OPP are reporting increasing numbers of motorists with expired licence plates.
OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt in a video posted to Twitter reminded owners of passenger or light commercial vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds that they still have to renew their plates even though the government has dropped the fees.
“It may not cost anything but you are still required to go online and renew your registration,” Schmidt said. “All you need is your permit number, your licence plate number, your mileage, insurance, pay any outstanding fines if there are any on your account, but the renewal is free … It usually expires on your birthday.”
The Highway Traffic Act says that an offence under the section ‘Drive motor vehicle, with no currently validated permit’ carries a fine of $60-$1,000 on conviction.
A licence plate can be renewed online at ontario.ca/page/renew-your-licence-plate or in person at a Service Ontario Centre.
Jordanna Colwill, a spokesperson for Ontario Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney, said the government cut costs for over eight million drivers by eliminating licence plate renewal fees — $120 in southern Ontario and $60 in Northern Ontario annually.
2022-07-18 Ottawa Sun - LICENCE PLATE RENEWAL: Free doesn't mean forget about it
2022-07-18 Ottawa Sun - LICENCE PLATE RENEWAL: Free doesn't mean forget about it
Ottawa Sun - LICENCE PLATE RENEWAL: Free doesn't mean forget about it
Service Ontario
Service Ontario - Renew Your Licence Plate
Overview
Your vehicle must have a valid licence plate and be insured to drive legally in Ontario. The licence plate renewal period varies depending on type of vehicle and if you choose to renew for 1 or 2 years.
Owners of passenger vehicles, light duty vehicles under 3,000 kg, motorcycles and mopeds must still renew licence plates every 1 or 2 years, usually before your birthday.
When you renew:
- you will no longer receive a sticker
- you do not have to pay licence plate renewal fees
Digital reminders
- law enforcement will be instantly aware your licence plate was renewed
Sign up to get email, text message or phone call reminders 60 and 30 days before it’s time to renew your licence plate, driver’s licence or health card.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-service ... -reminders
What you need to know before you renew
To renew your licence plate , you need:
- your licence plate number
- your vehicle permit number
- your insurance company name and policy number
- your odometer reading
- to pay any defaulted fines, tolls or fees
- to pay for your renewal fees (if applicable)
find out if you need an emissions test
- an emissions test, if you are renewing for a heavy-duty diesel vehicle
Renew online and in-person
When you need to renew
You can renew your licence plate up to 180 days before it expires.
The expiry date for individuals is usually your birthday.
Business owners and joint registrants should check your vehicle permit for your expiry date.
Renew online
Most customers can renew online.
Renew your licence plate
Renew in-person
You must renew your licence plate sticker in-person at a ServiceOntario centre if the renewal is for a farm or heavy commercial vehicle over 3,000kg (kilogram).
Visit a ServiceOntario centre if you cannot renew online.
Questions about renewals
Find out more information about renewal requirements or call us at 1-800-387-3445.