Overview

Emissions and safety inspections for heavy-duty diesel commercial, light-duty and passenger motor vehicles have been combined into a single digital program called DriveON.

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driveon logo

The new DriveON program will:

  • save commercial motor vehicle owners time and money
  • reduce fraud
  • reduce harmful emissions
  • ensure vehicles are safe for our roads
  • move to a single digital inspections program

The DriveON program has been rolled out to facilities that previously tested emissions only and is now being rolled out in phases to current Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations (MVIS):

  • existing MVIS facilities that perform annual and semi-annual inspections or a combination of annual, semi-annual, and safety inspections on light duty/passenger vehicles are eligible to apply to the new DriveON program through the DriveON portal as of May 9, 2024
  • existing MVIS facilities that only perform light duty or passenger vehicle inspections are eligible to apply as of September 3, 2024
  • if you are not currently a MVIS facilities operator you can apply to the DriveON program through the DriveON portal as of October 1, 2024

To guarantee the receipt of inspection equipment for DriveON before the MVIS program ends on December 31, 2024, please complete the DriveON enrollment process and purchase your equipment by October 30, 2024.

If you have questions, please contact the DriveON contact centre toll free at 1-833-420-2103 or visit the DriveON portal.

Emissions tests not required for light-duty and passenger vehicles

DriveON will not include new testing requirements or fees for light-duty and passenger vehicles. There will be no changes to the existing safety inspection requirements. Emissions tests will only be required for the same types of heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicles that currently require tests.

Get an emissions test for a heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicle

Emissions tests for heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicles must be performed by a certified technician at a vehicle inspection centre that has entered into an agreement with the Ontario government. These private operators:

  • set their own fees
  • perform the emissions test
  • provide an emissions test report

If you need an emissions test for your heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicle, there are vehicle inspection centres located across Ontario that can perform this inspection.

Find a facility to get an emissions test for your heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicle or call the DriveON Contact Centre (for the public) toll-free at 1-833-420-2103.

Get a safety inspection

You can get a safety inspection at any existing motor vehicle inspection station or a DriveON vehicle inspection centre. Motor vehicle inspection stations will cease to perform inspections as of December 31, 2024.

Vehicles that need an emissions test

Your vehicle needs an emissions test, if it is a heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicle with a registered gross weight over 4,500 kilograms, such as a large truck or bus, and the vehicle is either:

  • at least seven model years old and you are renewing your licence plate sticker
  • older than the current model year and you are registering the vehicle as a new owner

You will receive a registration renewal notice in the mail that will indicate if your vehicle needs an emissions test.

Your vehicle does not need an emissions test if it is a:

  • light-duty or passenger vehicle (motor vehicles with a registered gross weight less than or equal to 4,500 kilograms), including motorcycles and motorhomes
  • heavy non-diesel vehicle (vehicles with a registered gross weight over 4,500 kilograms that does not run on diesel)

All vehicles driven on Ontario’s roads are subject to Ontario’s emissions standards. If your vehicle is found to be in contravention of these standards, you may be subject to compliance or enforcement action such as verbal warnings and/or fines.

Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers and police anywhere in Ontario are authorized to stop and inspect your vehicle if they believe, among other things, that:

  • your vehicle is emitting excessive exhaust emissions
  • emissions control equipment has been tampered with or removed

Maintain your vehicle

Avoid costly repairs and reduce pollution by maintaining your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. It is illegal to drive with your malfunction indicator light (the check engine light) on if it is emissions control-related. Have your vehicle looked at by a qualified repair technician as soon as possible if this light comes on.

If you are buying a used vehicle, you should ensure that it complies with emissions standards and does not have any tampered or faulty emissions controls.

Motor replacements and assembled vehicles

If you are replacing a motor in a vehicle or building an assembled vehicle, please note the following rules:

  • the emissions standard for a motor replacement must be at least as stringent as those met by the original motor and must have all the emissions control equipment attached and functioning
  • the motor of an assembled vehicle must have all the emissions control equipment of that motor attached and functioning

If you have questions, please contact the DriveON Contact Centre (for the public) toll free at 1-833-420-2103.

When a vehicle needs an emissions test

Heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicles are required to be emissions tested annually. If you own a heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicle that requires an emissions test, you will receive a registration renewal notice in the mail indicating that an emissions test is required to renew your vehicle registration.

If you are due for an emissions test while outside Ontario

If you plan to be out of the province for 6–12 months when your registration renewal is due, please contact the DriveON Contact Centre (for the public) toll-free at 1-833-420-2103  to discuss your options.

What happens during an emissions test

An emissions test for a heavy diesel commercial motor vehicle involves:

  1. a pre-test check
  2. an opacity test
  3. an on-board diagnostic system test for 2007 and newer vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 6,350 kilograms

There are measures in place to ensure emissions tests are fair, such as:

  • vehicle inspection centres must have computerized, tamper-proof equipment approved for the program
  • your test results are compared with emissions standards set for all vehicles of the same particular year and model. All results are recorded in a central database, to facilitate monitoring and auditing of test results
  • all technicians performing the tests are monitored continuously for expected pass/fail rates and irregularities
  • all vehicle inspection centres are audited to ensure they follow proper testing procedures

Every registered technician and vehicle inspection centre must follow the inspection procedures and apply the equipment and performance standards set out in Ontario’s DriveON inspection directive (PDF).

Pre-test check

Before performing the emissions test, the technician should do a visual check of the vehicle.

The technician may find issues with the vehicle that must be corrected before they can continue with the emissions test.

Issues can include:

  • the vehicle has visible emissions for more than five seconds in any one-minute period
  • the vehicle has a missing fuel cap or fuel cap that fits improperly
  • the vehicle’s exhaust system leaks
  • the motor governor fails, malfunctions or is maladjusted
  • the vehicle identification number (VIN) is missing or does not match the vehicle permit
  • there is an inability to connect to the data link connector, when or if there is another device attached to the data link connector
  • the testing may cause a risk to health or safety
  • the testing may cause damage to equipment, property or the vehicle

Opacity test

An opacity test measures the opacity of the emissions from a vehicle’s exhaust. To pass the opacity test, a vehicle’s test result must not exceed the corresponding opacity percentage for its model year.

Vehicle Model Year Opacity Standard Vehicle Passes inspection Opacity Standard Vehicle Fails inspection
1990 and older, not a school bus 0 - 40% > 40%
1990 and older school bus 0 - 30% > 30%
1991 to 2007 0 - 30% > 30%
2008 to 2010 0 - 20% > 20%
2011 and newer (Started July 1, 2023) 0 - 10% > 10%

On-board diagnostic system test for model year 2007 and newer diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating up to 6,350 kilograms

This test identifies if emissions control systems are operating as intended.

A vehicle that fails the on-board diagnostic test will not pass the emissions test.

Some vehicles may be exempt from the on-board diagnostic test. Find the exemption list for:

Emissions test results

After completing the emissions test for a heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicle you may receive a:

  • pass report
  • fail report

Pass

If your vehicle passes the emissions test:

  • you will get an emailed PDF electronic emissions inspection report indicating a pass
  • you may print and keep the pass report with your vehicle’s maintenance information

The pass report is valid for 12 months.

Fail

Vehicles fail the emissions test because the vehicle has an emissions system problem.

The inspector can explain the emissions results on the emissions inspection certificate.

You need to have your vehicle’s emissions problem repaired before you can:

  • take a retest
  • renew your vehicle registration

Search a vehicle’s inspection test history

If you did not receive a paper vehicle inspection report and you have received a new DriveON digital inspection report, you may search for your digital DriveON vehicle’ inspection report.

For help finding vehicle inspection reports, call the DriveON Contact Centre (for the public) toll- free at 1-833-420-2103

In order to search your vehicle’s inspection history, you will need your vehicle identification number (VIN). You can find your VIN on the:

  • green ownership certificate — issued by the Ministry of Transportation
  • vehicle insurance certificate (pink form) — issued by your insurance company
  • Statement of Compliance label, located inside the vehicle, on the driver’s-side door opening
  • vehicle’s dashboard

Report a smoking or tampered heavy-duty diesel commercial vehicle

If you see a smoking or tampered heavy-duty diesel commercial vehicle you can fill out an online form or call the DriveON contact centre (for the public) toll- free at 1-833-420-2103.

A heavy-duty diesel commercial vehicle operates on diesel fuel and has a registered gross weight, an actual weight or a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,500 kilograms such as a large truck or bus.

Tampering refers to removing or rendering inoperative all or part of a system or device used to prevent or lessen the discharge of any contaminant.

Please have the following information available, if possible/applicable:

  • the licence plate of the vehicle
  • a description of the vehicle
  • the location, date and time you saw the vehicle
  • business name and location

Report a complaint about a vehicle inspection centre or technician

We have zero-tolerance for fraud or consumer abuse within the DriveON program.

If you have any concerns, please contact the DriveON contact centre toll-free at 1-833-420-2103 and by email to info@driveonportal.com.

We are serious about protecting vehicle owners and will investigate your complaints.

Become a DriveON centre or technician

The DriveON program started on July 1, 2022, with facilities that previously tested emissions only and were followed by motor vehicle inspection stations.

Existing MVIS facilities that perform annual and semi-annual, safety inspections or a combination of both annual, semi-annual and safety inspections on light duty or passenger vehicles, can apply to the new DriveON program as of May 9, 2024.

MVIS facilities whose applications are approved will be onboarded into the DriveON program. This will allow the purchase of the necessary equipment through the DriveON portal.

Existing MVIS facilities that only perform light duty or passenger vehicle inspections can submit their application to join the DriveON program as of September 3, 2024.

If you are not currently an MVIS facility operator you will be able to submit your application to become a vehicle inspection centre through the DriveON portal as of October 1, 2024.

Next steps for businesses and existing Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations to join DriveON:

To register to become an accredited DriveON Vehicle Inspection Centre, you will need:

  • current MVIS station number (for existing MVIS facilities)
  • tax Compliance Verification (TCV) certificate and number
  • business number
  • one of the following:
    • certificate of registration
    • profile report
    • articles of incorporation
    • master business licence
  • banking information (account, transit, branch numbers)
  • business insurance certificate with listed coverages

For more information on registration please review the DriveON program enrolment information on the DriveON portal.

Next steps for Technicians joining DriveON:

  • Have a valid Certificate of Qualification with Skilled Trades Ontario that is active and ensures all fees have been paid. To verify this information, you can:
  • Register as a technician on the DriveON portal.
  • Complete the mandatory online training available on the portal free of charge and available 24/7.

DriveON vehicle inspection centres and technicians must follow the inspection procedures and apply the equipment and performance standards set out in Ontario’s DriveON inspection directive (PDF).

If you have questions, please contact the Vehicle Inspection Centre Assistance Line (for VICs), by:

Heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicle on-board diagnostic non-communication exemption list

A small number of heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicles are expected to be identified with unique testing characteristics that prevent them from communicating with an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test unit. These vehicles cannot be OBD-tested to determine if the OBD system has an active emission-related Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

A technician may issue an emissions inspection certificate that indicates a pass without testing the vehicle to determine whether the OBD system has an active emissions-related DTC, if MTO has identified the vehicle as being exempt from the testing. The vehicle would still need to show compliance with the opacity standards to be issued a vehicle emissions report indicating a pass.

The OBD monitor readiness exemption table below will be updated regularly as heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicles that cannot be OBD-tested are identified.

On-board diagnostic monitor readiness exemption list

A small number of heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicles are expected to be identified with unique testing characteristics that require exceptions to diagnostic monitor checks that are part of the on-board diagnostic test.

The on-board diagnostic test will exclude the check of monitor status for Monitor IDs that are listed in the table below for the specific vehicles identified in the table below. All other aspects of the on-board diagnostic test will apply.

This table will be updated as heavy-duty diesel commercial motor vehicles that have unique testing characteristics for the on-board diagnostic test are identified.

OBD monitor readiness exemption table
Item Column 1:
Start model year
Column 2:
End model year
Column 3:
Make
Column 4:
Model
Column 5:
VIN mask
Column 6:
Monitor IDs excluded
1 2007 2007 Dodge Ram Pickup N/A Exhaust gas sensor, PM filter
Monitor name and ID table
OBD monitor ID number Diesel monitor name
1 Comprehensive components
2 Misfire
3 Fuel control
4 NMHC catalyst
5 NOx SCR aftertreatment
6 Exhaust gas sensor
7 PM filter
8 EGR
9 Not applicable
10 Boost pressure system
11 Readiness result of A/C refrigerant
12 Readiness result of thermostat
13 Readiness result of PCV

This table relates to column six of the OBD monitor readiness exemption table.