Go with Natural Gas

Codes and Regulations

  • Codes, Standards and Regulations
  • On Road Original Equipment Manufactured Vehicles
  • On Road Aftermarket Converted Vehicles
  • Natural Gas Refueling and Maintenance Facilities
  • Vehicle Codes, Standards and Regulations

Codes, Standards and Regulations

The use of natural gas as a vehicle fuel is subject to a number of federal and provincial safety codes, standards and regulations. Many of the codes, standards and regulations that apply are identical to those covering all other vehicles in Canada. However, there are a few key differences that result from the use of this fuel. Some requirements are related to the vehicles while others apply to refueling and maintenance facilities.

In Canada, all vehicle safety requirements are under the jurisdiction of Transport Canada, with some on road transportation safety requirements established by provinces.  Emissions regulations are under the jurisdiction of Environment and Climate Change Canada. Requirements for refueling and maintenance facilities are subject to provincial rules, with some important variations across provinces.

On Road Original Equipment Manufactured Vehicles

There are no specific regulations for new vehicles sold through original equipment manufacturers (OEM) dealer networks. Specific configurations may be subject to provincial rules, but in general these are not directly related to on board natural gas systems.

The following guides have been prepared to assist OEM dealers in understanding natural gas vehicle safety compliance.

OEM Dealer Resource Guide

Vehicle upfitters need to be aware of the requirement to meet National Safety Mark under provisions of Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Technical Guideline for National Safety Mark (NSM) Compliance

On Road Aftermarket Converted Vehicles

Aftermarket converted vehicles are subject to provincial rules. If considering an aftermarket conversion, it is important to understand what provincial rules apply. As natural gas is stored at pressure, requirement for fueling systems and components installed in an aftermarket conversion must meet provincial Canadian Registration Number (CRN) requirements.

Natural Gas Refueling and Maintenance Facilities

The codes and standards for compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles and stations can vary by province. The CSA Group is leading in the development of codes and standards for both CNG and LNG applications.  Most provincial requirements will reference CSA Group codes in their regulatory and safety requirements. These standards are updated periodically.

Vehicle Codes, Standards and Regulations

Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Act does not apply to marine, rail or off road vehicles.  These are subject to different federal safety standards.  In the case of marine, these are generally covered by international industry norms, while specific issues related to local navigation and safety apply to vessels while transiting through Canada. The rail industry is similar to the on road sector in that safety standards are North American in character, but that also reflect industry norms. Off-road vehicles can be subject to a variety of different provincial and local safety requirements. However, what is different in natural gas vehicles is limited to part of the engine and the natural gas fueling system.

To better understand the specific path to a compliant refueling or repair facility, the following guides and documents have been prepared:

Technical Guideline for Gas-Safe Facilities