Fact Sheet TP 2436E
RS-2008-08
2011
Road Safety and Motor Vehicle
Regulation Directorate
Key Points to consider before using or buying large passenger vans
- Federal and Provincial/Territorial government responsibilities
- Driver and vehicle requirements – All 12 or 15 passenger vans are considered commercial vehicles
- School Transportation – Understanding the jurisdictional restrictions on using large vans to transport school children
- Safety Investigations – Understanding the safety investigations that have been done on large vans
- Seat belts and child restraints – Making sure that everyone in the van is buckled up properly
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – ESC systems can improve handling and help to prevent loss of control. Verify that your van has ESC.
- Tires – Making sure your tires are at the right pressure, have enough tread depth, and that you are using winter tires for the winter season.
- Loading your van – It is important to understand how to load your van properly
- Driving your van - Since these vans are much larger and heavier than cars, be aware that they require more space when changing lanes, have a longer stopping distance and generally handle differently than cars.
What is a 12- or 15-passenger van?
A 12- or 15-passenger van is a vehicle that can transport up to 11 or 14 passengers respectively, not including the driver.
