New Ontario Bill Seeks to Curb Performance Parts Use

A new Ontario road safety bill could have far reaching effects for the performance parts industry if it passes into law.
The new Progressive Conservative road safety bill introduced by Transportation Minister Norm Sterling cuts a wide swath through a number of safety-related issues. It would make child booster seats mandatory, reserve left-hand lanes on major highways for passing, .allow police to impound the vehicles of street racers, double speeding fines in construction zones and regulate how dark a vehicle window can be tinted.
But the bill also seeks to outlaw nitrous oxide and other engine performance enhancing products–not specified–due to their use by street racers. It is this point which is of greatest concern to the industry.
The proposed Road Safety Act was introduced on the last day of the fall legislative session and will likely not be passed until spring at the earliest. It should be noted that a provincial election is also expected for next spring so it is not a sure thing that the bill will be voted on or passed.
“This is the kind of bill where you need discussion — public discussion, about it,” Sterling said.
“It was only at this time that we got it together and got it through the cabinet process, so I thought it was better to introduce it at this stage than leave it for the spring session.” Sterling said the bill will be at the front of the line in the next legislative session.
Read the official ministry press release at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/news/provincial/2002/121202.htm