Anti-Theft Immobilizing Systems to Become Mandatory for New Cars

Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre has announced that anti-theft immobilizing systems will be mandatory in all new cars, vans and light trucks, including SUVs. The amendments to the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations will come into effect on September 1, 2007, and apply to vehicles built after that date. “Vehicle theft, and collision-related injuries resulting from thefts, will continue to decrease with the implementation of these regulations,” said Mr. Lapierre. “Making anti-theft immobilizing systems mandatory will help increase road safety for Canadians. “Over the last few years, some vehicle manufacturers have started to install anti-theft immobilization devices on new vehicles. About 80 per cent of all new vehicles on the road in Canada are already equipped with anti-theft immobilization devices. As a result there has been a decrease in the theft of these vehicle models. Theft of vehicles by young offenders in particular is a serious problem that often leads to injuries and fatalities. A study conducted in 2002 by the National Committee to Reduce Auto Theft — an initiative supported by several government departments, including Transport Canada, as well as a wide spectrum of public and private sector agencies — showed that between 1999 and 2001 the theft of vehicles by young offenders led to an average of 27 fatalities and 117 injuries each year. According to Statistics Canada, the rate of motor vehicle theft has more than doubled in the last 20 years. The agency’s data also showed that in 2003, more than 170,000 vehicles were stolen in this country, a large percentage of them being older vehicles that do not have anti-theft devices. While the provincial and territorial governments have jurisdiction for after-market additions to motor vehicles, Transport Canada develops standards and regulations for new vehicles manufactured or imported for use in Canada.