National Safety Code (NSC) and Certificate of Safety Fitness
What is the National Safety Code (NSC)?
The NSC is a code of minimum performance standards for the safe operation of commercial vehicles, agreed to by all jurisdictions in Canada.
The NSC applies to all people responsible for the operation of commercial vehicles on the road (these vehicles include trucks, buses, power units and trailers).
Definition of Registered Gross Vehicle Weight
The NSC safety standards apply to:
- All vehicles registered in Class A, C or D with a registered gross vehicle weight of 5,000 kg or more
- All commercial or business use vehicles registered in Class LV with a registered gross vehicle weight of 5,000 kg or more
- All personal use vehicles registered in Class LV with a registered GVW of 5,000 kg or more that leave the province for any reason
- All vehicles registered in Class PS or PB with a seating capacity of more than 10 persons including the driver
- All vehicles registered in Class F with a registered gross vehicle weight of 5,000 kg or more if travelling to other jurisdictions
Note: In Saskatchewan, some exemptions apply.
What is a Certificate of Safety Fitness?
A Certificate of Safety Fitness contains the NSC number, which is the unique identifier for each commercial operator. As well, each Certificate of Safety Fitness has one of the following safety ratings:
- Satisfactory - Unaudited
- Satisfactory - Audited
- Conditional
- Unsatisfactory
The certificate is required to licence the following commercial vehicles in Saskatchewan:
- Class A, C, D, or LV (if commercial or business use) with a GVW over 11,000 kg if travelling in Saskatchewan only (intra-provincial)
- Class A, C, D, F, or LV (if commercial or business use) with a registered GVW of 5,000 kg or more if travelling to other jurisdictions (extra-provincial)
- All personal use vehicles registered in Class LV with a registered GVW of 5,000 kg or more that leave the province for any reason
- Class PS and PB with a seating capacity of more than 10 persons including the driver
Note: A photocopy of your Certificate of Safety Fitness must be placed in all commercial vehicles registered to the company. The original certificate should be kept in the office.
Application for a Certificate of Safety Fitness
Operating within Saskatchewan ONLY
If operating commercially within Saskatchewan only (intra-provincial) or travelling outside Saskatchewan on a permit, first-time registrants in the above classes can obtain a Certificate of Safety Fitness from a motor licence issuer for $50.
Operating Outside Saskatchewan
An LV personal use vehicle, leaving the province for any reason, with a GVW of 4,500 kg or more, requires a Certificate of Safety Fitness which can be obtained from any motor licence issuer for $50. Place a photocopy of the original certificate in all your vehicles and keep the original in a safe place.
If prorating for travel outside Saskatchewan, first-time registrants in Class A can obtain a Certificate of Safety Fitness from Branch and IRP Issuing Services at 751-1251. All commercial operators prorating for travel outside Saskatchewan are required to fill out an application before a certificate is issued or vehicles are registered.
To obtain a Certificate of Safety Fitness the operator must:
- Have a principal place of business in Saskatchewan
- Register a commercial vehicle as described above
- Provide proof of the required liability and cargo insurance
- Provide all background information relating to the applicant's previous commercial operations.
The NSC Number contained on the Certificate of Safety Fitness must be provided to the motor licence issuer or Branch and IRP Issuing Services any time a new or additional commercial vehicle is registered by the certificate holder.
For more information on the National Safety Code (NSC) and the Certificate of Safety Fitness call 775-6667 or email CarrierSafetyPrograms@sgi.sk.ca
National Safety Code Standards
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