicles (16 years) and motor- assisted bicycles (14 years). 3. Suspensions and Ignition Interlock: License suspensions occur for offenses like impaired driving or accruing demerit points. Convicted drunk drivers may require ignition interlock devices to prevent operation under the influence. 4. Demerit Point System: Points are added for violations (e.g., speeding), and excessive accumulation can lead to suspension or mandatory re-education programs. Part V - Garage and Storage Licenses 1. Garage Licensing: Businesses dealing in vehicle repair, sale, or storage must hold licenses and comply with regulations. 2. Second-Hand Vehicles: Stringent rules govern the resale of second-hand vehicles to prevent fraud and ensure safety. Part VI - Equipment Lecture 12: highway traffic act 13  1. Mandatory Equipment: Vehicles must have essential safety equipment, including brakes, lights, mirrors, and speedometers. 2. Prohibited Devices: Banned equipment includes radar detectors and screens visible to drivers while operating a vehicle. 3. Inspection and Safety Standards: Vehicles failing safety inspections or found unsafe can be removed from operation. 4. Helmets and Safety Belts: Helmets are mandatory for motorcycles and bicycles. Seat belts must be used in vehicles where provided. Part VII - Load and Dimensions 1. Weight and Dimension Limits: Maximum allowable vehicle weights and dimensions are prescribed to prevent infrastructure damage and maintain safety. 2. Special Permits for Oversized Loads: Oversized or overweight vehicles require special permits for road use. Part VIII - Weight 1. Weight Restrictions: Weight per axle and total gross vehicle weight are regulated. Overloading incurs significant penalties. 2. Seasonal Weight Adjustments: Restrictions may tighten during specific seasons to protect roads from damage (e.g., during freeze-thaw cycles). Part IX - Rate of Speed Lecture 12: highway traffic act 14  1. Speed Limits: Speed limits vary by highway type and zone (e.g., 50 km/h in urban areas unless otherwise posted). 2. Careless and Reckless Driving: Driving in a manner that endangers others, including speeding or stunts, attracts severe penalties, including fines and suspensions. Part X - Rules of the Road 1. Right of Way: Rules determine priority at intersections, pedestrian crosswalks, and when merging. 2. Lane Usage: Vehicles must keep to appropriate lanes, especially slower vehicles staying to the right. 3. Special Zones: School zones, construction areas, and pedestrian crosswalks demand reduced speeds and heightened caution. 4. Prohibited Behaviors: Includes stunt driving, racing, or using handheld devices while driving. Part XI - Civil Proceedings 1. Liability in Accidents: Drivers and vehicle owners may be held civilly liable for accidents caused due to negligence. Part XII - Municipal By-Laws 1. Local Authority: Municipalities can enact additional traffic rules, such as parking restrictions, under the HTA. Lecture 12: highway traffic act 15  Part XIII - Suspension for Non-Payment 1. Unpaid Judgments and Family Support: License suspension can result from unpaid fines or child support. Part XIV - Records and Reporting 1. Accident Reporting: Drivers must report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. 2. Medical Reporting: Healthcare professionals must report conditions affecting a driver’s fitness to drive. Part XV - Procedures, Arrests, and Penalties 1. Police Powers: Police may stop vehicles, conduct inspections, and make arrests for HTA violations. 2. Fines and Penalties: Penalties range from minor fines to imprisonment, depending on the offense. Lecture 12: highway traffic act 16