ST. CATHARINES, Ont. U.S. motorcoach operators are being urged to register with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation before sending buses into Ontario.

In January of last year, Ontario changed its law regarding what is called "commercial vehicle operator registration" as it pertains to U.S. carriers.

The rules change meant that U.S.-based motorcoach operators that were previously exempt from obtaining a CVOR certificate were now required to register.

Shortly after the rule went into effect Ontario law enforcement officiers began demanding proof of CVOR registration when they stopped U.S. operators during roadside inspections.

Since U.S. operators had little way of knowing about the requirement, they were caught off guard.

Faster than a speeding bullet, Motor Coach Canada sprung into action, requesting that, in view of the circumstances, the Ontario government stop issuing tickets to U.S. bus companies for failing to have the CVOR registration.

The Ontario government agreed, and issued a directive to carrier enforcement officers in July of last year to cease charging U.S.-based (and plated) passenger carriers on an interim basis

This temporary "hiatus" has continued but it may not last forever, so Motor Coach Canada and the Ontario government are urging U.S. operators to register if they travel to or through Ontario.

Under the current policy, CVOR applications are being mailed to U.S. carriers after they are stopped for a roadside inspection in Ontario and the enforcement officers determines the U.S. bus operator is not a CVOR registrant.

"Our advice to U.S. passenger carriers that travel into (or may travel into) Ontario is to not wait for an application to arrive by mail, but rather apply now," said David Carroll, director of safety and maintenance of Motor Coach Canada. Carroll said the association bases its advice on the fact that:

CVOR registration is free of charge

The application process is fairly simple and straight-forward

As a CVOR registrant, a carriers safety performance in Ontario is evaluated based on miles reported traveled in Ontario (actual exposure vs. an arbitrary number assigned by government)

Saves drivers time and hassles at roadside inspections when drivers can simply show a copy of the CVOR Certificate

To register, print off the application form and guide available on the web site: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/guideline/appendixm.htm. The form contains the address to where it is to be sent.

The CVOR is not a vehicle licensing system, rather its a system for the government to monitor carrier performance. And while you do not need to be a microbiologist to complete the CVOR form, it is long, so pack a lunch.