License Plate in Ontario

What Is a License Plate in Ontario?

A license plate in Ontario is a government-issued metal or plastic plate attached to motor vehicles for official identification purposes. It displays a unique combination of letters and numbers, allowing law enforcement and other government agencies to register and identify the vehicle. Ontario license plates are required by law to be displayed on the front and back of most types of vehicles. You can get custom license plates with personalized messages or designs.

Are License Plates Considered Public Records In Ontario?

The personal information associated with license plate registrations in Ontario is not considered fully public records accessible to general citizens without proper authorization. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) regulate personal information about the vehicle owner.

Access to license plate information is restricted to authorized personnel including law enforcement officers, government officials, and approved third parties with legitimate purposes. Citizens cannot simply request the personal details of a vehicle owner based solely on a license plate number.

How Can I Obtain a License Plate In Ontario?

To obtain a license plate in Ontario, you must first register your vehicle with the Ministry of Transportation. This can be done at any ServiceOntario location. The process involves submitting the required documents, such as proof of ownership and insurance, and paying the applicable fees. If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged plate, you can get a replacement license plate at a ServiceOntario center. New residents transferring from other provinces must complete this process within 30 days of establishing residency in Ontario under the Highway Traffic Act.

To find the nearest ServiceOntario location, you can:

• Visit the ServiceOntario website and use the location finder tool.

• Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097 (toll-free within Ontario) or 416-235-2999 (GTA).

What Documents Are Required To Obtain a License Plate In Ontario?

To obtain a license plate in Ontario, you need to provide the following documents:

1. Proof of ownership:

   • For a new vehicle: New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) from the dealer

   • For a used vehicle: Bill of sale, transfer of ownership, or other proof of purchase

2. Proof of identity:

   • Driver's license

   • Passport

   • Ontario Photo Card

3. Proof of insurance:

   • Pink slip from your insurance company showing valid insurance coverage

4. Safety Standards Certificate (if applicable):

   • Required for most used vehicles

   • Issued by a licensed mechanic after a safety inspection

5. Drive Clean emissions test (if applicable):

   • Required for vehicles seven years and older

   • Issued by an accredited Drive Clean facility

Registering a vehicle from another province or country must also provide proof of import and pay the applicable provincial sales tax (PST).

How Much Does It Cost To Get a License Plate In Ontario?

As of March 13, 2022, the Ontario government has eliminated license plate renewal fees for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds. This means that vehicle owners are no longer required to pay the annual or biannual fee to renew their license plate stickers.

How Long Does It Take To Receive a License Plate In Ontario?

Standard license plates are available for immediate pickup during the same visit for most routine applications.

Specialized or personalized license plates may require additional processing time of 4-6 weeks for production and delivery. Applicants receive temporary permits allowing legal vehicle operation while waiting for specialized plates to arrive. The temporary permits remain valid until the permanent plates are received and installed on the vehicle.

Can I Order a License Plate Online In Ontario?

Yes, you can order a license plate online in Ontario through the ServiceOntario website.

How Can I Check the Status of My License Plate Application In Ontario?

To check the status of your license plate application in Ontario, you can contact ServiceOntario by:

• Phone: Call 1-800-267-8097 (toll-free within Ontario) or 416-235-2999 (GTA)

• Email: Send an email to info@serviceontario.ca

• Online: Use the ServiceOntario online contact form

When contacting ServiceOntario, have your vehicle registration information and application number ready to help them locate your application quickly. They will be able to provide you with an update on the status of your application and an estimated timeline for receiving your license plate.

Is It Illegal To Drive Without a License Plate In Ontario?

Yes, it is illegal to drive without a license plate in Ontario. According to the Highway Traffic Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8), all motor vehicles must display a valid license plate while operating on public roads.

Section 7(1)(b) of the Highway Traffic Act states that "every number plate shall be kept free from dirt and obstruction and shall be affixed so that the entire number plate, including the numbers, is visible at all times."

Driving without a license plate or with an obscured or unreadable plate can result in fines, demerit points, and, potentially, the seizure of your vehicle.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a License Plate In Ontario?

The penalties for driving without a license plate in Ontario can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the officer's discretion. Generally, the penalties may include:

• A fine ranging from $85 to $500

• Two demerit points added to your driving record

• Possible seizure of your vehicle

• Court summons if you contest the ticket or have multiple offences

Additionally, if you are caught driving an unregistered vehicle (i.e., without a valid license plate and registration), you may face:

• A fine of up to $1,000

• Possible imprisonment for up to six months

• Suspension of your driver's license

• Seizure of your vehicle

Can I Drive With an Ontario License Plate to Another Province?

Yes, vehicles with valid Ontario license plates can be driven to other provinces within Canada for temporary visits and travel. The interprovincial mobility provisions under Canadian motor vehicle regulations allow properly registered vehicles to operate across provincial boundaries.

However, individuals establishing permanent residency in another province must register their vehicle and obtain new license plates in their new province of residence within the specified timeframe, typically 30-90 days. Each province maintains reciprocal agreements recognizing valid license plates from other Canadian jurisdictions for temporary visits and transit purposes.

Transport Canada

Address: 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5

Phone: 1-613-990-2309

Website: Transport Canada

Am I Allowed To Keep My Old License Plate In Ontario?

No, you cannot keep your old license plate in Ontario. As per the Highway Traffic Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8), license plates are the property of the Crown and must be returned to the Ministry of Transportation when they are no longer in use.

There are a few exceptions to this rule:

1. Personalized license plates: If you have a personalized license plate and transfer it to another vehicle, you may keep it.

2. Vintage or antique plates: If you have a vintage or antique vehicle with an original, matching license plate, you may be able to keep the plate for display purposes. However, you must obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Transportation.

Is It Legal To Transfer a License Plate to Another Person in Ontario

License plate transfers in Ontario are legal but heavily restricted. Both parties involved in the transfer must agree in writing to the plate transfer using an official plate transfer declaration form.

This form must be signed by both individuals and serves to transfer not only the plate itself but also the responsibility for any fines or tolls that are incurred or charged against the plate, both before and after the transfer

License plates in Ontario are only transferable between family members, including.

• Spouses and common-law spouses
• Parents and step-parents (mother, father, step-mother, step-father)
• Children and step-children (son, step-son, adopted son, daughter, step-daughter, adopted daughter)
• In-laws (son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law)
• Children and parents in a common-law relationship

For questions about the legal requirements for license plate transfers in Ontario, contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097 or visit a ServiceOntario location to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Which Vehicles Are Required To Have License Plates In Ontario?

In Ontario, most types of vehicles are required to have license plates, including:

• Passenger vehicles (cars, vans, SUVs)

• Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers)

• Motorcycles and mopeds

• Motorized snow vehicles (snowmobiles)

• Off-road vehicles (ATVs, dune buggies)

The vehicle owner is responsible for ensuring that their vehicle is registered correctly and displays the appropriate license plate while operating on public roads in Ontario.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Having License Plates In Ontario?

Certain vehicles are exempt from license plate requirements in Ontario under specific circumstances outlined in the Highway Traffic Act and related regulations. These exemptions apply to vehicles not operated on public roads or those with special designations.

1. Electric bicycles (e-bikes): E-bikes that meet the provincial definition and safety standards are not required to have license plates or registration.

2. Power-assisted bicycles: Bicycles with an electric motor that assists the rider's pedalling and meet certain speed and power limitations do not require license plates.

3. Motorized mobility devices: Wheelchairs and medical scooters designed to assist individuals with mobility impairments are exempt from license plate requirements.

4. Farm tractors and self-propelled husbandry implements: Farm vehicles used exclusively for agricultural purposes and not driven on public roads do not require license plates.

5. Off-road vehicles used exclusively on private property: ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles used only on private land and do not access public roads or trails are not required to have license plates.

The exemptions are narrowly defined and require compliance with specific conditions. Vehicles claiming exemptions must still meet safety and insurance requirements when applicable and may require special permits or documentation.

Can Foreign Plates Be Used In Ontario?

Foreign plates can be used temporarily in Ontario, depending on the circumstances and the vehicle's origin. The rules for using foreign plates in Ontario are as follows:

1. Visitors: If you are visiting Ontario from another country and your vehicle is registered in your home jurisdiction, you can use your foreign plates for up to 3 months without registering your vehicle in Ontario.

2. New residents: If you are moving to Ontario from another country, you can use your foreign plates for up to 30 days while registering your vehicle in Ontario.

3. Temporary imports: If you are temporarily importing a vehicle into Ontario for a specific purpose, such as a car show or a race, you may be able to use foreign plates for the duration of the event, provided you obtain the necessary permits from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Ministry of Transportation.

For How Long Are License Plates Issued In Ontario?

License plates in Ontario are issued as long as the vehicle registration is valid and renewed every two years.

Does Ontario Require Front License Plates?

Yes, Ontario requires front license plates on most vehicles. Section 7(1)(b) of the Highway Traffic Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8) states that "every number plate shall be attached to and exposed in a conspicuous position on the front and rear of the motor vehicle."

Motorcycles are exempt from the front license plate requirement due to their design limitations and display only rear plates. All other motor vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles, must maintain both front and rear license plate displays. Failure to display the required front license plate can result in fines and penalties similar to those for missing rear plates.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, failing to display a front license plate can result in a fine of $85. It is essential to ensure that the front and rear license plates are securely attached, clearly visible, and kept clean and unobstructed.

Passenger License Plates vs. Commercial License Plates In Ontario.

In Ontario, there are different types of license plates for passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. The main differences between passenger and commercial license plates are:

1. Appearance: Passenger license plates have a blue background with white letters and numbers, while commercial plates have a black background with white letters and numbers.

2. Use: Passenger license plates are issued for personal vehicles, such as cars, vans, and SUVs. Commercial license plates are issued for vehicles used for business purposes, such as trucks, buses, and taxis.

3. Weight: Commercial license plates are required for vehicles with a gross weight of over 3,000 kg (6,613 lbs), while passenger plates are used for vehicles under this weight limit.

4. Registration fees: Registration fees for commercial vehicles are generally higher than those for passenger vehicles due to additional fees and taxes associated with commercial vehicle operations.

5. Renewal periods: Passenger vehicle registration can be renewed annually or biannually, while commercial vehicle registration is typically renewed annually.

What Information Can Police Officers Access From License Plates In Ontario?

In Ontario, police officers can access various information associated with a license plate through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. This information can include:

1. Vehicle ownership: The name and address of the vehicle's registered owner.

2. Vehicle description: The make, model, year, color, and other identifying features of the vehicle.

3. Insurance status: Whether the vehicle is currently insured and the insurance provider's name.

4. Stolen vehicle status: If the vehicle has been reported stolen.

5. Wanted persons: If the vehicle's registered owner is wanted by law enforcement.

6. Licence plate status: Is the license plate valid, expired, or suspended?

7. Driver's license status: The registered owner's driver's license status, including any suspensions or prohibitions.

How Can I Search for Tickets Using a License Plate In Ontario?

You cannot directly search for tickets in Ontario using a license plate. Ticket information is considered personal and protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

However, suppose you have received a ticket and wish to check its status or pay the fine. In that case, you can use the Provincial Offences Act (POA) online service provided by the Ministry of the Attorney General. To access this service, you will need your ticket number and the location of the offence.

Is It Possible To Get Insurance Without a License Plate In Ontario?

When you register your vehicle with ServiceOntario and obtain your license plate, you must provide proof of insurance. This is typically a pink slip or insurance card from your insurance provider indicating that your vehicle is properly insured.

Driving a vehicle in Ontario without a valid license plate and insurance is illegal. If you are caught driving without insurance, you can face severe penalties.