Bought a used car and wondering if you can drive it home without plates? Many Ontario drivers unknowingly break registration rules right after purchasing a vehicle
Owning a car is a luxury, whether it is new or old. If you recently purchased a used car, you may have questions like, “Can I drive a used car without a license plate in Ontario?” or “How do I transfer a car title?” etc. So, let’s answer those questions. Ontario has specific rules related to used car ownership and registration. Before you drive a car on the road, there are some important requirements you need to understand.
You can legally drive your used car in Ontario once you complete the paperwork and fulfill all legal requirements.
Understanding the Rules: Temporary and Permanent Plates
Driving a car without license plates is illegal in Ontario, Canada. The law says that a vehicle should be registered and insured before driving on the roads. If you recently purchased a car, you can generally only drive it for registration purposes after meeting legal requirements.
Temporary Plates
You can use temporary plates when you have just bought a car and haven’t received your new registration plates yet. You can get temporary plates from ServiceOntario. These plates are only valid for 10 days. To get these plates, you need to have:
- Proof of insurance policy
- Title proof or bill of sale
- The current odometer reading
Permanent Plates
Once you transfer your car’s ownership, the next step is to get permanent license plates. For that, you need to visit a ServiceOntario center again with all the important documents and pay the fees to complete the process.
Insurance Before Plates
You need to arrange insurance before getting license plates. Driving without insurance is illegal, and you may end up paying huge fines. You need to purchase an insurance policy from a good insurance company in Ontario before getting licensed plates.
You need to double-check that your car is insured during the ownership transfer process. Check everything carefully before finalizing the deal with the seller, as mistakes can lead to penalties.
Also Read: How do I replace lost car ownership in Ontario?
Understanding the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)
The UVIP document is important when you are buying a used car. The seller must provide this document, as it gives key details about the car’s history. So, this document is needed at the time of ownership transfer.
What is Inside the UVIP?
As the name suggests, UVIP stands for Used Vehicle Information Package. This document contains information such as
- The car’s description
- Car Registration History in Ontario
- Any outstanding debts on the car
- The vehicle’s wholesale and retail values
- Odometer readings
Getting the UVIP
If the seller doesn’t provide you with a UVIP package, you can still get it from the ServiceOntario center with the vehicle’s VIN or license plate number.
The Golden Six-Day Rule for Transfer of Ownership
You must keep in mind the six-day rule for car ownership transfer. Under this rule, both parties must transfer ownership within six days of the sale date to dodge any problems in the future.
Documents Required
Here are the important documents that you need to add to your checklist:
- The UVIP document
- Verified bill of sale
- Safety Standards Certificate
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you fail to transfer ownership within six days, it may lead to legal issues or penalties.
What is the Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)
You need a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) document to register a used vehicle you have purchased. This document is proof that your vehicle meets the basic safety requirements on the car inspection date.
How Long is an SSC Valid?
The SSC document is valid for 36 days from the issue date. It says that the vehicle meets the minimum safety standards.
What Does an Inspection Cover?
The SSC inspection checks several components, including:
- The car’s braking system
- Steering
- Lights and signals
- Fuel system
Also Read: How Much Does a Safety Inspection Cost in Ontario?
Conclusion
Driving a used car without plates in Ontario is illegal. The rules in Ontario are strict, but temporary plates valid for 10 days are available in certain situations. You can get a temporary license plate only when the vehicle’s ownership is transferred. Plus, to become a car owner of a used car, you need to follow the six-day rule. The ownership transfer must be completed within six days. You need to understand the importance of the UVIP document and get it before driving the car on the roads.
You also need to get a Safety Standards Certificate, which is another important document to show that your car meets minimum safety standards. When buying a used car, many people overlook these rules. But remember, rules are very strict and you have to follow them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
If you still have any questions related to driving a used car without plates, then go through these FAQs and clear all your doubts.
Can I drive a used car without plates in Ontario?
No, you cannot drive a used car without plates. It’s not allowed and also illegal. You need to apply for temporary plates until you get permanent plates.
How can I apply for temporary plates in Ontario?
You can get temporary plates by visiting a ServiceOntario center with the required documents, such as an insurance policy, a bill of sale, and the current odometer reading.
Why is the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) important?
The UVIP document is important because you can know the vehicle’s history, which is needed for ownership transfer. Plus, it includes other details like the registration history of the car in Ontario and any outstanding debts.
Can I apply for the car insurance before registration?
Yes, before you get your vehicle plated (either temporary or permanent), you must have a valid insurance policy.
What is a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC), and why is it necessary?
An SSC document is proof that your vehicle meets Ontario’s minimum safety standards, is proof that your vehicle meets safety standards. This certificate is valid for 36 days from the date of issue.
Understanding Ontario’s plate, insurance, and ownership transfer rules can help you avoid fines and legal trouble when purchasing a used car. You need to follow every step to avoid any repercussions in the future.
