The federal government has proposed updates to Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR) to improve vehicle security and public safety.
Announced on Dec. 27, 2025, the amendments are open for an 80-day public consultation and would replace outdated vehicle immobilization standards with the modern CAN/ULC 338-25 Standard, aligned with international best practices.
A key feature of the proposed changes is the introduction of a new category, “electronic attack tools,” which allows manufacturers to test immobilization systems against advanced theft methods. These include on-board diagnostics key programming devices, vehicle key emulators, and key signal relay equipment, all of which have been increasingly used by organized crime to steal vehicles.
The Équité Association, which represents investigative and insurance security professionals in Canada, welcomed the proposed updates. Bryan Gast, national vice-president of Investigative Services at Équité, said the amendments are a critical step in ensuring vehicle standards keep pace with technology and criminal methods.
Gast noted that auto theft is often linked to broader criminal activity, including gun and drug trafficking, and that stronger vehicle standards help disrupt these operations.
The proposed amendments are intended to ensure that vehicles manufactured or sold in Canada are better protected against modern theft techniques, including relay attacks, CAN bus exploits, and key reprogramming. The updated standards also reflect international best practices, providing manufacturers with clear requirements for designing vehicles resilient to evolving threats.
Gast highlighted the contribution of the ULC Standards Technical Committee on Vehicle Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems, whose expertise informed the updated standards. He emphasized that the collective knowledge of the committee was essential to crafting regulations that not only protect consumers but also support law enforcement in targeting organized crime networks that rely on vehicle theft as a funding source.
Équité stated that the proposed amendments are part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and reduce vehicle theft in Canada. The association stressed that keeping regulatory standards current is vital for safeguarding both Canadians and the insurance system, as stolen vehicles can contribute to higher claims costs and broader financial losses for insurers.
The consultation period will allow industry stakeholders, vehicle manufacturers, and the public to provide input before the MVSR updates are finalized. Équité Association said it fully supports the amendments and encourages participation, noting that the strengthened regulations are an essential move toward a more secure and resilient Canadian automotive landscape.
