Who is Exempt from the obtaining a Safety Fitness Certificate (SFO)?

In Alberta, there are certain exemptions from obtaining a Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC). The following categories of carriers are generally exempt from the SFC requirement:

1. Provincially Regulated Carriers:

• Carriers that operate exclusively within the boundaries of Alberta and are subject to provincial regulations are typically exempt from the federal SFC requirement.

2. Vehicles Operating Within 160 km Radius:

• Federally registered vehicles with a restricted weight of more than 4,500 kilograms operating within a 160-kilometer radius of the driver's home terminal are exempt.

3. Buses Within 160 km Radius:

• Buses with 11 passengers, including the driver, operating within a 160-kilometer radius of the driver's home terminal are exempt.

4. Oilwell Service Vehicle Cycle Exemption:

• Vehicles operating under an Oilwell Service Vehicle Cycle Exemption permit may be exempt.

5. Farm Vehicles:

• Farm vehicles with three or fewer axles are generally exempt from the federal SFC requirement.

6. Emergency Vehicles:

• Emergency vehicles used for emergency services may be exempt from the SFC requirement.

It's important to note that these exemptions are based on specific criteria, and carriers falling into these categories should verify their eligibility for exemption. Carriers operating outside these exemptions or engaging in interprovincial or international operations are typically required to obtain a Safety Fitness Certificate. Additionally, regulations and exemptions may be subject to change, so carriers are advised to check with the relevant authorities or the Alberta Ministry of Transportation for the most up-to-date information.