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Nova Scotia says new road rules will better protect pedestrians, cyclists and others

  • Devin Stevens

    Devin Stevens

  • Canadian Press

  • October 7, 2026

A cyclist and e-scooter user are seen in a Halifax bike lane on Wednesday Oct. 7, 2026. The Nova Scotia government says its new Traffic Safety Act aims to protect vulnerable road users. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Devin Stevens

HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia is replacing its century-old traffic legislation with new rules that it says will better protect vulnerable road users.

The new Traffic Safety Act will soon replace the Motor Vehicle Act, which was first introduced in the 1920s.

Public Works Minister Fred Tilley announced new regulations in Halifax on Wednesday.

They include new distracted driving offences and increased fines for harming vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and emergency crews.

They require e-bike riders to be 14 or older and give municipalities the ability to lower speed limits below 50 kilometres per hour.

The changes go into effect Oct. 19.

"I'm really happy about the addition of the vulnerable road users to this act," Tilley told reporters Wednesday. "That will make a huge difference for Nova Scotians and the safety of our highways and roadways."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2026.