Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Question: I am purchasing a set of winter tires and rims for my truck. It comes standard with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). I have read that according to the US DOT it is mandatory in new vehicles since 2007. However Transport Canada's answer seems to be less specific and refers to the individual provinces licensing for "regulations" regarding TPMS.

The article points out that is not mandatory equipment in Canada. My local Ford dealership strongly recommends it, but as a very mechanically inclined person it is hard to justify $400 on sensors that monitor my tire pressure.

My primary concern of course is whether or not a tire pressure monitoring system is considered a critical safety device. It is surely illegal to disable an airbag system or cut out a seatbelt, but will knowingly disabling my TPMS system affect my insurance/violate the MVA?

The Ford dealership said they are strongly against installing tires without TPMS equipment but have stated that they do not believe it is law and simply is a policy for them. They are willing to forgo the sensors if I sign a waiver saying I do not want them installed.

As a college student, $400 is quite a lot of money when already investing $1000 to make my vehicle safer in winter.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Rules in Canada

Along with the fact that TPMS is not mandated by the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement branch of the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit has confirmed that there is nothing in the BC Motor Vehicle Act or its regulations that requires TPMS to be installed.

If a tire pressure monitoring system is installed, the Vehicle inspection Manual asks that an Authorized Inspector advise the owner if the indicator fails to operate or remains illuminated, but this is not a pass/fail criterion for an inspection.

Therefore, while TPMS may provide an additional safety benefit (this is currently being evaluated by Transport Canada), it is not required.

ICBC Insurance

However, ICBC does follow Transport Canada’s recommendation that “tires be inspected and serviced regularly and be inflated to the correct pressure at all times to increase safety”.

Transport Canada also suggests that “For optimal vehicle handling and to prevent tire failure, tire pressure and tire wear should be checked on a monthly basis, even on TPMS-equipped vehicles.”

If you were to disable the TPMS, your Autoplan insurance would still be valid.

Learn More

• Tire Pressure Monitors - Transport Canada

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