VEHICLE PERMITS

Highway Traffic Act

R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 628

VEHICLE PERMITS

Historical version for the period January 1, 2024 to June 13, 2024.

Last amendment: 222/23.

Legislative History: 198/91, 309/92, 590/92, 404/93, 820/93, 576/94, 245/95, 332/95, 337/97, 343/97, 508/97, 540/98, 654/98, 71/99, 254/99, 299/99, 437/99, 87/00, 146/00, 193/00, 262/00, 508/00, 666/00, 691/00, 123/01, 331/01, 353/01, 379/02, 423/03, 437/03, 290/04, 367/04, 398/04, 15/05, 183/05, 358/05, 588/05, 637/05, 71/08, 303/08, 446/09, 211/10, 414/10, 62/11, 188/11, 344/11, 41/12, 119/12, 168/12, 312/12, 244/13, CTR 23 JL 12 - 1, CTR 01 NO 14 - 1, 214/14, 245/14, 271/14, 78/15, 258/15, 328/15, CTR 09 NO 15 - 1, 422/15, 267/16, 400/16, 418/16, 83/17, 162/17, 590/17, 516/18, 518/18, 38/19, 118/19, 212/19, 220/19, 235/19, 458/19, 310/20, 734/20, 142/21 (as am. by 623/21), 419/21, 492/21, 623/21, 83/22, 172/22 (as am. by 143/23 and 149/23), 182/22, 425/22, 143/23, 170/23, 222/23.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

CONTENTS

 

 

Sections

 

Interpretation

1

 

Permits

2-8.4

 

Number Plates

9-11

 

Evidence of Validation Exemption

11.1

 

Restricted Permits

12-13.4

 

Commercial Vehicle Exemptions

14-16.1

 

Exemptions from Permit Denials

16.2

 

General Fees

17

 

Validation Fees

17.1-19

 

Refunds and Waivers of Permit Validation Fees

19.1

 

Fee Exemptions

20-22.1

 

Extensions and Fees

22.2

 

Penalty

23

Schedule 1

Annual validation fees for commercial motor vehicles described in paragraph 1 of subsection 19 (1)

 

Schedule 2

Annual validation fees for commercial motor vehicles described in paragraph 2 of subsection 19 (1) — farm vehicles

 

Schedule 3

Annual validation fees for commercial motor vehicles described in paragraph 3 of subsection 19 (1) — buses, including school buses

 

Schedule 4

Annual permit validation fees for additional classes of vehicles

 

 

Interpretation

1. (1) In this Regulation,

Note: On August 1, 2025, subsection 1 (1) of the Regulation is amended by adding the following definitions: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 1 (1) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

“accessible vehicle” means a passenger vehicle, other than a bus,

(a) that is designed or modified to be used for the purpose of transporting persons with disabilities and is used for that purpose, whether or not the vehicle is also used to transport persons without disabilities, and

(b) that is operated,

(i) for compensation by, for or on behalf of any person, club, agency or organization, or

(ii) not for compensation by, for or on behalf of any person, club, agency or organization that holds itself out as providing a transportation service to persons with disabilities; (“véhicule accessible”)

“annual inspection certificate” has the same meaning as in Ontario Regulation 170/22 (Vehicle Inspection Centres) made under the Act; (“certificat d’inspection annuelle”)

“carrying capacity” means,

(a) in the case of a school bus, the weight in kilograms that is obtained when the seating capacity of the bus is multiplied by forty, and

(b) in the case of a bus, other than a school bus, the weight in kilograms that is obtained when the seating capacity of the bus is multiplied by sixty; (“capacité”)

“emissions inspection certificate” has the same meaning as in Ontario Regulation 170/22 (Vehicle Inspection Centres) made under the Act; (“certificat d’inspection des émissions”)

“farmer” means a farming business within the meaning of the Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act, 1993 that,

(a) has a current registration number under that Act,

(b) is not required to file a farming business registration form under that Act pursuant to an order by the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal that the requirement be waived, or

(c) meets the requirements set out in one of the paragraphs of subsection 8 (3) of Ontario Regulation 282/98 (General) made under the Assessment Act; (“exploitant agricole”)

“farm products” does not include products preserved by freezing, pickling, cooking, smoking or curing, other than cured tobacco leaves; (“produits agricoles”)

“gross weight” means,

(a) in the case of a bus, the combined weight and carrying capacity of the bus, and

(b) in the case of a commercial motor vehicle, other than a bus, the combined weight of the motor vehicle and load or, where a commercial motor vehicle is drawing a trailer or trailers, the combined weight of the motor vehicle, trailer or trailers and load but, where a trailer transmits to the highway a total weight of 2,800 kilograms or less, that weight shall not be included in determining gross weight; (“poids brut”)

“heavy diesel commercial motor vehicle” means a commercial motor vehicle that,

(a) has a registered gross weight of more than 4,500 kilograms, and

(b) operates on diesel fuel; (“véhicule utilitaire diesel lourd”)

Note: On August 1, 2025, the definition of “heavy diesel commercial motor vehicle” in subsection 1 (1) of the Regulation is revoked. (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 1 (3) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

“historic vehicle” means, despite the definition in subsection 7 (1.1) of the Act, a motor vehicle that,

(a) is at least 30 years old,

(b) is operated on a highway in parades, for purposes of exhibition, tours or similar functions organized by a properly constituted automobile club or for purposes of repair, testing or demonstration for sale,

(c) is substantially unchanged or unmodified from the original manufacturer’s product, and

(d) does not have attached to it year-of-manufacture plates; (“véhicule ancien”)

“registered gross weight” means the weight for which a permit is issued; (“poids brut enregistré”)

“resident of Northern Ontario” means a person, other than a corporation, who ordinarily resides in the Territorial District of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Timiskaming or Thunder Bay; (“résident du Nord de l’Ontario”)

“RUO sticker” means a restricted-use-only sticker that is a validation of a school bus permit in accordance with subsection 5 (4) for which no fee is required under paragraph 3 of subsection 19 (1); (“vignette portant la mention “RUO” (“Utilisation restreinte seulement”)

Note: On August 1, 2025, subsection 1 (1) of the Regulation is amended by adding the following definitions: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 1 (5) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

“safety standards certificate” has the same meaning as in Ontario Regulation 170/22 (Vehicle Inspection Centres); (“certificat de sécurité”)

“school purposes vehicle” means a passenger vehicle, other than a bus, that is operated by or under contract with a school board or other authority in charge of a school for the transportation of adults with a developmental disability or children; (“véhicule à usage scolaire”)

“semi-annual inspection certificate” has the same meaning as in Ontario Regulation 170/22 (Vehicle Inspection Centres) made under the Act; (“certificat d’inspection semi-annuelle”)

“special permit” means a permit issued under section 12; (“certificat d’immatriculation spécial”)

Note: On August 1, 2025, subsection 1 (1) of the Regulation is amended by adding the following definition: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 1 (6) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

“spouse” has the same meaning as in Part III of the Family Law Act; (“conjoint”)

“temporary validation” means validation issued under section 5.2; (“validation temporaire”)

“U10 permit” means the permit described in section 2.2 that is issued in respect of a passenger transportation vehicle; (“certificat d’immatriculation U10”)

“vehicle emissions report” means a vehicle emissions report issued under Ontario Regulation 457/19 (Vehicle Emissions) made under the Environmental Protection Act, as it read immediately before it was revoked; (“rapport des émissions du véhicule”)

Note: On August 1, 2025, the definition of “vehicle emissions report” in subsection 1 (1) of the Regulation is revoked. (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 1 (8) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

Note: On July 1, 2025, subsection 1 (1) of the Regulation is amended by adding the following definition: (See: O. Reg. 170/23, s. 1)

“wrecker permit” means a permit that indicates a body type described as “WR” or “Wrecker” issued in respect of a tow truck; (“certificat d’immatriculation de dépanneuse lourde”)

“year-of-manufacture plates” means number plates that are described in subsection 7 (7.2) of the Act. (“plaques d’immatriculation délivrées pendant l’année de fabrication”)  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 1; O. Reg. 337/97, s. 1; O. Reg. 540/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 654/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 508/00, s. 1; O. Reg. 691/00, s. 1; O. Reg. 331/01, s. 1; O. Reg. 353/01, s. 1; O. Reg. 379/02, s. 1; O. Reg. 398/04, s. 1; O. Reg. 183/05, s. 1; O. Reg. 71/08, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 271/14, s. 1; O. Reg. 418/16, s. 1; O. Reg. 518/18, s. 1; O. Reg. 458/19, s. 1; O. Reg. 419/21, s. 1; O. Reg. 172/22, s. 1 (2, 4, 7).

(2) For the purposes of sections 5.2 and 12 and subsection 17 (1), a commercial motor vehicle is considered to be laden in the following circumstances:

1. It is towing another motor vehicle.

2. It is carrying any goods or cargo.

3. It is drawing a trailer that is carrying any goods or cargo.

4. It is drawing a trailer chassis that is carrying an inter-modal shipping container. 

5. It is a bus carrying two or more passengers.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 1 (2).

(3) Despite subsection (2), a commercial motor vehicle described in paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4 of that subsection is considered to be unladen if its gross weight is 4,500 kilograms or less.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 1 (2).

Permits

2. (1) A permit for a used motor vehicle or a motor vehicle classified as salvage or rebuilt shall not be issued unless,

(a) a safety standards certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 36 days; and

(b) if the application is in respect of a heavy diesel commercial motor vehicle,

(i) a vehicle emissions report indicating a pass was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 12 months, or

(ii) an emissions inspection certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 12 months. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (1).

(2) Clause (1) (a) does not apply, and, with respect to applications for a permit before the seventh calendar year after a vehicle’s model year, clause (1) (b) does not apply,

(a) where the permit applied for is an IRP cab card;

(b) where the applicant is the spouse or the estate of the person who is registered in Ontario as the owner of the vehicle or the spouse of the person whose estate is registered in Ontario as the owner of the vehicle;

(b.1) Revoked:  O. Reg. 358/05, s. 1 (1).

(c) where the applicant is a motor vehicle dealer who is registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, other than a dealer registered as a broker;

(c.1) where the applicant is a motor vehicle dealer who,

(i) was registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act on December 31, 2009, and

(ii) is exempted from the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002 and its regulations under paragraph 18, 19 or 21 of subsection 2 (1) of Ontario Regulation 333/08 (General) made under that Act;

(c.2) where the applicant is a motor vehicle dealer who,

(i) was not registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act on December 31, 2009,

(ii) is exempted from the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002 and its regulations under paragraph 18, 19 or 21 of subsection 2 (1) of Ontario Regulation 333/08 (General) made under that Act, and

(iii) satisfies the Ministry of that exemption;

(d) to an application for a permit for a motor vehicle that has been operated 6,000 kilometres or less and for which a permit has been issued under section 7 of the Act in the name of a motor vehicle dealer exempted under clause (c), (c.1) or (c.2) and has not been in the name of a person other than such a dealer;

(e) where the vehicle portion of the permit applied for is to be issued in the name of the person who is registered in Ontario as the owner of the vehicle;

(f) to an application for a permit for a commercial motor vehicle, other than a dump truck, that is registered in another jurisdiction, where the person applying to be the permit holder does not reside in Ontario;

(g) to an application for a permit for a motor vehicle that is registered in another jurisdiction, where the applicant has, within the preceding twelve months, been the holder of a currently validated permit that was issued for the vehicle by the Province of Ontario; or

(h) where the permit applied for is in respect of a vehicle being transferred by one leasing company to another leasing company and, at the time of the transfer, the vehicle is in the possession of a lessee under a lease agreement.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 245/95, s. 1; O. Reg. 87/00, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 666/00, s. 1; O. Reg. 691/00, s. 2 (1); O. Reg. 358/05, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 446/09, s. 1; O. Reg. 211/10, s. 1; O. Reg. 518/18, s. 2 (1); O. Reg. 458/19, s. 2 (2).

(2.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 458/19, s. 2 (3).

(3) Clause (1) (a) does not apply in respect of a motor assisted bicycle.  O. Reg. 540/98, s. 2 (2).

(4)-(5) Revoked: O. Reg. 418/16, s. 2 (3).

(5.1) Clause (1) (b) does not apply in respect of a current model year motor vehicle or a future model year motor vehicle. O. Reg. 458/19, s. 2 (4).

(5.2) Revoked: O. Reg. 518/18, s. 2 (3).

(6) Revoked: O. Reg. 458/19, s. 2 (5).

(6.1) Revoked:  O. Reg. 691/00, s. 2 (5).

(7) Where a person to whom subsection (1) applies does not submit the safety standards certificate with the application, a permit marked “unfit motor vehicle” may be issued.  O. Reg. 540/98, s. 2 (2).

(8) Where a permit marked “unfit motor vehicle” has been issued for a vehicle, nothing in subsection (2) shall be construed so as to allow a permit that is not marked “unfit motor vehicle” to be issued for the vehicle unless a safety standards certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 36 days. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (2).

(9) Where the Ministry is not satisfied that a certificate or report referred to in clause (1) (b) has been issued in respect of a vehicle, the vehicle portion of a permit may be issued, but no number plates shall be attached to the vehicle and no evidence of validation for the permit shall be issued until the requirement set out in clause (1) (b) is met. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (2).

(10) Where a permit is issued under subsection (9) while the requirement set out in clause (1) (b) is unmet, nothing in subsection (2) shall be construed so as to allow a plate portion of the permit to be issued.  O. Reg. 540/98, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 299/99, s. 1 (6); O. Reg. 418/16, s. 2 (8).

(10.1) Despite anything in this section, a permit or evidence of validation may be issued without the report or certificate referred to in clause (1) (b) if a determination is made that it was not reasonably possible to test the vehicle’s emissions, where the determination is made,

(a) before July 1, 2022, by the Director, within the meaning of the Environmental Protection Act; or

(b) on or after July 1, 2022, by the Director of Vehicle Inspection Standards appointed under section 100.2 of the Act. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (3).

(11) In this section,

“spouse” has the same meaning as in Part III of the Family Law Act.  O. Reg. 188/11, s. 1 (3); O. Reg. 418/16, s. 2 (9).

Note: On August 1, 2025, section 2 of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

2. (1) Number plates shall not be approved for use on a motor vehicle and evidence of validation shall not be issued for a number plate unless the motor vehicle’s permit indicates a fit status. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

(2) Where a safety standards certificate, annual inspection certificate, semi-annual inspection certificate or emissions inspection certificate is required under section 2.0.1, 2.0.2 or 2.1 for issuance of a permit that indicates a fit status and the requirement is not fulfilled, a permit indicating an unfit status may be issued. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

(3) The Ministry may place a vehicle’s permit into an unfit status if,

(a) number plates have been removed from a vehicle by a police officer or provincial offences officer pursuant to statutory authority to seize number plates; or

(b) the Registrar of Motor Vehicles has classified the vehicle as irreparable or salvage under section 199.1 of the Act. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

(4) Where a permit indicating an unfit status has been issued for a motor vehicle or the Ministry’s records indicate that a vehicle is unfit, a permit with a fit status shall be not issued for the vehicle unless the requirements of section 2.0.1, 2.0.2 or 2.1 for the issuance of a permit indicating a fit status are fulfilled. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

2.0.1 Revoked: O. Reg. 162/17, s. 1 (2).

Note: On August 1, 2025, the Regulation is amended by adding the following sections: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

2.0.1 (1) This section does not apply to motor assisted bicycles or to motor vehicles to which section 2.0.2 or 2.1 applies. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

(2) A permit indicating a fit status shall not be issued for a used motor vehicle unless a safety standards certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 36 days. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply,

(a) where the applicant is the spouse or the estate of the person who is registered in Ontario as the owner of the vehicle or the spouse of the person whose estate is registered in Ontario as the owner of the vehicle;

(b) where the applicant is a motor vehicle dealer who is registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, other than a dealer registered as a broker;

(c) where the applicant is a motor vehicle dealer who is exempted from the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002 and its regulations under paragraph 18, 19 or 21 of subsection 2 (1) of Ontario Regulation 333/08 (General) made under that Act;

(d) to an application for a permit for a motor vehicle that has been operated 6,000 kilometres or less and for which a permit has been issued under section 7 of the Act in the name of a motor vehicle dealer described in clause (b) or (c) and has not been in the name of a person other than such a dealer;

(e) to an application for a permit for a motor vehicle that is registered in another jurisdiction, where the applicant has, within the preceding 12 months, been the holder of a currently validated permit that was issued for the vehicle by the Province of Ontario; or

(f) to an application in respect of a vehicle being transferred by one leasing company to another leasing company and, at the time of the transfer, the vehicle is in the possession of a lessee under a lease agreement. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

2.0.2 (1) This section applies to a motor vehicle, other than an accessible vehicle, a school purposes vehicle or a vehicle to which section 2.1 applies, that is required under a regulation made under section 87 of the Act to display an annual inspection sticker or a semi-annual inspection sticker. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

(2) A permit indicating a fit status shall not be issued for a new or used motor vehicle to which this section applies unless,

(a) an annual inspection certificate or a semi-annual inspection certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 36 days; and

(b) in the case of a vehicle that operates on diesel fuel, an emissions inspection certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 12 months. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

(3) Clause (2) (b) does not apply in respect of a motor vehicle before the seventh calendar year after the vehicle’s model year. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

(4) Subsection (2) does not apply,

(a) where the applicant is the spouse or the estate of the person who is registered in Ontario as the owner of the vehicle or the spouse of the person whose estate is registered in Ontario as the owner of the vehicle;

(b) where the applicant is a motor vehicle dealer who is registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, other than a dealer registered as a broker;

(c) where the applicant is a motor vehicle dealer who is exempted from the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002 and its regulations under paragraph 18, 19 or 21 of subsection 2 (1) of Ontario Regulation 333/08 (General) made under that Act;

(d) to an application for a permit for a motor vehicle that has been operated 6,000 kilometres or less and for which a permit has been issued under section 7 of the Act in the name of a motor vehicle dealer described in clause (b) or (c) and has not been in the name of a person other than such a dealer; or

(e) to an application in respect of a vehicle being transferred by one leasing company to another leasing company if, at the time of the transfer, the vehicle is in the possession of a lessee under a lease agreement. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 2 (4).

Tables 1, 2 Revoked:  O. Reg. 423/03, s. 1 (5).

2.1 (1) It is a requirement for receiving a permit for a motor vehicle for the first time after it was reclassified as rebuilt under subsection 199.1 (22) of the Act that the applicant submit a structural inspection certificate issued for the vehicle.  O. Reg. 379/02, s. 3.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a motor vehicle for which the applicant held, at any time in the 12 months immediately before the application for the permit is made, a currently validated permit issued under the Act for the vehicle and that is registered in another jurisdiction at the time of the application for the permit.  O. Reg. 379/02, s. 3.

Note: On August 1, 2025, section 2.1 of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 3 and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

2.1 (1) A motor vehicle classified as salvage under subsection 199.1 (10) or (11) of the Act shall not be reclassified as rebuilt unless a structural inspection certificate was issued after its classification as salvage. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 3.

(2) Where a motor vehicle was registered in another jurisdiction with the classification of rebuilt or an equivalent classification, the motor vehicle shall not be classified as rebuilt in Ontario unless a structural inspection certificate was issued after the event that resulted in the need for it to be rebuilt. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 3.

(3) A motor vehicle that has been classified or reclassified as rebuilt under subsection (1) or (2) shall not be eligible for the issuance of a vehicle permit indicating a fit status unless,

(a) if the motor vehicle is required by a regulation made under section 87 of the Act to display an annual inspection sticker or a semi-annual inspection sticker,

(i) the sticker was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 36 days, and

(ii) in the case of a vehicle that operates on diesel fuel, an emissions inspection certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 12 month; and

(b) if the motor vehicle is not required by a regulation made under section 87 of the Act to display an annual inspection sticker or a semi-annual inspection sticker, a safety standards certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 36 days. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 3.

2.2 (1) A U10 permit is prescribed for the purposes of subsection 8 (2) of the Act as a class of permit required if a motor vehicle is being used as a passenger transportation vehicle unless the motor vehicle is a bus or a vehicle referred to in section 2, 3, 4 or 5 of Ontario Regulation 418/21 (Passenger Transportation Vehicles) made under the Act. O. Reg. 419/21, s. 2.

(2) A U10 permit shall not be issued in respect of a motor vehicle unless the applicant submits a declaration to the Ministry stating that the motor vehicle,

(a) is a passenger transportation vehicle that has seating for one to nine passengers and is,

(i) a commercial motor vehicle that has a registered gross weight of 4500 kg or less and to which Schedule 1 applies, or

(ii) part of a class of vehicles referred to in item 1, 2, or 11 of Schedule 4;

(b) is not a passenger transportation vehicle referred to in section 2, 3, 4 or 5 of Ontario Regulation 418/21 (Passenger Transportation Vehicles) made under the Act;

(c) is insured in accordance with section 14 of Ontario Regulation 418/21 (Passenger Transportation Vehicles) made under the Act;

(d) displays a semi-annual inspection sticker that has not expired; and

(e) meets the equipment requirements set out in sections 11 and 13 of Ontario Regulation 418/21 (Passenger Transportation Vehicles) made under the Act. O. Reg. 419/21, s. 2.

(3) It is a limitation on the use of a motor vehicle for which a U10 permit has been issued that the motor vehicle must not be used unless it continues to meet the requirements set out in subsection (2). O. Reg. 419/21, s. 2.

(4) In this section,

“semi-annual inspection sticker” has the same meaning as in Regulation 611 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Safety Inspections) made under the Act. O. Reg. 419/21, s. 2.

Note: On July 1, 2025, the Regulation is amended by adding the following section: (See: O. Reg. 170/23, s. 2)

2.3 (1) A wrecker permit is prescribed for the purposes of subsection 8 (2) of the Act as the class of permit required if a tow truck provides towing services, unless the vehicle does not need to be operated under a tow certificate because of an exemption under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021. O. Reg. 170/23, s. 2.

(2) For the purposes of this section,

“tow truck” and “towing services” have the same meaning as in the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021. O. Reg. 170/23, s. 2.

3. Where a vehicle for which a permit is currently validated is modified so that it does not correspond to the description of the vehicle on the permit, the owner of the vehicle shall apply to the Ministry for a new permit for the vehicle within six days after the modification.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 3.

3.1 If there is a change to the name or address of the owner of a vehicle for which a permit is currently validated so that the owner’s name or address does not correspond to the name or address on the permit, the owner of the vehicle shall apply to the Ministry for a new permit for the vehicle within six days after the change occurs.  O. Reg. 168/12, s. 1.

4. (1) For the purposes of clause 7 (1) (a) of the Act, a permit for a motor vehicle ceases to be currently validated with the expiration of the expiry day, month and year shown on the permit or, in the case of a permit bearing evidence of validation, on the expiration of the expiry day shown on the permit in the month and year shown on the evidence of validation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 4 (1).

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a permit issued for,

(a) a motor vehicle where the permit holder is the Government of the Province of Ontario; or

(b) a commercial motor vehicle to which section 5 applies.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 4 (2).

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a permit issued for a commercial motor vehicle where the permit holder is a municipal fire department.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 4 (3).

(3.1) Subsection (1) does not apply to a special permit or temporary validation of a permit.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 2.

(4) A permit issued to a permit holder referred to in clause (2) (a) and subsection (3) ceases to be currently validated when surrendered to the Ministry.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 4 (4).

5. (1) For the purpose of clause 7 (1) (a) of the Act, a permit for a commercial motor vehicle ceases to be currently validated with the expiration of the month and year shown on the permit or, in the case of a permit bearing evidence of validation, on the expiration of the month and year shown on the evidence of validation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 5 (1).

(2) Subject to subsections (3), (5) and (6), the period for which a permit for a commercial motor vehicle may be validated is any number of consecutive months between a minimum of three and a maximum of fifteen.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 5 (2).

(3) A bus permit that expires before August 1 in a year may be validated in that year for both July and August or for August only by means of an RUO sticker if the vehicle is a school bus that,

(a) is primarily used for the purpose of transporting children to or from school; and

(b) is operated by a municipality or school board or under a contract with a school board or other authority in charge of a school. O. Reg. 419/21, s. 3 (1).

(4) A permit referred to in subsection (3) is validated when a RUO sticker is issued in respect of the permit and such sticker is affixed to the number plate in accordance with subsection 9 (2).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 5 (4).

(4.1) The following restrictions apply in respect of the use of a motor vehicle for which a permit is validated by means of a RUO sticker:

1. If the vehicle is used for driver examination or driver training, the vehicle must not contain any occupants other than,

i. one student, and

ii. one trainer who holds a driver’s licence that would authorize the trainer to drive the vehicle if it were carrying passengers.

2. If the vehicle is being used for any purpose other than the purpose set out in paragraph 1, the vehicle must not contain any occupants other than the driver. O. Reg. 419/21, s. 3 (2).

(5) Subject to subsection (6), where the fee for a permit is prorated under a reciprocity agreement or arrangement with another jurisdiction, the period for which the permit may be validated is,

(a) in the case of a conversion or new registration, any number of consecutive months between a minimum of three and a maximum of fifteen; and

(b) in the case of a renewal, twelve consecutive months.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 5 (5).

(5.1), (5.2) Revoked:  O. Reg. 62/11, s. 1.

(6) This section does not apply to a special permit or temporary validation of a permit.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 3.

(7) This section does not apply to a permit for a commercial motor vehicle that has a gross weight of 3,000 kilograms or less unless the vehicle is a bus.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 5 (7).

5.1 (1) A permit for a passenger car, a motorized mobile home, an historic vehicle, a motorcycle, a motor assisted bicycle, a commercial motor vehicle with a gross weight of not more than 3,000 kilograms or a combination of a commercial motor vehicle and a trailer with a gross weight of not more than 3,000 kilograms may be validated for a period of not less than three months and not more than 24 months.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 1; O. Reg. 62/11, s. 2 (1).

(1.1) A Dealer permit, a Service permit, a Dealer and Service permit or a Manufacturer permit may be validated for a period of not less than three months and not more than 24 months. O. Reg. 328/15, s. 1.

(2) Revoked: O. Reg. 518/18, s. 3.

(3) A permit is validated until the expiry date set out on it and, after renewal, a permit is validated until the first, second or third anniversary date of the original expiry date, as set out on the renewed permit.  O. Reg. 262/00, s. 1; O. Reg. 458/19, s. 3.

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 518/18, s. 3.

5.2 (1) A permit for any motor vehicle may be temporarily validated for a period of 10 days.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 4.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), temporary validation may not be issued more than twice to the same holder of a permit for the same vehicle.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 4.

(3) If, after being issued one or two consecutive temporary validations of a permit for a vehicle, the permit is validated on payment of a fee prescribed under section 18 or 19, the permit may again be temporarily validated one or two consecutive times.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 4.

(4) Temporary validation shall not be issued for a motor vehicle if the permit for the motor vehicle is marked “unfit motor vehicle” or, in the case of a permit issued by another jurisdiction, the equivalent of unfit in that jurisdiction.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 4.

Note: On August 1, 2025, subsection 5.2 (4) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 4 and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

(4) Temporary validation shall not be issued for a motor vehicle if the permit for the motor vehicle indicates an unfit status or, in the case of a permit issued by another jurisdiction, the equivalent of unfit in that jurisdiction. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 4.

(5) Temporary validation shall not be issued for a motor vehicle if the permit for the motor vehicle indicates that the motor vehicle is classified as irreparable or salvage or, in the case of a permit issued by another jurisdiction, the equivalent of irreparable or salvage in that jurisdiction.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 4.

(6) Evidence of temporary validation shall be affixed to the number plate that corresponds to the temporary permit, in accordance with subsection 9 (1).  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 4.

(7) Evidence of temporary validation shall not be displayed on the number plate of a commercial motor vehicle that is laden.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 4.

(8) Section 2 does not apply to the furnishing of evidence of temporary validation issued under this section.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 4.

6. (1) For the purposes of clause 7 (1) (c) of the Act, evidence of the current validation of a permit is required to be affixed to the number plate of a motor vehicle. O. Reg. 182/22, s. 1.

(2) Despite subsection (1), evidence of the current validation of a permit is not required to be affixed to the number plate of a motor vehicle that belongs to a class of vehicle for which a permit is set out in Column 1 of Schedule 4. O. Reg. 182/22, s. 1.

(3) Evidence of the current validation of a permit required under subsection (1) shall be affixed to,

(a) a number plate mentioned in subclause 7 (1) (b) (i) of the Act displayed on the vehicle in accordance with the requirements set out in this Regulation; or

(b) a mini-plate attached to the number plate exposed on the rear of the vehicle, if number plates described in subsection 7 (7.2) of the Act are displayed on the vehicle. O. Reg. 182/22, s. 1.

(4) The portion of the evidence of current validation of a permit not intended for the number plate may be affixed in the appropriate space provided on the permit for the vehicle. O. Reg. 182/22, s. 1.

7. A permit for a trailer expires when it is surrendered to the Ministry or replaced by a permit issued by another jurisdiction.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 7.

8. (1) It is a condition applying to every permit, other than an IRP cab card or a special permit, that it bear the signature of the holder thereof, written in ink.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 5; O. Reg. 62/11, s. 3.

(2) Where the permit holder is a corporation, the signature of a person authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation is compliance with subsection (1).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 8 (2).

8.0.1 (1) This section applies to applications for the issuance of number plates or evidence of validation for use on a number plate for,

(a) a bus; or

(b) a commercial motor vehicle, other than a bus, having a registered gross weight of more than 4,500 kilograms. O. Reg. 214/14, s. 1.

(2) Number plates or evidence of validation for use on a number plate shall not be issued in respect of a motor vehicle to which this section applies unless the Ministry is satisfied that the person whose name is to appear or appears on the plate portion of the permit is the holder of a valid CVOR certificate. O. Reg. 214/14, s. 1.

(3) Despite subsection (2), number plates or evidence of validation for use on a number plate may be issued even if the person whose name is to appear or appears on the plate portion of the permit is not the holder of a valid CVOR certificate, provided the Ministry is satisfied that the vehicle will be operated in accordance with the law. O. Reg. 214/14, s. 1.

(4) This section does not apply to applications for temporary validation of a permit. O. Reg. 214/14, s. 1.

(5) In this section,

“valid CVOR certificate” means a CVOR certificate that,

(a) is not under suspension,

(b) has not expired,

(c) has not been revoked or cancelled, and

(d) has not been terminated by the holder of the certificate. O. Reg. 214/14, s. 1; O. Reg. 422/15, s. 1.

8.1 Revoked: O. Reg. 518/18, s. 4.

8.2 (1) This section applies to applications for the renewal of a motor vehicle permit for heavy diesel commercial motor vehicles. O. Reg. 458/19, s. 4 (1).

(1.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 458/19, s. 4 (1).

(2) Despite anything in this Regulation, no motor vehicle permit shall be renewed, and no evidence of validation, other than evidence of temporary validation, shall be issued in respect of a heavy diesel commercial motor vehicle, unless one of the following was issued in respect of the vehicle within the time described in subsection (2.1):

1. A vehicle emissions report indicating a pass.

2. An emissions inspection certificate. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 5 (1).

(2.1) A certificate or report described in paragraph 1 or 2 subsection (2) must have been issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within 12 months before the permit expired or, if the application for renewal is made after the expiry of the permit, within 12 months before the application for renewal. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 5 (1).

(3) Subsection (2) applies in respect of a motor vehicle in the seventh calendar year after its model year and in every calendar year after that, but only once in any 12-month period.  O. Reg. 423/03, s. 2; O. Reg. 588/05, s. 4; O. Reg. 188/11, s. 3.

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 458/19, s. 4 (3).

(5) Despite anything in this section, a permit may be renewed or validated without a certificate or report referred to in subsection (2) if a determination is made that it was not reasonably possible to test the vehicle’s emissions, where the determination is made,

(a) before July 1, 2022, by the Director, within the meaning of the Environmental Protection Act; or

(b) on or after July 1, 2022, by the Director of Vehicle Inspection Standards appointed under section 100.2 of the Act. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 5 (2).

(6), (7) revoked: O. Reg. 458/19, s. 4 (5).

(8) Revoked: O. Reg. 458/19, s. 4 (6).

Note: On August 1, 2025, section 8.2 of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 5 (3) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

8.2 (1) This section applies to a motor vehicle, other than an accessible vehicle or a school purposes vehicle, that is required to display an annual inspection sticker or a semi-annual inspection sticker by a regulation made under section 87 of the Act. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 5 (3).

(2) Despite anything in this Regulation, no motor vehicle permit shall be renewed and no evidence of validation, other than evidence of temporary validation, shall be issued in respect of a motor vehicle to which this section applies unless one of the following applies to the motor vehicle:

1. An annual inspection certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within 12 months before the permit expired or, if the application for renewal is made after the expiry of the permit, within 12 months before the application for renewal.

2. A semi-annual inspection certificate was issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within six months before the permit expired or, if the application for renewal is made after the expiry of the permit, within six months before the application for renewal.

3. The vehicle carries or displays evidence of compliance that exempts it, pursuant to a regulation made under section 87 of the Act, from section 85 of the Act, and the evidence of compliance is valid at the time that the permit expired or, if the application for renewal is made after the expiry of the permit, at the time of the application for renewal. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 5 (3).

(3) In addition to the requirements set out in subsection (2), if a motor vehicle operates on diesel fuel, an emissions inspection certificate must have been issued for a vehicle,

(a) in the case of a vehicle described in paragraph 1 or 2 of subsection (2),

(i) before the annual inspection certificate or semi-annual inspection certificate was issued, and

(ii) within 12 months before the permit expired or, if the application for renewal is made after the expiry of the permit, within 12 months before the application for renewal; and

(b) in the case of a vehicle described in paragraph 3 of subsection (2), within 12 months before the permit expired or, if the application for renewal is made after the expiry of the permit, within 12 months before the application for renewal. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 5 (3).

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply in respect of a motor vehicle before the seventh calendar year after the vehicle’s model year. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 5 (3).

8.3 (1) This section applies to applications for evidence of validation of a motor vehicle permit in respect of a year or part of a year when there is in force a City of Toronto by-law levying a tax in respect of motor vehicles.  O. Reg. 303/08, s. 1.

(2) Despite anything in this Regulation, evidence of validation of a motor vehicle permit, other than evidence of validation of a special permit or evidence of temporary validation, shall not be furnished in respect of a motor vehicle unless the Ministry is satisfied that the tax levied in respect of the motor vehicle by the by-law described in subsection (1) has been paid.  O. Reg. 303/08, s. 1.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply where the person applying for the evidence of validation of a motor vehicle permit is exempt under section 20 or subsection 21 (2) from paying a fee for validation of a motor vehicle permit or for evidence of validation of a motor vehicle permit.  O. Reg. 303/08, s. 1.

Note: On August 1, 2025, the Regulation is amended by adding the following section: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 6 and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

8.4 A requirement in this Regulation for an emissions inspection certificate does not apply if a determination is made by the Director of Vehicle Inspection Standards appointed under section 100.2 of the Act that it was not reasonably possible to test the vehicle’s emissions. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 6.

Number Plates

9. (1) Evidence of validation issued for use on a number plate shall be affixed,

(a) where the permit is for a commercial motor vehicle, in the upper right corner of the number plate exposed on the front of the motor vehicle; and

(b) in all other cases, in the upper right corner of the number plate exposed on the rear of the motor vehicle.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 9 (1).

(2) Despite subsection (1), a RUO sticker shall be affixed in the upper left corner of the number plate exposed on the front of the bus.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 9 (2).

(3) The number plates for a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or a motor assisted bicycle, shall be attached to and exposed in a conspicuous position on the front and rear of the motor vehicle.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 9 (3).

(3.1) Where the number plates attached to the vehicle are year-of-manufacture plates, and only one plate was issued by the Ministry in that year for display on a motor vehicle, that plate shall be attached to and exposed in a conspicuous position at the rear of the vehicle.  O. Reg. 331/01, s. 2.

(4) The number plate for a motorcycle, motor assisted bicycle or trailer shall be attached to and exposed in a conspicuous position on the rear of the vehicle.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 9 (4).

(5) This section does not apply in respect of Dealer permits and number plates, Service permits and number plates, Dealer and Service permits and number plates or Manufacturer permits and number plates. O. Reg. 328/15, s. 2; O. Reg. 419/21, s. 4.

10. (1) For the purpose of subsection 11 (3) of the Act, a number plate may be affixed to a trailer and number plates, one of which bears evidence of current validation, may be affixed to a motor vehicle where the permit holder is in possession of,

(a) the vehicle portion of the permit issued for the vehicle and the transfer application completed and signed by both the person named in the vehicle portion and the new owner;

(b) the plate portion of the permit that corresponds with the number plates to be affixed to the vehicle; and

(c) in the case of a used motor vehicle, a safety standards certificate issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding thirty-six days.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 10 (1).

Note: On August 1, 2025, clause 10 (1) (c) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 7 (1) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

(c) in the case of a used motor vehicle,

(i) a safety standards certificate issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 36 days, or

(ii) an annual inspection certificate or a semi-annual inspection certificate issued upon an inspection of the vehicle that was completed within the preceding 36 days.

(2) Clause (1) (b) does not apply where the permit that corresponds with the number plates is a permit that was issued before the 1st day of December, 1982.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 10 (2).

(3) Clause (1) (c) does not apply where a safety standards certificate would not be required to be submitted to the Ministry in order to obtain a permit other than a permit marked “unfit motor vehicle”.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 10 (3).

Note: On August 1, 2025, subsection 10 (3) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 7 (2) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

(3) Clause (1) (c) does not apply where a safety standards certificate, annual inspection certificate or semi-annual inspection certificate would not be required under section 2 or 2.0.2 in order to obtain a permit indicating a fit status. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 7 (2).

(4) Where a plate holder, as the first owner or first lessee of the vehicle, takes possession of a motor vehicle from a motor vehicle dealer registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, other than a dealer registered as a broker or outside Ontario dealer or registered only as an exporter,

(a) a copy of the dealer’s bill of sale or some other document establishing ownership; or

(b) a copy of the dealer’s bill of sale and a copy of the lease agreement,

may be substituted for the requirement under clause 10 (1) (a).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 10 (4); O. Reg. 446/09, s. 2.

(4.1) Subsection (4) applies with necessary modifications where a plate holder, as the first owner or first lessee of the vehicle, takes possession of a motor vehicle from a motor vehicle dealer referred to in clause 2 (2) (c.1) or (c.2).  O. Reg. 211/10, s. 2.

Note: On August 1, 2025, subsection 10 (4.1) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “clause 2 (2) (c.1) or (c.2)” at the end and substituting “clause 2.0.1 (3) (c) or clause 2.0.2 (4) (c).” (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 7 (3) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

(5) Where a corporation signs the transfer application referred to in clause 10 (1) (a), the signature of a person authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation is a sufficient signing of the transfer application.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 10 (5).

(6) A person driving a motor vehicle or drawing a trailer on a highway under the authority of subsection 11 (4) of the Act is required to carry the applicable documents referred to in subsection (1) or true copies thereof, and must surrender them for inspection upon a demand made under the Act. O. Reg. 119/12, s. 2.

11. (1) A year-of-manufacture plate shall not be used on a commercial motor vehicle,

(a) if the commercial motor vehicle has a gross weight of more than 3,000 kilograms; or

(b) if the commercial motor vehicle is not used primarily for personal transportation.  O. Reg. 62/11, s. 4.

(2) A permit shall not be issued or validated for a commercial motor vehicle described in clause (1) (a) or (b) on which a year-of-manufacture plate is used.  O. Reg. 62/11, s. 4.

Evidence of Validation Exemption

11.1 (1) Despite clauses 7 (1) (a) and (c) of the Act and despite subsections 4 (1) and 5 (1), section 6 and subsection 9 (1) of this Regulation, a motor vehicle may be driven on a highway after evidence of validation for the permit has been purchased but before it has been affixed to the number plate, if the following conditions are met:

1. The evidence of validation was purchased by means of an electronic transaction.

2. A printed copy of the receipt for the electronic transaction is carried in the vehicle and is surrendered by the driver with the permit for the vehicle upon a demand made under the Act.

3. The number plates required for the vehicle remain properly displayed on the vehicle.

4. The old evidence of validation remains properly affixed to the number plate.  O. Reg. 119/12, s. 3; O. Reg. 118/19, s. 1 (1).

(2) The exemption described in subsection (1) is valid until the expiry date indicated on the receipt for the electronic transaction. O. Reg. 118/19, s. 1 (2).

(3) In this section,

“electronic transaction” means a transaction completed over the internet; (“opération électronique”)

“old evidence of validation” means the evidence of validation most recently in force at the time the new evidence of validation was purchased. (“ancienne attestation de validation”) O. Reg. 119/12, s. 3; O. Reg. 118/19, s. 1 (3).

Restricted Permits

12. (1) A special permit that is valid for 10 days may be issued for the following motor vehicles:

1. A commercial motor vehicle.

2. A motor vehicle or trailer owned by a manufacturer or dealer in motor vehicles or trailers.

3. A motor vehicle or trailer bought at an auction if the Ministry has authorized the issuance of special permits at the auction.

4. A motor vehicle or trailer that is entering Ontario solely for the purpose of passing through Ontario.

5. A motor vehicle or trailer that is being taken out of Ontario.

6. A motor vehicle that is a roadworthy prototype vehicle.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

(2) A special permit shall not be issued if the applicant has not complied with subsection 11 (2) of the Act.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

(3) A person to whom a special permit is issued for a vehicle may be issued only one further special permit for the same vehicle in any 12-month period.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply in respect of a special permit for which the fee prescribed under item 33, 34, 35 or 36 of the Table to subsection 17 (1) is paid.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8; O. Reg. 220/19, s. 1 (1).

(5) A special permit shall be affixed in a clearly visible position,

(a) to the windshield of the motor vehicle; or

(b) in the case of a special permit issued for a trailer, to the windshield of the motor vehicle drawing the trailer.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

(6) Despite subsection (5), if a special permit provides for another method for affixing or carrying the special permit, it shall be affixed or carried as stated and not as provided by subsection (5).  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

(7) A special permit shall not be issued for a motor vehicle or trailer if the permit for the motor vehicle or trailer is marked “unfit motor vehicle” or “unfit” or, in the case of a permit issued by another jurisdiction, the equivalent of unfit in that jurisdiction.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

Note: On August 1, 2025, subsection 12 (7) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 8 (1) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

(7) A special permit shall not be issued for a motor vehicle or trailer if the permit for the motor vehicle or trailer indicates an unfit status or, in the case of a permit issued by another jurisdiction, the equivalent of unfit in that jurisdiction. O. Reg. 172/22, s. 8 (1).

(8) A special permit shall not be issued for a motor vehicle or trailer if the permit for the motor vehicle or trailer indicates that it is classified as irreparable or salvage or, in the case of a permit issued by another jurisdiction, the equivalent of irreparable or salvage in that jurisdiction.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

(9) A special permit shall not be displayed on a laden commercial motor vehicle unless the fee paid for the special permit was the fee prescribed by item 34, 35 or 36 of the Table to subsection 17 (1).  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8; O. Reg. 220/19, s. 1 (2).

(10) Subsection (9) does not apply to a special permit issued for a trailer if,

(a) the trailer is drawn by a motor vehicle for which the vehicle permit was not issued under this section; and

(b) the trailer and the motor vehicle drawing it are in compliance with subsection 121 (1) of the Act.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

(11) Clauses 7 (1) (b) and (c) of the Act do not apply in respect of a motor vehicle for which a special permit is issued while the special permit is valid.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

(12) Clause 7 (4) (b) of the Act does not apply in respect of a trailer with a valid special permit.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

(13) Section 2 does not apply to the issuance of a special permit.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 8.

Note: On August 1, 2025, subsection 12 (13) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “Section 2 does not apply” at the beginning and substituting “Sections 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 do not apply”. (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 8 (2) and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

13. (1) Upon filing satisfactory evidence as to the need for it, a Dealer permit and number plate may be issued to a dealer in motor vehicles, other than motorcycles and motor assisted bicycles, who,

(a) is a motor vehicle dealer registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002; or

(b) is a motor vehicle dealer referred to in clause 2 (2) (c.1) or (c.2).  O. Reg. 211/10, s. 3; O. Reg. 734/20, s. 1 (1).

Note: On August 1, 2025, clause 13 (1) (b) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “clause 2 (2) (c.1) or (c.2)” at the end and substituting “clause 2.0.1 (3) (c) or clause 2.0.2 (4) (c).” (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 9 and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

(2) A Dealer number plate may be used only on a motor vehicle that is owned, by the person to whom the Dealer permit corresponding to the Dealer number plate is issued, as part of the inventory that is offered for sale by the person and only for private use in Ontario or for purposes related to the sale of the motor vehicle.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

(3) A Dealer number plate may be used only on a commercial motor vehicle that is owned, by the person to whom the Dealer permit corresponding to the Dealer number plate is issued, as part of the inventory that is offered for sale by the person and only for purposes related to the sale of the commercial motor vehicle.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

(4) A Dealer number plate shall not be used on a motor vehicle, including a commercial motor vehicle, that is kept for private use or for hire.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

(5) A Dealer number plate shall not be used on a commercial motor vehicle that is loaded with goods.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

(6) Despite subsection (4), if a Dealer number plate is being used in accordance with subsection (3) on a commercial motor vehicle that is a pick-up truck, the pick-up truck may be used for private use in Ontario but shall not tow or draw any vehicle. O. Reg. 734/20, s. 1 (2).

(7) Despite subsection (5), a Dealer number plate may be used on a commercial motor vehicle that is loaded with goods if,

(a) the vehicle is a pick-up truck; and

(b) the goods are personal goods and are not,

(i) commercial cargo, or

(ii) tools or equipment of a type that is normally used for commercial purposes. O. Reg. 734/20, s. 1 (2).

(8) In this section,

“pick-up truck” means a commercial motor vehicle that,

(a) has no more than two axles,

(b) has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 3400 kilograms or less, and

(c) is fitted with either,

(i) the original box that was installed by the manufacturer, which has not been modified, or

(ii) a replacement box that duplicates the one that was installed by the manufacturer, which has not been modified. O. Reg. 734/20, s. 1 (2).

13.1 (1) Upon filing satisfactory evidence as to the need for it, a Service permit and number plate may be issued to a person engaged in the business of,

(a) repairing, customizing, modifying or transporting trailers or motor vehicles other than motorcycles and motor assisted bicycles;

(b) manufacturing or selling trailers; or

(c) selling, repairing, customizing, modifying, transporting or storing vessels, motorized snow vehicles or off-road vehicles. O. Reg. 38/19, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 734/20, s. 2.

(2) A Service number plate may be used on a trailer or motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle only,

(a) for purposes related to the repair, road testing, customization or modification of the vehicle, if the vehicle is in the possession of the person to whom the Service permit corresponding to the Service number plate is issued;

(b) for the purpose of transporting the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles;

(c) for purposes related to the manufacture or sale of a trailer;

(d) for the purpose of towing the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles,

(i) to a location where its load will be removed as required by section 82.1 of the Act, or

(ii) to an impound facility pursuant to section 82.1 of the Act; or

(e) in accordance with subsection (2.1). O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1); O. Reg. 414/10, s. 1; O. Reg. 38/19, s. 1 (2).

(2.1) A Service number plate may be used on a trailer,

(a) for the purpose of transporting a vessel, motorized snow vehicle or off-road vehicle to or from an exhibition or demonstration, provided that the trailer, including the load, does not transmit to the highway a weight of more than 2,800 kilograms; or

(b) for the purpose of transporting a vessel, motorized snow vehicle or off-road vehicle on behalf of another person who is the owner of the vessel, motorized snow vehicle or off-road vehicle, provided that,

(i) the trailer, including the load, does not transmit to the highway a weight of more than 2,800 kilograms,

(ii) the trailer is not owned by the holder of the Service permit and number plate, and

(iii) the vessel, motorized snow vehicle or off-road vehicle is being transported between any of the following locations:

(A) The location where the owner purchased the vessel, motorized snow vehicle or off-road vehicle.

(B) A repair, customization or modification facility.

(C) A storage facility.

(D) A marina or dock.

(E) Any other location specified by the owner of the vessel, motorized snow vehicle or off-road vehicle. O. Reg. 38/19, s. 1 (3).

(3) A Service number plate may be used only on a commercial motor vehicle owned by or in the possession of the person to whom the Service permit corresponding to the Service number plate is issued and only,

(a) for purposes related to the repair, road testing, customization or modification of the commercial motor vehicle; or

(b) in the case of a person engaged in the business of transporting commercial motor vehicles, for purposes of transporting the commercial motor vehicle.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

(4) A Service number plate shall not be used on a vehicle, including a commercial motor vehicle, that is kept for private use or for hire.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

(5) Except as permitted by subclause (2) (d) (i) and subsection (2.1), a Service number plate shall not be used on a commercial motor vehicle or trailer that is loaded with goods.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1); O. Reg. 38/19, s. 1 (4).

(6) In this section,

“off-road vehicle” has the same meaning as in section 1 of the Off-Road Vehicles Act. O. Reg. 38/19, s. 1 (5).

13.2 (1) Upon filing satisfactory evidence as to the need for it, a Dealer and Service permit and number plate may be issued,

(a) to a manufacturer of motorcycles or motor assisted bicycles;

(b) to a dealer in motorcycles or motor assisted bicycles who,

(i) is a motor vehicle dealer registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, or

(ii) is a motor vehicle dealer referred to in clause 2 (2) (c.1) or (c.2); or

Note: On August 1, 2025, subclause 13.2 (1) (b) (ii) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “clause 2 (2) (c.1) or (c.2)” at the end and substituting “clause 2.0.1 (3) (c) or clause 2.0.2 (4) (c).” (See: O. Reg. 172/22, s. 10 and O. Reg. 149/23, s. 1)

(c) to a person engaged in the business of repairing, customizing, modifying or transporting motorcycles or motor assisted bicycles.  O. Reg. 211/10, s. 4; O. Reg. 734/20, s. 3.

(2) A Dealer and Service permit and number plate may be used only on a motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle,

(a) that is owned by the person to whom the Dealer and Service permit corresponding to the Dealer and Service number plate is issued as part of the inventory that is offered for sale by the person and only for private use in Ontario or for purposes related to the sale of the motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle;

(b) for purposes related to the repair, road testing, customization or modification of the motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle, if the motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle is in the possession of the person to whom the Dealer and Service permit corresponding to the Dealer and Service number plate is issued; or

(c) for the purpose of transporting the motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle by a person engaged in the business of transporting motorcycles or motor assisted bicycles.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

(3) A Dealer and Service number plate shall not be used on a motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle that is kept for private use or for hire.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

13.2.1 (1) Upon filing satisfactory evidence as to the need for it, a Manufacturer permit and number plate may be issued to a person engaged in the business of manufacturing motor vehicles, other than motor assisted bicycles, or components for motor vehicles, other than motor assisted bicycles. O. Reg. 328/15, s. 3; O. Reg. 734/20, s. 4.

(2) A Manufacturer number plate may be used only on a motor vehicle,

(a) that is owned by the person to whom a Manufacturer permit is issued; and

(b) that was manufactured by the person to whom a Manufacturer permit is issued or the components of which were manufactured by the person to whom a Manufacturer permit is issued. O. Reg. 328/15, s. 3.

(3) A Manufacturer number plate may be used on a motor vehicle only for purposes of exhibiting, demonstrating, evaluating or testing the motor vehicle. O. Reg. 328/15, s. 3.

(4) Despite subsection (3), a Manufacturer number plate may be used on a motor vehicle that was imported into Canada pursuant to a declaration made under Schedule VII of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Canada) made under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) only for,

(a) purposes permitted by subsection (3); or

(b) other purposes permitted by Schedule VII of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Canada) made under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada). O. Reg. 328/15, s. 3.

(5) A Manufacturer number plate shall not be used on a motor vehicle that is kept for hire. O. Reg. 328/15, s. 3.

(6) A Manufacturer number plate shall not be used on a commercial motor vehicle that is loaded with goods or that is drawing a vehicle that is loaded with goods. O. Reg. 328/15, s. 3.

13.3 (1) A Dealer number plate or a Service number plate shall be attached to and exposed in a conspicuous position on the rear of the rear-most vehicle being towed or operated under the authority of the corresponding permit.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

(1.1) A Manufacturer number plate shall be attached to and exposed in a conspicuous position on the rear of the motor vehicle. O. Reg. 328/15, s. 4 (1).

(2) A Dealer and Service number plate for a motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle shall be attached to and exposed in a conspicuous position on the rear of the motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

(3) Where a Dealer permit, a Service permit, a Dealer and Service permit or a Manufacturer permit is validated, evidence of validation shall be affixed in the upper right corner of the number plate that corresponds with the permit. O. Reg. 328/15, s. 4 (2).

(4) Subsections 11 (3) and (4) of the Act do not apply to a manufacturer, dealer or other person referred to in subsection 13 (1), 13.1 (1) or 13.2 (1) with respect to vehicles that are in the person’s possession for purposes related to the sale, repair, customization or modification of the vehicles or, in the case of a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, for purposes of transporting the vehicles.  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (1).

13.4 Revoked:  O. Reg. 367/04, s. 3 (2).

Commercial Vehicle Exemptions

14. (1) A commercial motor vehicle is exempt from section 7 of the Act while the vehicle is being driven or operated in Ontario if it,

(a) is registered in a reciprocating province that grants exemptions for commercial motor vehicles similar to the exemptions granted by this subsection;

(b) is owned or leased by a resident of the reciprocating province; and

(c) is of a class of commercial motor vehicles for which exemptions described in clause (a) are granted by the reciprocating province. O. Reg. 235/19, s. 1.

(2) A commercial motor vehicle is exempt from section 7 of the Act while the vehicle is being driven or operated in Ontario if it,

(a) is registered in a state of the United States of America;

(b) is owned or leased by a resident of the state; and

(c) is of a class of commercial motor vehicles that would be exempt under subsection (1) if it,

(i) were registered in a reciprocating province described in clause (1) (a), and

(ii) were owned or leased by a resident of the reciprocating province. O. Reg. 235/19, s. 1.

15. Revoked: O. Reg. 235/19, s. 1.

15.1 Revoked:  O. Reg. 62/11, s. 5.

16. A trailer in Ontario that displays a valid number plate issued by another province or a state of the United States of America or that is in compliance with the law, in respect of registration of trailers, of the jurisdiction in which the owner or lessee of the trailer resides is exempt from section 7 of the Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 16; O. Reg. 666/00, s. 5.

16.1 (1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), the following classes of vehicle are exempt from subsections 7 (1), (4) and (5) of the Act:

1. Commercial motor vehicles and vehicles that are used for hauling,

i. raw forest products, or

ii. materials, supplies or equipment required for, or used in a process related to, the harvesting or processing of raw forest products.

2. Vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 63,500 kilograms that are used exclusively for transporting between steel production facilities,

i. steel slabs, steel coils or related partly-processed or finished goods, or

ii. steel production equipment.

3. New vehicles that are owned by their manufacturer and that, upon being completed, are driven away from the place at which their manufacture was completed.  O. Reg. 343/97, s. 1; O. Reg. 123/01, s. 1 (1, 2); O. Reg. 78/15, ss. 1 (1, 2).

(2) The exemption in paragraph 1 of subsection (1) applies only while the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The driver, owner and operator of the commercial motor vehicle and vehicle are complying with the Act, other than subsections 7 (1), (4) and (5), the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act and the Dangerous Goods Transportation Act, and with the regulations under those Acts.

2. The commercial motor vehicle and vehicle are not being operated on a highway other than to cross it directly at the intersection of a private road and,

i. the King’s Highway known as No. 105 in the Township of Ear Falls in the District of Kenora, or

ii. the King’s Highway known as No. 657 in the Township of Ear Falls in the District of Kenora.

3. There is an outstanding permit issued under clause 34 (2) (f) of the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act permitting the use of the private road as a means of access to the highways referred to in paragraph 2.

4. There is a vehicle portion of the permit for both the commercial motor vehicle and the vehicle.

5. The driver of the commercial motor vehicle shall surrender the vehicle portion of the permits for the commercial motor vehicle and vehicle, or a copy of them, upon a demand made under the Act.  O. Reg. 343/97, s. 1; O. Reg. 123/01, s. 1 (3); O. Reg. 119/12, s. 4.

(3) The exemption in paragraph 2 of subsection (1) applies only while the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The vehicle is only operated in the City of Hamilton,

i. while directly crossing the roadway known as Depew Street at a point 320 metres south of the roadway known as Burlington Street East and 48 metres north of the roadway known as Gertrude Street, or

ii. on the following parts of highways:

A. That part of the roadway known as Kenilworth Avenue North lying between its northern limit and a point at its intersection with the roadway known as Dofasco Road.

B. That part of the roadway known as Dofasco Road lying between a point at its intersection with the roadway known as Kenilworth Avenue North and a point at its intersection with the roadway known as Beach Road.

C. That part of the roadway known as Ottawa Street North lying between its northern limit and a point at its intersection with the roadway known as Beach Road.

D. That part of the roadway known as Beach Road lying between a point at its intersection with the roadway known as Kenilworth Avenue North to a point 200 metres west of the roadway known as Ottawa Street North.

E. That part of the roadway known as Burlington Street East lying between a point at its intersection with the roadway known as Ottawa Street North and a point at its intersection with the roadway known as Strathearne Avenue.

F. That part of the roadway known as Strathearne Avenue lying between its northern limit and a point at its intersection with the roadway known as Brampton Street.

2. There is a current written agreement between the City of Hamilton and the operator of the vehicle relating to the use of vehicles as described in paragraph 2 of subsection (1) on the parts of highways described in subparagraphs 1 i and ii.

3. The operator of the vehicle is in compliance with the agreement described in paragraph 2.  O. Reg. 123/01, s. 1 (4).

(4) The exemption in paragraph 3 of subsection (1) applies only while the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The vehicle is in transit between the place at which its manufacture was completed and the yard at which it is to be kept prior to shipping.

2. The distance between the place at which the vehicle’s manufacture was completed and the yard at which it is to be kept prior to shipping is not more than eight kilometres.

3. The driver of the vehicle is the holder of a valid driver’s licence for that class of vehicle.

4. The vehicle is insured under a contract of automobile insurance in accordance with section 2 of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.  O. Reg. 78/15, s. 1 (3).

Exemptions from Permit Denials

16.2 An order or direction made under section 69 of the Provincial Offences Act pursuant to subsection 7 (12.0.1) of the Act does not apply in the following circumstances:

1. The payment of the fine that is in default is in respect of a conviction that occurred before May 1, 2010.

2. The plate portion of the permit for any vehicle has been or is held jointly by two or more persons, at least one of whom is in default of the payment of the fine, and the persons apply for validation of a permit held jointly by them or for a new permit to be issued in their joint names.

3. The permit is held by a person other than an individual. O. Reg. 83/17, s. 1.

General Fees

17. (1) The fees set out in the following Table shall be paid to the Ministry:

TABLE
PERMIT AND PLATE FEES

Item

Type of permit or plate

Annual fee in dollars

1.

For a permit for a motor vehicle or trailer

32

2.

For a permit and number plates for a motor vehicle

59

3.

For a Dealer permit and number plate for a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle

59

4.

For a Manufacturer permit and number plate

59

5.

For a permit and number plate for a trailer

72

6.

For a permit and number plates for a commercial motor vehicle, where a municipal fire department will be operating the vehicle and is applying to be the permit holder

35

7.

For a duplicate validated permit for a motor vehicle or a duplicate permit for a trailer, in case of loss or destruction

32

8.

For a duplicate validated permit, number plates and evidence of validation for a motor vehicle, in case of loss or destruction

59

9.

For a duplicate permit and number plate for a trailer, in case of loss or destruction

48

10.

For replacement of a Dealer permit and number plate and evidence of validation in case of loss or destruction

59

11.

For replacement of a Manufacturer permit and number plate in case of loss or destruction

59

12.

For a motor vehicle permit and number plates bearing a requested graphic

75

13.

For a duplicate validated motor vehicle permit, number plates bearing the same requested graphic and evidence of validation, in case of loss or destruction

50.62

14.

For a motor vehicle permit and number plates bearing a requested number

276.64

15.

For a motor vehicle permit and number plates bearing a requested number and graphic

300

16.

For a permit issued under subsection 7 (7.1) of the Act to match existing number plates for a historic vehicle, where a permit has not previously been issued under that subsection matching those specific number plates for that specific historic vehicle

225

17.

For a motor vehicle permit and number plates bearing an amateur radio call sign

30

18.

For the replacement of number plates bearing a requested number, with or without a requested graphic, with number plates bearing the same number and graphic, if any, in the case of loss or destruction

91.42

19.

For the replacement of number plates bearing a requested number, with or without a requested graphic, with number plates bearing the same number and graphic, if any, in the case of the plates being stolen and a police report submitted

50.62

20.

For the replacement of number plates bearing a requested number with number plates bearing the same number and adding a requested graphic

127.17

21.

For the replacement of number plates bearing a requested number and graphic with number plates bearing the same number but a different graphic

127.17

22.

For a sample number plate

15

23.

For a sample number plate bearing a requested graphic

30

24.

For the replacement of number plates bearing an amateur radio call sign with number plates bearing the same amateur radio call sign, in case of loss or destruction

25.13

25.

For evidence of validation only, in case of loss or destruction

7

26.

For a permit for a motor vehicle or trailer that is issued to a person licensed under the Act to deal in motor vehicles or trailers, where the vehicle for which the permit is issued is held for resale

5

27.

For a permit for a motor vehicle or trailer that is issued to a motor vehicle dealer registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, other than a dealer registered as a broker, where the vehicle for which the permit is issued is held for resale

5

28.

For a permit for a motor vehicle or trailer that is issued to a motor vehicle dealer referred to in clause 2 (2) (c.1) or (c.2), where the vehicle for which the permit is issued is held for resale

5

29.

To increase by 7,000 kilograms the permitted gross weight of a vehicle in accordance with subsection 121 (2) of the Act, for an annual term from the 1st day of April to the 31st day of March

300

30.

For a special permit for a trailer

23.50

31.

For a special permit for a motor vehicle that is not a commercial motor vehicle

23.50

32.

For a special permit for an unladen commercial motor vehicle for which temporary validation is not issued

23.50

33.

For a special permit for a roadworthy prototype vehicle

23.50

34.

For a special permit for a laden commercial motor vehicle not drawing a trailer

116.25

35.

For a special permit for a commercial motor vehicle drawing a trailer, either or both of which are laden

205

36.

For a special permit for a commercial motor vehicle on whose chassis there is a machine or apparatus that is not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property

205

37.

For each search of vehicle records by plate number, vehicle identification number, name or identification number of registered owner or permit holder

12

38.

For a copy of any writing, paper or document, other than an accident report, filed in the Ministry or any statement containing information from the records

6

39.

For a copy of an accident report

12

40.

For certification of a copy of any writing, paper or document filed in the Ministry or any statement containing information from the records

6

41.

For administrative costs associated with the issuance or validation of a permit, the fee for which is prorated under a reciprocity agreement or arrangement with another jurisdiction

25

O. Reg. 220/19, s. 2; O. Reg. 310/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 492/21, s. 1; O. Reg. 425/22, s. 1; O. Reg. 143/23, s. 1 (1).

Note: On August 1, 2024, item 28 of the Table to subsection 17 (1) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 143/23, s. 1 (2))

28.

For a permit for a motor vehicle or trailer that is issued to a motor vehicle dealer referred to in clause 2.0.1 (3) (c) or clause 2.0.2 (4) (c), where the vehicle for which the permit is issued is held for resale

5

(2) Despite items 22 and 23 of the Table to subsection (1), no fee is payable for a sample plate or a sample plate with a requested graphic issued to the Government of Ontario or for non-commercial use. O. Reg. 220/19, s. 2.

(3) No fee is payable under items 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21 or 23 of the Table to subsection (1) where the number plates referred to in that item bear a veteran graphic and are issued to a person who is certified by the Royal Canadian Legion — Ontario Command to be a veteran. O. Reg. 220/19, s. 2.

(4) Despite item 15 of the Table to subsection (1), the fee payable under that paragraph for a motor vehicle permit and number plates bearing a requested number and a veteran graphic, issued to a person who is certified by the Royal Canadian Legion — Ontario Command to be a veteran, is $251.65. O. Reg. 220/19, s. 2.

Validation Fees

17.1 The fee for temporary validation of a permit is $15.  O. Reg. 71/08, s. 10.

18. (1) For validation of a permit referred to in Schedule 4, the following fees shall be paid to the Ministry:

1. If the validation period is 12 months, the applicable annual fee for the appropriate permit number set out in Schedule 4.

2. If the validation period is 24 months, an amount equal to twice the applicable annual fee for the appropriate permit number set out in Schedule 4.

3. If the validation period is at least three months but not 12 or 24 months, the fee determined under subsection (2). O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7.

(2) If the validation period of the permit is at least three but not 12 or 24 months, the validation fee for that number of months is the amount calculated according to the following formula and rounded up or down to the nearest nickel:

A × (B/12)

in which,

  “A” is the number of months, and

  “B” is the applicable annual fee for the appropriate permit number set out in Schedule 4.

O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7.

(3) For the purposes of determining the validation fee payable for a number of months under this section, a part of a month shall count as a full month. O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7.

(4) Upon renewal of the validation of a permit referred to in Schedule 4, the following fees shall be paid to the Ministry:

1. If the validation period is at least three but not more than 12 months, the applicable annual fee for the appropriate permit number set out in Schedule 4.

2. If the validation period is more than 12 but not more than 24 months, an amount equal to twice the applicable annual fee for the appropriate permit number set out in Schedule 4.

3. If the validation period is more than 24 months, an amount equal to three times the applicable annual fee for the appropriate permit number set out in Schedule 4. O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7; O. Reg. 142/21, s. 1 (1).

(4.1)-(4.2) Revoked: O. Reg. 623/21, s. 1 (3).

(4.3) If, for any reason, a fee required under this section in respect of any part of a validation period that occurs on or after March 1, 2020 in respect of a vehicle permit set out in items 7, 8, 9 or 10 of Schedule 4 is not paid when the permit is next renewed, the fee shall be paid at the time of the following renewal. O. Reg. 182/22, s. 2.

(5) Despite subsection (4), if a person demonstrates to the Ministry that it was not possible to operate the vehicle during any period before the application for renewal was made, the Ministry shall refund to the person the difference between the amount paid for renewal of the permit validation and the amount of the fee, determined under subsection (2), payable for the number of months for which the vehicle could be operated. O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7; O. Reg. 212/19, s. 1 (1).

(6) If a person surrenders plates for a permit referred to in Schedule 4 to the Ministry at least three months before the end of a period of validation purchased on renewal, subsection (4) does not apply and the Ministry shall refund to the person in respect of the remaining full months of validation the amount of the fee, determined under subsection (2), payable for that number of months. O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7; O. Reg. 212/19, s. 1 (2).

(6.0.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 623/21, s. 1 (3).

(6.1) Despite subsections (5) and (6), a person is not eligible for a refund of fees under those subsections if,

(a) the person has received compensation under section 17.2 of the Ministry of Government Services Act;

(b) the compensation is in respect of a service standard not having been met in connection with the issuance of evidence of validation for a permit to the person in respect of a validation period; and

(c) the fees that would otherwise be refunded are all or part of the fees the person paid for the validation period in respect of which the compensation was received.  O. Reg. 344/11, s. 1.

(6.2) Despite subsection (6), if a person surrenders plates for a vehicle permit set out in items 7, 8, 9 or 10 of Schedule 4 before the end of a validation period mentioned in subsection (4.3), no amount is payable to the person as a refund in respect of the remaining months of validation. O. Reg. 182/22, s. 2.

(7) Subsections (1) and (2) apply, and subsection (4) does not apply, to the renewal of the validation period for,

(a) Revoked: O. Reg. 518/18, s. 6.

(b) a Dealer permit, a Service permit, a Dealer and Service permit or a Manufacturer permit; and

(c) a permit for which the anniversary date of its expiry date has been changed.  O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7; O. Reg. 328/15, s. 6; O. Reg. 623/21, s. 1 (4, 5).

(8) If the portion of a commercial motor vehicle designed to carry a load is occupied solely by a self-contained dwelling unit designed, equipped and used exclusively for living accommodation, the weight of the unit is not included in determining the gross weight of the vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining fees for permit numbers 10 and 11.  O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7.

19. (1) For validation of a permit for a commercial motor vehicle, the following fees shall be paid to the Ministry:

1. For a commercial motor vehicle or a combination of a commercial motor vehicle and trailer or trailers, other than a bus, having a gross weight of more than 3,000 kilograms,

i. if the validation period is 12 months, the applicable annual fee set out in Schedule 1, 

ii. if the validation period is at least three but less than 12 months, the fee determined under subsection (2), or

iii. if the validation period is 13, 14 or 15 months, the fee determined under subsection (3).

2. For a commercial motor vehicle or a combination of a commercial motor vehicle and trailer or trailers, other than a bus, having a gross weight of more than 3,000 kilograms, where the permit holder is a farmer and the vehicle is used for any of the purposes set out in subsection (5),

i. if the validation period is 12 months, the applicable annual fee set out in Schedule 2,

ii. if the validation period is at least three but less than 12 months, the fee determined under subsection (2), or

iii. if the validation period is 13, 14 or 15 months, the fee determined under subsection (3).

3. For a bus, including a school bus,

i. if the validation period is 12 months, the applicable annual fee set out in Schedule 3,

ii. if the validation period is at least three but less than 12 months, the fee determined under subsection (2), or

iii. if the validation period is 13, 14 or 15 months, the fee determined under subsection (3).  O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7; O. Reg. 419/21, s. 5 (1).

(2) If the validation period is at least three but less than 12 months, the validation fee for that number of months is the amount calculated according to the following formula and rounded up to the nearest dollar:

[(A × 8) + 4] × (B/100)

in which,

  “A” is the number of months, and

  “B” is the applicable annual fee set out in Schedule 1, 2 or 3, as applicable.

O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7.

(2.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 623/21, s. 2 (2).

(3) If the validation period is 13, 14 or 15 months, the validation fee for that number of months is the amount calculated according to the following formula and rounded up to the nearest dollar:

A × (B/12)

in which,

  “A” is the number of months, and

  “B” is the applicable annual fee set out in Schedule 1, 2 or 3, as applicable.

 O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7.

(4) For the purposes of determining the validation fee payable for a number of months under this section, a part of a month shall count as a full month.  O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7.

(5) The purposes referred to in paragraph 2 of subsection (1) are,

(a) the farmer’s personal transportation;

(b) the uncompensated transportation of farm products, supplies or equipment; or

(c) the compensated transportation of farm products, supplies or equipment in the month of September, October or November.  O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7.

(6) The fee for validation of a permit for a commercial motor vehicle is one-half the fee payable under paragraph 1 of subsection (1) if the commercial vehicle,

(a) has a machine or apparatus permanently mounted on the chassis of the vehicle that is not designed to transport a load;

(b) is not carrying a load, other than parts for the machine or apparatus described in clause (a) or equipment used to operate the machine or apparatus described in clause (a); and

(c) is only incidentally operated or moved over the highways. O. Reg. 400/16, s. 1.

(7) Despite paragraph 3 of subsection (1), a permit for a school bus shall not be issued or validated if the bus has a gross weight of more than 20,000 kilograms. O. Reg. 62/11, s. 7; O. Reg. 419/21, s. 5 (2).

Refunds and Waivers of Permit Validation Fees

19.1 (1) The following fees are prescribed for the purpose of a refund under subsection 7 (19) of the Act:

1. Fees paid under section 18 of this Regulation in respect of any part of a validation period that occurs on or after March 1, 2020. O. Reg. 182/22, s. 3.

(2) No interest is payable in respect of a refund mentioned in subsection (1). O. Reg. 182/22, s. 3.

(3) No refund mentioned in subsection (1) shall be made on or after March 13, 2024. O. Reg. 222/23, s. 1.

(3.1) Despite subsection (3), a payment for a refund that was validly made may be reissued until March 31, 2025 if the original payment was lost or expired. O. Reg. 222/23, s. 1.

(4) The following fees are prescribed for the purpose of a waiver under subsection 7 (19) of the Act:

1. Fees that were required to be paid under section 18 of this Regulation in respect of any part of a validation period that occurs on or after March 1, 2020. O. Reg. 182/22, s. 3.

(5) A person is not eligible for a refund or waiver under subsection 7 (19) of the Act unless the person meets the following criteria:

1. The person is an individual.

2. The person is the holder of a vehicle permit set out in Column 1 of Schedule 4, other than a permit set out in item 7, 8, 9 or 10.

3. The person is the holder of the plate portion of the vehicle permit to which the fee relates. O. Reg. 182/22, s. 3.

19.2 Revoked: O. Reg. 623/21, s. 3.

Fee Exemptions

20. (1) No fee is payable for a permit, number plates or evidence of validation issued for a motor vehicle where the permit holder or person applying to be the permit holder is,

(a) the Governor General;

(b) the Lieutenant Governor;

(c) the government of a province or territory of Canada;

(d) a foreign government or a representative of a foreign government who has taken a post in Ontario in the capacity of,

(i) ambassador, high commissioner or chargé d’affaires,

(ii) head of delegation or head of office,

(iii) minister-counsellor or minister,

(iv) counsellor,

(v) first, second or third secretary,

(vi) attaché,

(vii) military, air or naval attaché or advisor,

(viii) assistant military, air or naval attaché or advisor,

(ix) consul-general, consul, vice-consul or consular agent;

(e) the spouse or child of any representative referred to in clause (d);

(f) a person serving or employed on the technical or support staff of a diplomatic or consular mission or high commission provided that the person,

(i) is authorized as eligible for exempt status by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,

(ii) is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada), and

(iii) is assigned to duty from the foreign government being represented and not engaged locally by the mission or commission;

(g) the spouse or child of any person described in clause (f), provided that the spouse or child meets the requirements set out in subclause (f) (ii);

(h) an international organization that is authorized as eligible for exempt status by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada;

(i) a representative of an international organization described in clause (h) who is posted in Ontario and,

(i) is authorized as eligible for exempt status by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,

(ii) is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada), and

(iii) is assigned to the post from the international organization and is not engaged locally by it; or

(j) the spouse or child of any person described in clause (i), if the spouse or child meets the requirements set out in subclause (i) (ii).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 20; O. Reg. 309/92, s. 4; O. Reg. 87/00, s. 2 (1); O. Reg. 358/05, s. 2 (1); O. Reg. 62/11, s. 8; O. Reg. 235/19, s. 2.

(2) In this section,

“spouse” has the same meaning as in Part III of the Family Law Act.  O. Reg. 358/05, s. 2 (2).

21. (1) No fee is payable for validation of a permit for,

(a) a commercial motor vehicle, where the permit holder is a band, as defined by and to which the Indian Act (Canada) applies, and the vehicle’s operation outside a reserve is exclusively for the carriage of goods owned by the band;

(b) a commercial motor vehicle, where the permit holder is the Canadian Red Cross Society or any branch thereof or the Order of St. John;

(c) a commercial motor vehicle, where the permit holder is a municipal fire department; or

(d) a bus, where the permit holder is a church Sunday school, church day school, a nondenominational school or a religious organization.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 21 (1).

(2) No fee is payable for the validation of a permit issued in Ontario for a validation period coinciding with the balance of the period of validity of a permit issued by another jurisdiction to the same permit holder in respect of the same motor vehicle where,

(a) the permit holder is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces who has moved into Ontario and surrendered the permit for the vehicle issued by the other jurisdiction; or

(b) the permit holder is a member of the armed forces of the United States of America who has been assigned to duty in Ontario for a period exceeding three months and surrendered the permit for the vehicle issued by the other jurisdiction.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 21 (2).

21.1 (1) The fee set out in item 1 of the Table to subsection 17 (1) does not apply with respect to a permit for a vehicle applied for under section 3.1 as a result of a change of address of the owner of the vehicle.  O. Reg. 168/12, s. 3; O. Reg. 220/19, s. 3 (1).

(2) The fee set out in item 1 of the Table to subsection 17 (1) does not apply with respect to a permit for a vehicle applied for under section 3.1 as a result of a change of name of the owner of the vehicle,

(a) if the permit is held by the owner as an individual; or

(b) if the permit would be exempt under subsection 21 (1).  O. Reg. 168/12, s. 3; O. Reg. 220/19, s. 3 (2).

22. (1) The fees set out in items 1, 2 and 5 of the Table to subsection 17 (1) do not apply with respect to,

(a) a permit and number plate, where the fee for the permit is prorated under a reciprocity agreement or arrangement with another jurisdiction;

(b) a permit for a commercial motor vehicle, where the person applying to be the permit holder is the Canadian Red Cross Society or any branch thereof or the Order of St. John;

(c) a permit and number plate, where the number plate is issued as a replacement for a number plate that bears the international symbol of access for the disabled;

(d) a permit issued to a person licensed under the Act to wreck vehicles, where the vehicle for which the permit is issued is held for wrecking; or

(e) a permit that is issued to correct information contained thereon.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 22 (1); O. Reg. 220/19, s. 4 (1).

(2) The fee set out in item 41 of the Table to subsection 17 (1) does not apply with respect to a permit and number plate bearing a requested number where the number plate is issued as a replacement for a number plate bearing a requested number and the international symbol of access for the disabled.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 22 (2); O. Reg. 220/19, s. 4 (2).

22.1 The fees set out in items 1, 2, 12, 14, 15 and 17 of the Table to subsection 17 (1) do not apply with respect to,

(a) a U10 permit, if the U10 permit is issued as a replacement for a permit for which the fees set out in item 1, 2, 12, 14, 15 or 17 have been paid; and

Note: On July 1, 2025, clause 22.1 (a) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a U10 permit, if the U10 permit is issued” at the beginning and substituting “a U10 permit or wrecker permit, if the U10 permit or wrecker permit is issued”. (See: O. Reg. 170/23, s. 3)

(b) any other type of permit, if the permit is issued as a replacement for a U10 permit for which the fees set out in item 1, 2, 12, 14, 15 or 17 have been paid. O. Reg. 419/21, s. 6.

Extensions and Fees

22.2 (1) Despite anything in this Regulation, if either of the following apply with respect to a vehicle permit referred to in Schedule 4, the vehicle permit is deemed to be valid until March 31, 2022, if the permit holder is an individual, or until September 30, 2022, if the permit holder is not an individual:

1. The term of validity for the permit was extended or continued under Ontario Regulation 45/20 (Extending Time Periods in Ontario Regulations) made under the Act.

2. The term of validity for the permit expires on or after September 1, 2021 but before October 1, 2022. O. Reg. 83/22, s. 1 (1).

(2) Despite section 18, when a permit to which this section applies that is held by a person other than an individual is next renewed, a fee calculated in the following manner, and rounded up or down to the nearest nickel, shall be paid to the Ministry:

1. For each month since the permit was last validated, divide by 12 the annual fee that applied at that time in respect of the appropriate permit number set out in Schedule 4.

2. Find the sum of the amounts determined under paragraph 1 for all months since the permit was last validated. O. Reg. 83/22, s. 1 (1).

(3) For the purposes of calculating the validation fee payable under subsection (2), a part of a month shall count as a full month. O. Reg. 83/22, s. 1 (1).

(4) If a vehicle could not be operated during one or more of the months mentioned in subsection (2), the permit holder for the vehicle may apply to the Ministry to not include the months in the calculation of the fee under that subsection. O. Reg. 83/22, s. 1 (1).

(5) If an application made under subsection (4) is approved, the permit holder shall retain, for a period of two years after the date of the renewal, records demonstrating that the vehicle could not be operated during the relevant months and shall provide the records to the Ministry on request. O. Reg. 83/22, s. 1 (1).

(6) If for any reason, the fee required under subsection (2) is not paid when the permit is next renewed, it shall be paid at the time of the following renewal. O. Reg. 83/22, s. 1 (1).

(7) For greater certainty, if a person surrenders plates for a permit referred to in Schedule 4 to the Ministry before the end of a period of validation, no amount is payable to the person as a refund in respect of the remaining months of validation. O. Reg. 83/22, s. 1 (2).

Note: On October 1, 2024, section 22.2 of the Regulation is revoked. (See: O. Reg. 83/22, s. 1 (3))

22.3, 22.4 Revoked: O. Reg. 623/21, s. 5 (2).

Penalty

23. If a person purports to pay a vehicle-related fee or tax, other than a tax described in section 8.3, by a cheque that is not honoured, and the fee or tax is not paid within thirty days after the date of a letter from the Ministry notifying the person that the cheque was not honoured, the person shall pay a penalty of the greater of,

(a) 10 per cent of the amount of the fee or tax outstanding; and

(b) $5 for each number plate or permit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628, s. 23; O. Reg. 303/08, s. 2.

SCHEDULE 1
ANNUAL VALIDATION FEES FOR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH 1 OF SUBSECTION 19 (1)

Gross Weight in kilograms

Annual fee in dollars

3001 to 3500

265.25

3501 to 4000

265.25

4001 to 4500

265.25

4501 to 5000

265.25

5001 to 6000

361.00

6001 to 7000

361.00

7001 to 8000

506.00

8001 to 9000

506.00

9001 to 10000

651.75

10001 to 11000

651.75

11001 to 12000

798.75

12001 to 13000

798.75

13001 to 14000

947.50

14001 to 15000

947.50

15001 to 16000

1021.00

16001 to 17000

1095.50

17001 to 18000

1167.00

18001 to 19000

1242.25

19001 to 20000

1316.75

20001 to 21000

1390.25

21001 to 22000

1465.75

22001 to 23000

1541.25

23001 to 24000

1614.75

24001 to 25000

1691.25

25001 to 26000

1764.50

26001 to 27000

1841.00

27001 to 28000

1917.50

28001 to 29000

1993.00

29001 to 30000

2068.50

30001 to 31000

2144.00

31001 to 32000

2220.50

32001 to 33000

2297.00

33001 to 34000

2372.50

34001 to 35000

2451.00

35001 to 36000

2526.50

36001 to 37000

2603.00

37001 to 38000

2678.50

38001 to 39000

2757.00

39001 to 40000

2834.50

40001 to 41000

2912.00

41001 to 42000

2989.50

42001 to 43000

3067.25

43001 to 44000

3144.75

44001 to 45000

3222.25

45001 to 46000

3302.75

46001 to 47000

3379.25

47001 to 48000

3458.75

48001 to 49000

3536.25

49001 to 50000

3614.75

50001 to 51000

3692.50

51001 to 52000

3773.00

52001 to 53000

3851.50

53001 to 54000

3930.00

54001 to 55000

4010.50

55001 to 56000

4089.25

56001 to 57000

4170.75

57001 to 58000

4249.25

58001 to 59000

4330.00

59001 to 60000

4410.50

60001 to 61000

4490.00

61001 to 62000

4570.50

62001 to 63000

4652.25

63001 to 63500

4693.00

O. Reg. 143/23, s. 2.

SCHEDULE 2
ANNUAL VALIDATION FEES FOR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH 2 OF SUBSECTION 19 (1) — FARM VEHICLES

Gross Weight in kilograms

Annual fee in dollars

3001 to 3500

157.00

3501 to 4000

159.25

4001 to 4500

167.25

4501 to 5000

172.75

5001 to 6000

180.75

6001 to 7000

190.75

7001 to 8000

209.75

8001 to 9000

227.75

9001 to 10000

247.00

10001 to 11000

263.75

11001 to 12000

283.75

12001 to 13000

303.00

13001 to 14000

322.00

14001 to 15000

340.00

15001 to 16000

359.25

16001 to 17000

377.00

17001 to 18000

396.00

18001 to 19000

414.25

19001 to 20000

433.25

20001 to 21000

451.00

21001 to 22000

470.25

22001 to 23000

490.25

23001 to 24000

507.00

24001 to 25000

527.50

25001 to 26000

543.25

26001 to 27000

562.00

27001 to 28000

582.50

28001 to 29000

599.25

29001 to 30000

619.25

30001 to 31000

637.50

31001 to 32000

657.50

32001 to 33000

675.50

33001 to 34000

693.50

34001 to 35000

713.75

35001 to 36000

729.25

36001 to 37000

750.75

37001 to 38000

768.75

38001 to 39000

786.50

39001 to 40000

805.75

40001 to 41000

823.75

41001 to 42000

842.50

42001 to 43000

861.75

43001 to 44000

879.75

44001 to 45000

898.75

45001 to 46000

919.00

46001 to 47000

934.75

47001 to 48000

956.00

48001 to 49000

974.00

49001 to 50000

994.25

50001 to 51000

1011.00

51001 to 52000

1030.25

52001 to 53000

1050.25

53001 to 54000

1067.00

54001 to 55000

1087.25

55001 to 56000

1102.00

56001 to 57000

1124.25

57001 to 58000

1143.50

58001 to 59000

1159.25

59001 to 60000

1179.25

60001 to 61000

1197.25

61001 to 62000

1216.25

62001 to 63000

1235.25

63001 to 63500

1245.50

O. Reg. 143/23, s. 2.

SCHEDULE 3
ANNUAL VALIDATION FEES FOR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH 3 OF SUBSECTION 19 (1) — BUSES, INCLUDING SCHOOL BUSES

Gross Weight in kilograms

Annual fee in dollars

1 to 2500

134.75

2501 to 3000

166.00

3001 to 3500

187.25

3501 to 4000

204.25

4001 to 4500

226.50

4501 to 5000

243.25

5001 to 6000

297.25

6001 to 7000

350.00

7001 to 8000

404.00

8001 to 9000

456.75

9001 to 10000

512.75

10001 to 11000

564.25

11001 to 12000

620.50

12001 to 13000

677.50

13001 to 14000

731.50

14001 to 15000

786.50

15001 to 16000

842.50

16001 to 17000

899.75

17001 to 18000

953.75

18001 to 19000

1011.00

19001 to 20000

1068.00

20001 to 21000

1125.25

21001 to 22000

1183.50

22001 to 23000

1239.75

23001 to 24000

1298.00

24001 to 25000

1356.50

25001 to 26000

1414.75

26001 to 27000

1474.25

27001 to 28000

1531.50

28001 to 29000

1592.00

29001 to 30000

1650.50

30001 to 31000

1711.00

31001 to 32000

1771.50

32001 to 33000

1829.75

33001 to 34000

1891.75

34001 to 35000

1952.25

35001 to 36000

2012.75

36001 to 37000

2073.50

37001 to 38000

2137.25

38001 to 39000

2199.25

39001 to 40000

2260.75

O. Reg. 143/23, s. 2.

SCHEDULE 4
ANNUAL Permit VALIDATION FEES FOR ADDITIONAL CLASSES OF VEHICLES

Item

Column 1
Permit

Column 2
Annual permit validation fee in dollars

1.

Permit for a passenger car or motorized mobile home, if the permit holder is not a resident of Northern Ontario

0

2.

Permit for a passenger car or motorized mobile home, if the permit holder is a resident of Northern Ontario

0

3.

Permit for an historic vehicle

0

4.

Permit for a motorcycle, if the permit holder is not a resident of Northern Ontario

0

5.

Permit for a motorcycle, if the permit holder is a resident of Northern Ontario

0

6.

Permit for a motor assisted bicycle

0

7.

Dealer permit or Service permit for a motor vehicle or trailer

0

8.

Dealer and Service permit for a motorcycle or motor assisted bicycle

0

9.

Manufacturer permit for a motor vehicle

0

10.

Manufacturer permit for a motorcycle

0

11.

Permit for a commercial motor vehicle or a combination of a commercial motor vehicle and trailer or trailers, other than a bus, with a gross weight of not more than 3,000 kilograms, if the vehicle is not used primarily for personal transportation

0

12.

Permit for a commercial motor vehicle or a combination of a commercial motor vehicle and trailer or trailers, other than a bus, with a gross weight of not more than 3,000 kilograms, if the vehicle is used primarily for personal transportation and the permit holder is not a resident of Northern Ontario

0

13.

Permit for a commercial motor vehicle or a combination of a commercial motor vehicle and trailer or trailers, other than a bus, with a gross weight of not more than 3,000 kilograms, if the vehicle is used primarily for personal transportation and the permit holder is a resident of Northern Ontario

0

O. Reg. 143/23, s. 2.

Schedule 5 Revoked: O. Reg. 62/11, s. 9.