**** NS Gov Release
Traffic Safety Act Regulations Released
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Nova Scotians will be safer and have a modern set of rules for provincial roads and highways when the new Traffic Safety Act takes effect on Monday, October 19.
The first set of regulations under the act were released today, October 7. They prioritize protections for vulnerable road users, including extended use of child car seats, a law to address dooring of oncoming traffic, allowances for emergency vehicles and tow trucks, and establishing bike lane rules.
“When we leave our homes, every Nova Scotian expects to return safely at the end of the day,” said Fred Tilley, Minister of Public Works. “The Traffic Safety Act and this set of regulations brings us closer to making that expectation reality. I am grateful for the persistence and dedication of our staff, partners and concerned citizens who have worked with us and will continue to help develop these new rules of the road.”
The new act will allow for easier updates and clarify language. The regulations will also:
- implement distracted driving rules that address current technology
- create a framework for inclusive cyclist rules of the road
- update language and responsibilities for municipal traffic authorities
- create a framework to improve child passenger safety, driver visibility and vehicle condition standards
- allow for clearer rules for emergency vehicles, school buses and emerging vehicle types.
It will replace the Motor Vehicle Act, which has been in place since the early 1900s. The Traffic Safety Act has greater flexibility, enabling government to respond more quickly to modern and evolving transportation needs.
The government has also been working to modernize the systems that support the Registry of Motor Vehicles and improve services for the public. Additional regulations will be developed as consultations continue with law enforcement, municipalities, industry and other partners.
Quotes:
“Nova Scotia is taking a leadership role in Canada by strengthening protections for our youngest passengers. These changes bring the law closer to the evidence and the capabilities of today’s car seats. For many families, this means using the seat they already own for longer to help keep their child safer. Car seats save lives. Clear, age-based requirements help families understand when children need the protection of a rear-facing seat or a car seat with a harness.”
— Katherine Hutka, Health Promotion Specialist, Child Safety Link, IWK Health
“CAA Atlantic welcomes the implementation of the Traffic Safety Act and these new regulations. Modern legislation provides the flexibility to respond to emerging road safety issues and better protect all road users. We are encouraged by the focus on vulnerable road users, including children, cyclists and emergency responders including tow operators, and look forward to continuing to work with government as additional regulations are developed.”
— Dawn Dalley, President and CEO, CAA Atlantic
Quick Facts:
- the Traffic Safety Act was passed unanimously in the fall of 2025
- the last major revision of the Motor Vehicle Act was in 1989, and it has been amended more than 60 times
- the act reflects significant stakeholder engagement with more than 50 groups including cycling groups, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association and Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
Additional Resources:
More information about the Traffic Safety Act and details about the new rules: https://novascotia.ca/tsa
The new regulations are available at: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regsbyact.htm#traffic
News release – New Traffic Safety Act Introduced: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/09/23/new-traffic-safety-act-introduced
Department of Public Works on X: https://x.com/NS_PublicWorks
