Car safety certificate Ontario – Safety Inspection | Ultimate Guide
We know you hate paperwork, but getting a Safety Standards Certificate is necessary if you need to buy, sell, or register a used car in Ontario. This certificate proves that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards, which allows you to drive your car legally. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a car safety inspection and Safety Standards Certificate.
What Is an Ontario Safety Certificate?
A car safety standards certificate in Ontario is one of the documents you need to obtain plates for a used vehicle in certain situations, such as when transferring ownership or registering an imported vehicle. This certificate is required by the Ministry of Transportation to confirm that your vehicle meets the minimum required safety standards in the province at the time of inspection.
When buying a used car, note that a car safety certificate does not guarantee the condition of the vehicle and you should get the vehicle checked thoroughly before signing a deal.
Why Do You Need a Safety Standards Certificate in Ontario?
When registering a used vehicle, you need an Ontario safety certificate valid at the time of registration. The purpose of this certificate is to make Ontario roads safer for everyone. By ensuring that all cars sold in Ontario meet the minimum safety requirements, the MTO helps reduce the risk of accidents caused by unsafe vehicles.
Does a Safety Standards Certificate Affect Car Insurance?
In Ontario, obtaining a Safety Standards Certificate is a mandatory step when registering a vehicle, especially if it’s a used vehicle from another province or country, or if you’re transferring ownership. This certificate confirms that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards set by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
While the primary purpose of the Safety Standards Certificate is to ensure that vehicles meet safety standards for registration, it’s important to know that car insurance in Ontario companies may also consider it when issuing policies. Some insurers might request this certificate to verify the vehicle’s roadworthiness before providing coverage. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine if they require this certificate as part of their underwriting process.
Key Points:
- Mandatory for Registration: You cannot register a vehicle in Ontario without a Safety Standards Certificate.
- Insurance Considerations: Some insurance companies may require this certificate to validate coverage eligibility.
- Validity: The certificate is valid for 36 days from the date of issuance.
Additionally, it’s recommended to consult with our Ontario Car insurance Brokers to understand their specific requirements regarding vehicle inspections and documentation.
When Do I need A Safety Standard Certificate in Ontario?
A car safety standard certificate isn’t needed every time you register a vehicle in Ontario. In fact, there are only four cases when getting a is mandatory:
- Transferring Vehicle Ownership: If you’re doing a vehicle ownership transfer in Ontario ( transferring ownership of a used vehicle to or from an individual who isn’t a spouse) .
- Vehicle Import: If your vehicle is imported from another country or province.
- Rebuilt Vehicle: If your vehicle was branded as salvage and has been rebuilt, it must pass a safety inspection to be legally driven.
- Vehicle Status Change: If your vehicle was previously deemed unfit and failed a safety inspection or was involved in an accident, you must obtain a Safety Standards Certificate before registering it.
What Are Vehicle Inspection Criteria in Ontario?
Vehicle inspection criteria changes based on the type of your vehicle. When you go to a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (MVIS), the mechanics will use government-regulated inspection criteria to ensure your car meets the minimum safety standards required.
What is part of the vehicle safety inspection checklist?
An Ontario safety inspection checklist includes various components that directly impact the vehicle’s roadworthiness and safety, including:
- Body & Frame
- Brakes
- Tires & Wheels
- Electrical System
- Steering & Suspension
- Coupling Devices
- Windshield & Wipers
- Exhaust System
These components will be checked for leaks, rust, damage, excessive smoke or emissions, and overall functionality. After the car safety inspection checklist is completed, your vehicle will undergo a road test, and if it shows any signs of damage, it’ll fail the test. Afterwards, the mechanic will determine if your car meets the minimum safety requirements in your province.
If your vehicle passes the safety inspection in Ontario, you’ll receive the Safety Standards Certificate required to register your vehicle and obtain a license plate. However, if any of the components fail the safety check, you’ll need to make the necessary repairs and undergo another inspection to get a safety standards certificate.
In short, your vehicle must pass the safety inspection in order to be legally driven in Ontario.
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Why Would a Vehicle Fail an Ontario Safety Inspection?
When taking your vehicle for a safety inspection, don’t stress too much, most issues can be fixed. Some problems like small leak marks around the joints or tiny cracks in the windshield that don’t obstruct the wipers won’t cause your vehicle to fail the safety inspection test. Surely, these issues will need to be fixed in the future, but when getting your car inspected for a safety certificate, you’ll need to address major problems first. Issues related to the electrical system, body, tires, or exhaust system can cause your vehicle to fail the safety inspection.
Below are some critical safety concerns that you need to fix before having your vehicle inspected.
Electrical System and Lights
Your vehicle’s electrical system is responsible for powering important functions, including lights, signals, and other safety features. If your electrical system is malfunctioning, it can lead to visibility issues and safety hazards, which can cause you to fail your safety inspection.
Exhaust System Leaks
If your exhaust system has holes, visible cracks, or rust damage, it can lead to harmful gas leaks and environmental hazards. If not fixed immediately, these major leaks and excessive emissions can cause your vehicle to fail a safety inspection.
Brake System Issues
Brakes wear out over time and need to be replaced, especially if you’re buying a used vehicle. A faulty brake system drastically increases the risk of accidents by reducing stopping power. According to Ontario’s guidelines, your brake shoe-lining should be replaced if it’s 1.6 millimetres or less to pass the safety inspection.
Tires and Wheels Issues
If your tire tread depth is less than 2 mm, you should replace your tires before taking your vehicle to a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station. Tires are one of the main reasons for accidents, as they directly affect your driving, braking, and overall vehicle control.
Suspension Problems
If your vehicle is pulling to one side or the steering is difficult, it could be a sign of suspension issues that need to be fixed before having your car inspected. Also, if there’s a difference in vehicle alignment of 25 mm or more, it may indicate worn ball joints or springs, which could fail you the safety inspection test.
Windshield & Wipers Issues
If you have cracks in your windshield that obstruct your view or affect your wipers, or if your wipers aren’t working properly, your car will fail the safety inspection test. If you have issues with your windshield or wipers, you should have them fixed before taking a car safety inspection.
Steering Wheel Concerns
One of the main reasons for accidents in Ontario is steering wheel issues, such as difficulty controlling the vehicle or clunking sounds when turning. These issues indicate worn-out parts that need to be checked before going to a vehicle safety inspection.
Frame and Body Damage
Major structural damage, excessive rust, and missing bolts in key areas can weaken your vehicle and compromise safety by reducing crash protection. If your frame or body has noticeable damage, we recommend fixing it before getting your car inspected.
Coupling Devices
If you want to get license plates for your trailer or tow truck, the inspector will check your coupling devices to ensure they are secure and functioning properly. Issues with your coupling devices can lead to detachment while towing a car.
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Do All Used Vehicles Require a Car Safety Inspection in Ontario?
While most used vehicles require a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) in Ontario, there are a few cases where you can be exempt from this requirement. You don’t need a safety standard certificate if you are:
- Registering a used motorized snow vehicle, off-road vehicle, motor-assisted bicycle, or trailer.
- Transferring the vehicle to your spouse.
How Much Does a Vehicle Safety Certificate Cost in Ontario?
A vehicle standards certificate in Ontario costs between $60 and $150. The price for this certificate depends on where you get your safety inspection, as it varies from one station to another. Mainly, these factors affect your vehicle safety inspection cost:
- Location of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Station
- Type of Vehicle
- Additional Repairs Required
How Long Is a Safety Certificate Good for in Ontario?
After passing the car safety inspection, you’ll obtain a vehicle safety standards certificate valid for 36 calendar days. Ensure to register your vehicle within this period because if the certificate expires, you’ll need to pay for another car safety inspection and certificate.
To prevent this from happening, plan and schedule your vehicle registration as soon as you receive your safety standards certificate.
Do I Need a Safety Certificate to Sell My Car?
You don’t necessarily need a safety standards certificate when selling your car, but the buyer might ask you to provide it. If you don’t provide a vehicle safety certificate when selling your car, the buyer will need to get the car thoroughly inspected to be able to register it and legally drive it in Ontario.
What Should I Do Before Taking My Car For a Safety Inspection?
To increase your chances of passing a safety inspection test in Ontario, we recommend following these suggestions from our experts:
- Ensure your vehicle isn’t producing excessive emissions or smoke. If it does, check your exhaust system for any issues.
- Make sure there are no leaks in the fuel, brake, or oil systems as they can lead to failing the safety inspection.
- Ensure your lights and signals are working properly.
- Check your tires and ensure the tire tread depth is no less than 2 mm.
- Fix any large cracks in your windshield that obstruct your view and ensure the wipers are working properly.
- Listen for any clunking sounds when driving over bumps, check for loose steering, and make sure your car doesn’t pull to one side while driving.
- Ensure your rear-view mirrors and side mirrors don’t have any cracks and test your horn to ensure it works well.
What Happens if My Vehicle Doesn’t Pass the Safety Inspection?
If your car doesn’t pass the safety inspection in Ontario, you won’t be able to legally drive it until you make the necessary repairs and undergo a reinspection.
After failing a vehicle safety inspection, the mechanic will provide you with a report including the major issues in your car that caused you to fail. You must have these issues fixed before taking your car for another inspection.
Once you complete the required repairs, you can reschedule a reinspection to obtain a certificate. If your vehicle passes the inspection, you’ll get the safety standards certificate required for obtaining licence plates.
What is the new vehicle inspection program in Ontario?
Ontario’s new vehicle inspection program introduces DriveON, a digital platform that replaces the paper-based Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations (MVIS) program. The old MVIS program will end on March 31, 2025, and all inspection stations should switch to DriveON if they want to continue conducting car safety inspections. This new program makes safety and emissions inspections easier and more accurate.
The main features of this new program are:
- All inspections will be recorded digitally, which is more efficient than paperwork.
- This program will improve accuracy and transparency as digital records help reduce fraud.
- It’ll allow vehicle owners and mechanics to access inspection details easily.
How Long Does a Safety Inspection Take in Ontario?
A car safety inspection takes around 90 minutes, depending on the inspection station and the vehicle condition. Also, larger vehicles like trucks and commercial vehicles take more time due to more complex inspection requirements.
Car safety certificate Ontario: FAQs
1- Is a safety certificate required in Ontario?
A safety certificate in Ontario is only required when you’re:
- Transferring vehicle ownership of a used car from or to someone who isn’t a spouse.
- Registering an imported vehicle from another country or province.
- Registering a rebuilt vehicle.
- Changing the vehicle’s status from “unfit” to “fit”.
2- How much does a vehicle safety standards certificate cost in Ontario?
A vehicle Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) costs anywhere between $60 and $150 in Ontario. The exact cost depends on where you get the inspection and the condition of your vehicle.
3- How long is a vehicle safety inspection good for in Ontario?
Your Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) is valid for 36 calendar days from the issue date. You must register your vehicle within this period or the certificate will expire, and you’ll need to pay for another safety inspection to obtain a new certificate.
4- Where can I get a vehicle safety standards inspection?
You can get a vehicle safety standards inspection at any licensed Motor Vehicle Inspection Station in Ontario.
5- What is included in a car safety inspection checklist in Ontario?
A car safety inspection checklist in Ontario includes checks on brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension, windshield, wipers, exhaust system, fluid leaks, and structure to ensure the vehicle meets minimum safety standards.
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