THUNDER BAY – LOCAL NEWS – Thunder Bay Police Service says two low-speed vehicles (LSVs) were stopped by the Traffic Unit on city roads last weekend. Officers found both vehicles were uninsured and unregistered, and one driver was unlicensed. Charges were laid for failing to register and insure an LSV. No injuries were reported. TBPS is reminding the public that LSVs are not allowed on public roadways or sidewalks in Thunder Bay and are subject to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
LSVs in Ontario: The Rules (and why they don’t apply here)
Ontario regulates LSVs through a pilot program under O. Reg. 215/17 (HTA). To be lawful on public roads, two things must be true:
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The LSV must meet the federal low-speed vehicle standard (CMVSS/TSD 500) and provincial pilot requirements (electric, four-wheeled, max speed 40 km/h, prescribed safety equipment).
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The municipality must pass a by-law allowing LSV operation on local roads (typically those posted at 50 km/h or less).
Thunder Bay has not enacted such a by-law, so LSVs are not legal to operate on city streets or sidewalks. Violations can result in HTA charges, fines, and other sanctions.
Key points from the Ontario pilot (for municipalities that do allow LSVs)
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Roads: Limited to roads with ≤50 km/h speed limits (no controlled-access highways).
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Vehicle: Must be electric; cannot exceed 40 km/h; must carry required equipment (lighting, mirrors, belts, windshield, etc.).
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Driver & docs: A valid Class A, B, C, D, E, F or G licence is required, plus registration and insurance (minimums set by the province).
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Operations: No carrying combustible fuel; additional local conditions may apply.
What is a “low-speed vehicle”? Transport Canada defines LSVs as small, lightweight electric vehicles with top speeds between 32–40 km/h—they are not built to the same crash standards as regular cars.
Anyone with questions about vehicle legality can consult Ontario’s LSV pilot information or contact TBPS. If you own an LSV, do not operate it on Thunder Bay roads.
Incident ID: TB25037846
