Nova Scotia

Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
Department of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
Mail Room, 8 South, Maritime Centre
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3K5
(902) 424-5851 | www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/access/drivers.asp

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
“H” Division
1975 Gottingen Street
Halifax, NS B3J 2H1
(902) 244-7208 | www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ns

(see Vehicle Registration)

(see Vehicle Registration)

(see Vehicle Registration)

Unless an exemption is granted by law, every motor vehicle in Nova Scotia must be registered with the Department.

This approval sticker will be valid for 12 months from the date that it was issued. In subsequent years the vehicle must be inspected by the date shown on the approval sticker.

The application for a certificate of registration must be on a form prescribed by the Department. This form must contain the following information: the name and make of the vehicle; the vehicle’s serial number; any distinguishing marks on the vehicle; whether it is new or used; and any other information the Department requires.

When a vehicle is registered, the Department will issue the owner a permit which will include the vehicle registration number, the name and address of the owner, a description of the registered vehicle, and anything else the Department determines is necessary.

There is no period of grace for late registration.

A passenger motor vehicle owned by a non-resident who does not carry on business in Nova Scotia is exempt from registration for 90 days from the date that the vehicle was first operated in Nova Scotia. Only one 90-day exemption period is allowed in any registration year.

A passenger motor vehicle registered in the province of New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island is exempt from registration as long as the registered owner does not live in Nova Scotia.

A single trip permit can be bought for a single 30-day entrance into Nova Scotia.

A non-resident who becomes a resident and who is the owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer must register his or her vehicle within 30 days of becoming a resident.

Military personnel on active duty in the province receive a 90-day extension of time for obtaining a vehicle registration.

Registration is for a 24-month time period from the date that the vehicle was registered.

Registration renewal is based on a staggered system.

No province-wide emissions inspection requirements.

All motor vehicles must have a vehicle inspection from an approved vehicle inspection station.

When a vehicle passes an inspection, it will be issued an approval sticker, which must then be placed on the vehicle’s windshield.

When a vehicle fails an inspection, the necessary repairs must be made to the vehicle and the vehicle must be returned to an official testing station within 10 days from the date on which it was rejected.

A vehicle purchased outside of the province that is required to be registered in the province must be immediately inspected at an official testing station in the province.

Handicapped identification plates are issued upon application to the RMV.

The examination must include a test of the person’s eyesight; a test of ability to read and understand highway traffic signs; knowledge of highway traffic laws; and a test of the person’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle.

The Department may at its discretion issue a driver’s license without an examination to any applicant who is of sufficient age to receive the license applied for and who at the time of the application has a valid unrevoked license similar to the kind issued by another province or state that requires the licensing and examination of drivers.

When a vehicle is registered, the Department must assign the vehicle 2 number license plates, with the same numbers. Two plates will be issued to a camper, farm truck, commercial fisherman, truck, service truck, self-powered miscellaneous equipment, a vehicle to bear firefighter plates, personalized plates, and antique plates. All other motor vehicles will be issued 1 number license plate.

When a vehicle is sold or transferred, the seller must remove the vehicle license plates. The plates may be put on a new vehicle; however, if not placed on a new vehicle, they must be returned to the Department.

The registrar may not issue a license of any class unless the person passes an examination as required by the Department.

Learner’s permit holders and newly licensed drivers must maintain a zero blood alcohol level.

The Department will not issue a license to a person under the age of 18 unless his application is signed by a parent or custodial guardian of the applicant; the employer of the applicant if his or her mother and father are dead and he or she has no guardian; or the spouse of an applicant if the spouse is 18 years or older.

Nova Scotia has a system of graduated licensing for newly licensed drivers.

A person must be 16 to obtain a learner’s permit. This permit must be held for 12 months unless a driver education course is taken; then it must only be held for 9 months.

Learner’s permit holders are not permitted to have passengers, except an experienced driver who holds at least a Class 5 license. Suspensions will delay graduation to the newly licensed driver stage by the minimum time requirement.

Once a road test has been successfully completed, the learner enters the newly licensed stage for a minimum of 2 years.

Conditions of the newly licensed stage are no more than 1 front-seat passenger unless accompanied by an experienced driver, no upgrade beyond a Class 5 driver’s license, and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by an experienced driver.

A newly licensed driver may apply for an exemption from the nighttime driving curfew for employment purposes. The driver must take the most direct route to and from work, and is not permitted to have any passengers in the vehicle.

To graduate from the newly licensed stage, the driver must successfully complete a 6-hour defensive driving course, or complete the full driver training course which consists of 25 hours of theory and 8 hours of driving time. A copy of the applicant’s graduation certificate must be provided, in person or by mail, to any Registrar of Motor Vehicles office for recording purposes. An unrestricted license can be obtained at 18 years and 3 months.

A non-resident who is 16 years of age or older and has in his or her immediate possession a valid driver’s license issued by his or her home province or country, is permitted, without taking an exam, to drive a motor vehicle of a type or a class authorized by such a license for a period of 90 days from the date the non-resident first entered the province.

License includes a photograph, but not a social security or social insurance number.

A driver’s license must be renewed every 5 years.

Class 1 permits the operation of semitrailer and tractor-trailer combinations and all type of vehicles in Classes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8.

Class 2 permits the operation of buses having a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers, and all types of vehicles in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 8. Class 2 permit holders may not drive Class 1 vehicles (except as a learner).

Class 3 permits the operation of any single vehicle in excess of 14,000 kg and any combination of vehicles other than semitrailer or tractor-trailer combinations in excess of 14,000 kg Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) where the towed vehicle in that combination does not exceed a GVW of 4,500 kg, and vehicles in Classes 4, 5, and 8. Class 3 permit holders may not drive Class 1 or 2 vehicles (except as a learner), or public passenger vehicles (unless 19 years of age or older).

Class 4 permits the operation of buses under 24 passengers, taxis, ambulances, and all types of vehicles in Classes 5 and 8. Class 4 permit holders may not drive Class 1, 2, or 3 vehicles (except as a learner), or public passenger vehicles (unless 19 years of age or older).

Class 5 permits the operation of any single vehicle not in excess of 14,000 kg GVW, any combination of vehicles other than semitrailer or tractor-trailer combinations not exceeding 14,000 kg and the towed vehicle in that combination not exceeding a GVW of 4,500 kg, and Class 8 vehicles. Class 5 does not permit the operation of Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 vehicles (except as a learner).

Class 6 permits the operation of motorcycle and motor-driven cycles and Class 8 vehicles. Class 6 operators may be restricted to the operation of motor-driven cycles (mopeds) and motorcycles 100 cc and under.

Class 7 is a learner’s license which is valid only while holder is accompanied by a licensed driver in the class of vehicle being operated except Class 6 or 8. Class 7 does not permit the operation of Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 vehicles (except as a learner).

Class 8 permits the operation of farm tractors. It does not permit the operation of any other class of vehicle except as a learner at age 16.

The following endorsements may be added to a driver’s license to allow the driver to operate additional vehicles or combinations of vehicles when the respective minimum requirements have been met: valid for any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle; valid for a school bus; valid for any motorcycle and any school bus; valid only for a motorcycle with engine size of 100 cc or less or motor-driven cycle; valid for school bus and motorcycle with engine size of 100 cc or less or motor-driven cycle; valid for a vehicle equipped with air brakes.

It is illegal to use a handheld cellular phone or engage in text messaging while operating a vehicle on a highway.

Citizen band radio channel 9 is not monitored for emergency calls.

No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

Drivers passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights must decrease speed to the speed limit or 60 kph, whichever is less, and must vacate the lane closet to the stopped vehicle, if safe to do so.

All occupants must wear a seat belt or an age-appropriate child restraint seat.

Except for employees engaged in the necessary discharge of a duty passengers are not permitted to be transported in space intended for merchandise unless the trucks have secure seating accommodation and all such persons are seated while being so transported.

Children under 1 year of age and under 10 kg. (22 lbs.) must be in a rear-facing child safety seat. Children under 18 kg. (40 lbs.) must be in a child restraint system. Children over 40 lbs. but less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) or under 9 years old may be placed in a booster seat. Safety belts may be used at age 9 or above 145 cm.

A vehicle registered in a jurisdiction which does not require the use of a child restraint system for a toddler must secure the toddler in a lap belt, at a minimum if a lap belt is available to that child.

Whenever a person driving approaches a railway crossing that gives a clearly visible signal warning of an oncoming train, the driver must stop before crossing the railroad tracks.

A driver must not enter a highway or railway crossing unless there is enough space on the other side to accommodate the vehicle without obstructing the oncoming railroad trains.

The driver of a vehicle must stop the vehicle before passing a school bus that is exhibiting flashing red lights and is stopped on or near a highway. This vehicle must remain stopped until the school bus proceeds.

When a school bus is equipped with and exhibits flashing amber lights, the driver of a motor vehicle that intends to pass the school bus must proceed with caution.

All passenger cars and station wagons must be equipped with a front and rear horizontal bumper of the same type and design as originally equipped.

The top of the bumper measured from the ground must be at least 14 inches high. The bottom of the bumper measured from the ground must be no more than 22 inches high.

Headlights are required to be used at all times.

Hazard light use is permitted.

Tire chains are permissible upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid.

Studded tires are permitted Oct. 15 – April 30.

Windshield tinting is allowed as long as the windshield was tinted during the manufacture of the glass, and not applied afterward.

A windshield may be equipped with clear un-tinted frost shields.

A windshield must not be tinted in a way that prevents the safe operation of the vehicle.

No province-wide telematics restriction.

Radar detectors are prohibited.

The inspection sticker must be placed on the lower left-hand interior of the windshield.

N/A.

Every motorcycle must be equipped with securely fastened handlebars, which are not more than 12 inches in height measured vertically from where the handlebars are attached to the frame.

The frame or forks must not be altered in any way that will prevent the safe operation of the motorcycle.

Every motorcycle must be equipped with footrests for the driver and footrests for any passengers. These footrests must be properly positioned.

The motorcycle must have a chain or a drive-shaft guard, or the motorcycle must be constructed to protect the operator and any passengers from the chain or driveshaftguard.

All operators and passengers on motorcycles must wear safety helmets conforming to a safety standard.

Every motorcycle must be equipped with at least 1 and not more than 2 properly mounted white headlamps.

Anyone who resides in Nova Scotia and wants to operate a motorcycle must obtain a separate motorcycle driver’s license, or an endorsement to his or her regular license.

A person that wants to obtain a separate motorcycle driver’s license must go through Nova Scotia’s graduated license program: a learner motorcycle driver’s license, a newly licensed motorcycle driver’s license, and an unrestricted motorcycle driver’s license. To obtain a learner’s license, the applicant must pass a vision test and a knowledge test (this test has a special section on motorcycles). To obtain a newly licensed license, the applicant must have a learner motorcycle license, and pass an advanced skills test. This test may be taken after 6 months, or after 3 months if the driver has passed an approved motorcycle driver training course. To obtain an unrestricted motorcycle driver’s license, the applicant must have a newly licensed motorcycle driver’s license, complete a waiting period of at least 2 years, and pass an approved motorcycle driver improvement program.

To obtain a regular motorcycle endorsement, the applicant must: (1) apply for and receive a learner’s motorcycle license; (2) wait for a period of 3 months (which may be reduced to 1 month if the applicant passes an approved motorcycle training course); and (3) pass an advanced skills test. If the applicant passes an approved motorcycle training course, he or she will not have to take the road test.

A person may not start, drive, turn, or stop any motor vehicle in a manner which causes any loud and unnecessary noise from the engine, exhaust, or braking system or from the contact of tires with the roadway.

Mopeds do not require license plate lighting.

Trailer length: 12.5 meters; total length: 23 meters; width: 2.6 meters; height: 4.15 meters.

All trailers and semitrailers with a gross weight of load and vehicle of more than 4,000 lbs. must have properly functioning brakes controlled by the operator of the motor vehicle.

Ball hitch mounted on bumper, on 1/2 ton, and 1-ton units is permitted. The drawbar shall not exceed 4.6 meters in length from 1 vehicle to the other vehicle. Safety chains are required.

Every semitrailer or trailer must be equipped with rear lamps that shine a red light for a distance of 150 meters to the rear of the vehicle. A white light for a distance of 15 meters must illuminate the license plate.

If the rearview mirror in a vehicle is obstructed or interfered with by a trailer or semitrailer attached to the motor vehicle, a rearview mirror must be attached to each side of the motor vehicle and placed so that the driver has a clear rear view for 60 meters on each side.

80 km/h or as posted.

The attachment of a towing structure to a vehicle or trailer must be reinforced or braced to prevent distortion of the frame or point of attachment of the vehicle or trailer and have a strength equal to or greater than that of the trailer hitch.

A passenger cannot ride in a travel trailer or a mobile home while it is being towed on the highway.

Towing vehicle may not follow other vehicles closer than 60 meters. Riding in a towed trailer is prohibited.

Maximum of 2 boats or general utility trailers may be towed behind passenger or pleasure vehicles. Total length of all combined not to exceed 23 meters (75 feet).

Crashes resulting in property damage in excess of C$1,000 must be reported within 1 day.

Contact your local AAA club about AAA Guaranteed Arrest Bond validity in Canada.

Every operator of a motor vehicle must have insurance coverage in the amount of C$200,000 dollars in respect to 1 accident.

Province has non-resident service of process law; does not have guest suit law.

All vehicles over 3,000 kg (6,613 pounds) registered weight must stop.

Bicycle helmets are required for all riders.

U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. from Canada by land or sea are required to present proper travel documents according to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Proof of citizenship is required for travel to Canada by land or sea. A U.S. passport is required for travel by air to Canada and to the U.S. Permanent U.S. residents who are not citizens should carry their Alien Registration Receipt Card.

All children must have their own travel documents. In lieu of a U.S. passport or passport card, U.S. children under 16 traveling to and from Canada by land or sea may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. If the parents are separated or divorced, the parent crossing the border should have proof of custody or a letter from the other parent. Persons under 18 years of age who are not accompanied by a parent should bring a letter from their parent or guardian giving them permission to cross the border.

A visitor is permitted to bring a reasonable amount of personal effects, a reasonable supply of food, and a full tank of gas. “Reasonable” means enough for personal use during the length of stay in Canada. Any unreasonable amounts are subject to duty.

A visitor must have a rabies vaccination certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian to bring dogs or cats into Canada.

The illegal per se BAC in Nova Scotia is .08. A newly licensed driver may operate a vehicle only if he or she has a zero blood alcohol level. The legal drinking age is 19.