Licensing a Vehicle in Ontario
Most vehicles on Ontario roads must be registered, insured, and maintained to meet specific basic standards. If you own a vehicle, you are responsible to ensure that it meets the requirements. As a new Ontario resident, you will need to register your vehicle within thirty days of arrival. Should you move or should your contact details change, you will need to notify the Ministry of Transportation within six days.
Ontario Driver’s Licence
In Ontario, there are 12 different driver’s licence classes. Each one qualifies you to drive a different type of vehicle. The majority of drivers seek the G Licence, which is a full licence allowing a driver to operate any car, van or small truck.
If you are a new resident of Ontario and have a valid driver’s licence from another province or country, you can use that licence for a maximum of 60 days after your move to Ontario. New Ontario residents have 30 days before they must register their vehicles and get an Ontario licence plate and vehicle permit.
Visitors
If you visit Ontario for less than 3 months and want to drive while here, you may use your valid driver’s licence from your own province, state, or country. You do not need to visit a DriveTest Centre, but you must have appropriate vehicle insurance coverage and carry an original copy of the vehicle ownership permit.
If you are visiting Ontario from another country for more than 3 months, you should consider an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Obtaining an International Driver’s Licence with your photo, before you leave your home country, will enable you to drive in Canada for one year – but you must also carry your valid home license with you.
Rules to remember
- You are legally required to carry your driver's licence with you whenever you drive. You should also carry your car registration; vehicle permit and a copy of your car insurance certificate.
- You and your passengers must always wear seat belts when you are driving in Canada.
- Ontario adopted a no tolerance for handheld devices law. This law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial, or email using hand–held cell phones or other hand-held communication and entertainment devices while driving.
- Babies and children who are too small to wear seat belts safely must be placed in car seats whenever you drive. There are different types of car seats for different ages and weights. For more information, please visit here.
NOTE: Ontario operates a Demerit Point System for driving related offences. A driver begins with zero demerit points and accumulates demerit points for driving-related convictions. The points are recorded on their records. Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the offence date. If you collect enough points, you could lose your driver's licence
Road Traffic Accidents
If you are involved in a road traffic accident, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, should you need medical help. Stay where you are and get someone to call the police if anyone is injured or any public property damaged. You should also report the accident immediately to your car insurance company. It is important to exchange your name, address, and telephone number, as well as your insurance and driver's licence numbers with the other driver. Never leave the scene of an accident, especially if you have hit someone. This is a serious offence known as `hit-and-run.’
Record of Incidents
Any accidents, speeding tickets, will generally stay on your record/driver's abstract for three years and will usually affect the insurance premium you will have to pay.
Automobile and Home Insurance
Ontario law requires that all motorists have automobile insurance. It is compulsory. You can purchase auto insurance from insurance companies, which in Ontario are private (not regulated). Rates vary, so it pays to shop around. Consider getting quotes from the University’s preferred insurer (TD Meloche-Monnex).
Before you can attach license plates to a vehicle, renew your registration, or buy a temporary (trip) permit, the vehicle must be insured. All vehicles must be insured for third party liability of at least $200,000. When driving your own or someone else's vehicle, you must carry the pink liability insurance slip for that vehicle. Failure to do so, can results in a fine if you are pulled over by a police officer.
TIP: Generally speaking, you will receive better insurance discounts if you use the same company to insure both your home and vehicle(s).
For more information on Home Insurance, please visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada.