Streamlining Vehicle Classifications
The public service vehicle (PSV) registration classification will be eliminated, with PSV trucks transitioning into the commercial truck (CT) classification. This will simplify the vehicle registration process for owners of commercial vehicles. Businesses that have trucks used for multiple purposes no longer need to switch between PSV and CT licence plates and registrations.
Customers with vehicles previously registered PSV can continue to use their PSV plate.
Public service vehicle buses will be re-registered in the regulated vehicle classification. With the elimination of the Motor Transport Board, Manitoba’s commercial bus industry is no longer economically regulated, and the distinction in registration between PSV and other regulated buses is no longer required.
Vehicle Definitions
Amendments to The Highway Traffic Act created new and updated definitions of ‘agricultural equipment’ and ‘infrastructure equipment’ to replace previous definitions of ‘implement of husbandry’ and ‘special mobile machine’ respectively.
Agricultural equipment means a vehicle designed and used primarily in agricultural, horticultural or livestock operations, but excludes:
- any vehicle designed primarily for transporting passengers, cargo or vehicles, other than agricultural equipment on a highway
- a garden tractor, lawnmower or lawn tractor
More about garden tractors, lawnmowers and lawn tractors (PDF)
Infrastructure equipment means a vehicle that is:
- designed and used primarily for the purpose of constructing or repairing a highway, building or structure and operated on a highway only incidentally
- operated on a highway for the purpose of grading, scraping, sweeping, cleaning, snow-clearing or otherwise maintaining the surface of a highway
It excludes any vehicle designed primarily for the transport of passengers or cargo on a highway.
The tractor registration classification was repealed from The Highway Traffic Act. A ‘farm tractor’ is now considered ‘agricultural equipment’, which does not require registration or plating, resulting in no operational changes for farmers.
Non-farm tractors are allowed for incidental use on highways if the tractor meets the definition of ‘infrastructure equipment’. If the tractor and how it is being used does not meet the definition of ‘infrastructure equipment’, it will not be permitted to be driven on highways and must be trailered.
Lawn mowers, fork-lifts and other equipment will no longer be permitted to be driven on roadways and must be trailered, unless the equipment meets the definition of ‘infrastructure equipment’. This change was needed to ensure vehicles on roadways have the required equipment for safe operation.
If you have questions or need more information, contact:
Manitoba Infrastructure
csi@gov.mb.ca
