The federal government confirmed Wednesday that it had amended the Motor Vehicle Act to make it easier for Canadians to import cars and trucks from the U.S.

The amendment applies to vehicles built on or after Sept. 1, 2007, that are equipped with an anti-theft electronic immobilizer or that can be fitted with one.

The modification of the act comes after at least 1,000 Canadians who recently bought vehicles in the U.S. had been told to park them because they didn't meet Canadian standards for anti-theft electronic immobilizers.

"The amendment will offer more flexibility to Canadians wishing to import vehicles and will continue efforts to ensure safety on our roads," Transport Canada said in a statement.

Immobilizers are devices that prevent vehicles from starting without keys, thus preventing hot-wiring — starting a car's engine by bypassing the ignition system.

An engine with an immobilizer won't start until it recognizes a computer chip in the ignition key.

Ottawa introduced new regulations in September requiring Canadian manufacturers to make electronic immobilizers a standard feature in all new vans, light trucks, cars and SUVs.