I hope everyone is having a safe winter and work is going well. This month I want to drill down a bit on two separate topics, but both are new for the industry and I just wanted to provide some additional clarity about Blue Lamps and Accident Reporting.
Bill 38 and Blue Lamps: What Snow‑Clearing Operators Need to Know
With the forecast released this week, we are apparently still in the thick of winter and there is still a lot of snow clearing to be done. While last month I talked about Bill 38 – The Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Snow Clearing and Winter Maintenance), this month I want to clarify how blue warning lamps must be used on snow‑clearing equipment. These lights aren’t just for show. They’re a safety tool, and Bill 38 makes it clearer when they must be used—and what happens if they’re not.
Why Blue Lamps Matter
In Manitoba, when the public sees a blue light on big equipment, they know a plow, grader, loader, or sanding unit is working nearby. It’s a signal to slow down, give space, and expect sudden movements. Bill 38 tightens expectations around when the lamp must be on, and when it must be off.
When Blue Lamps MUST Be Used
If you’re doing winter‑maintenance work, the blue light needs to be on—no exceptions. Operators are required to activate the blue lamp whenever they are:
- Plowing snow
- Sanding or salting
- Blowing snow
- Clearing shoulders or lanes
- Working in low‑visibility conditions
- Operating on or near the roadway during a snow event
The lamp must be clearly visible from all directions, which means it can’t be blocked by snow, attachments, or equipment.
When Blue Lamps MUST NOT Be Used
Using the blue lamp at the wrong time confuses other drivers and weakens the meaning of the signal. This is where operators can get into trouble. Blue lamps cannot be used:
- While driving to or from the yard
- When the equipment is not performing winter‑maintenance work
- During non‑winter work like grading, ditching, or hauling
- As a general “I’m a big machine” warning
Consequences for Improper Use
Bill 38 doesn’t create brand‑new fines just for snow‑clearing operators, but it removes the grey areas. Here’s what can happen:
1. Fines for using blue lamps when you shouldn’t
Improper use can lead to charges such as:
- Unauthorized use of a warning light
- Improper use of lighting equipment
- Creating a traffic hazard
2. Fines for NOT using blue lamps when required
If you’re plowing or sanding without the lamp on, you can be charged for:
- Failing to display required warning lights
- Operating without proper safety equipment
- Driving without due care
If a collision happens, the lack of proper lighting becomes a major liability issue.
Bottom Line: Blue means winter work.
- If you’re plowing, sanding, or clearing snow, the lamp must be on.
- If you’re not doing winter‑maintenance work, the lamp must be off.
Using the lamp properly keeps operators safe, keeps the public safe, and keeps winter operations running smoothly.
Manitoba’s New Accident‑Reporting Requirement
With Manitoba’s new accident‑reporting requirement now in effect, many carriers are working to understand how the amended sections of The Highway Traffic Act, including 318.1(3)(a) and 318.1(4), apply to their day‑to‑day operations. As an Outreach Officer with Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement, my goal is to help you stay compliant and avoid preventable violations as these rules become part of your regular safety processes.
You will already have seen the January 30, 2026 bulletin outlining the new requirement to report accidents involving regulated vehicles. In short, carriers must report any accident that results in more than $2,000 in property damage, requires a vehicle to be towed, or results in a police report due to injury, fatality, or any circumstance listed under section 155(7) of the HTA. These thresholds are broad by design, ensuring that significant commercial‑vehicle incidents are captured consistently across Manitoba.
A key part of the new requirement is the 30‑day reporting window. Carriers must submit the online Motor Carrier Accident Report within 30 days of receiving the particulars of the accident. This report does not replace the obligation to notify police when required under the HTA; those reports must still be made separately. The online form on the MTI Safety Monitoring webpage is the official method for meeting the requirement, and failure to submit it within the 30‑day timeframe may result in an offence.
To stay compliant, carriers should ensure they have a clear internal process for gathering accident details and determining whether the incident meets the reporting threshold. Timely communication from drivers is essential. Drivers should report incidents promptly and provide complete information—photos, location details, towing documentation, and any police file numbers—so your office has enough time to complete the MTI submission.
For many carriers, the biggest adjustment is simply tightening the flow of information. The sooner your safety or dispatch staff receive the particulars, the easier it is to meet the 30‑day requirement and avoid enforcement action. Consistent procedures and clear expectations for drivers will help prevent missed deadlines.
Motor Carrier Enforcement is here to support you as you adapt to these changes. Our role is not only to enforce the legislation but also to help carriers understand it and build processes that keep them compliant. If you have questions about the reporting requirement or how it applies to your operation, the Motor Carrier Safety Program is available to assist at mcsafety@gov.mb.ca or call 204-945-5322.
Stay safe out there!
Thanks,
Paul
