Ontario’s intensified truck inspection program has led to major compliance improvements across the province’s highways and border crossings, according to newly released enforcement data. Since January, authorities have conducted over 48,000 inspections under Operation Deterrence, putting the province on pace to exceed 100,000 vehicle checks this year.
The crackdown, implemented in response to U.S. tariff threats, has resulted in significant enforcement actions. Officials have impounded 32 vehicles with serious safety issues and removed license plates from 151 trucks with critical violations.
“The scope, scale and result of MTO’s efforts are impressive,” said Mark Bylsma, Ontario Trucking Association chairman. “This is exactly what we need at this time from MTO.”
Nearly 6.2% of inspections resulted in vehicles being placed out of service, with authorities documenting more than 22,500 non-compliance issues. Officials have identified over 14,000 violations and laid more than 4,200 charges.
The Ontario Trucking Association had encouraged the initiative, requesting increased operating hours at inspection stations and greater enforcement presence along key routes. The association also pushed for joint operations targeting immigration concerns and other cross-border trade abuses.
Bylsma highlighted growing safety concerns that prompted the enforcement surge. “We have seen a deterioration of safety on our provincial highways in recent years,” he noted.
A member survey conducted by the OTA confirmed a noticeable increase in enforcement presence throughout the region. The association believes these efforts will help restore confidence in regulatory oversight.
“Efforts like Operation Deterrence restores confidence in enforcement oversight and sends a signal to everyone that highway safety and secure borders matter,” Bylsma said.
The scaled-up inspections are expected to continue throughout the year as part of Ontario’s commitment to addressing safety concerns in commercial transportation.