Driving a Car Without Number Plate in Ontario

Introduction

Buying a used car sounds like a lot of fun, but there are a lot of things involved. One of the most common questions that people ask is, ‘Can I drive a used car without plates in Ontario?’ So, let us answer you. Many places in Ontario have specific rules about driving used cars. Before you drive a car on the road, there are some things that you need to see, like following all the traffic laws and driving safely. 

The whole process can look complicated to you but don’t worry. It’s a simple process as long as you take care of the paperwork and other requirements. You will be able to drive your used car in Ontario without any problem.

Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies to ensure that you enjoy a smooth ride without facing any legal hurdles.

Understanding the Rules: Temporary and Permanent Plates

Driving a car without plates is illegal in the Ontario region. The law says that a vehicle should be registered and insured before driving on the roads. If you just purchased a car, you can only drive to the ServiceOntario center for the registration.   

Temporary Plates

You can use temporary plates to help when you have just bought a car and haven’t received any new plates yet. You can get temporary plates from ServiceOntario. These plates are only valid for ten 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 plates. For that, you need to visit a ServiceOntario center with all the important documents and pay the fees to complete the process.

Handle Insurance First

You need to sort the insurance before getting licensed plates. Driving without insurance is illegal, and you may end up paying huge fines.

Insurance Before Plates

You need to purchase an insurance policy from a good insurance company in Ontario before getting licensed plates.

Stay Insured During Ownership Transfer

You need to double-check that your car is insured during the ownership transfer process. Check everything before doing deals with the seller, as this can lead to penalties.

Also Read: How do I replace a 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?

UVIP is an important document and includes a lot of information like:

• • The car’s description
  • Car Registration History in Ontario
  • Any outstanding debts on the car
  • The car’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 a 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. 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 the car ownership within six days then it can lead to other legal problems.

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 inspection for the SSC checked many points: 

• • The car’s braking system
  • Steering
  • Lights and signals
  • Fuel system

Also Read: How Much Does a Safety Inspection Cost in Ontario?

Conclusion

So it’s clear now that driving a used car without plates in Ontario is illegal. The rules structure is very strict in the Ontario region and it allows temporary plates in the beginning. But 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. In six days, the ownership should be transferred. You need to understand the importance of the UVIP document and get it before driving the car on the roads.

Plus, you also need to get a Safety Standards Certificate, which is another important document to show that your car meets minimum safety standards. When you are buying a used car, you may miss out on these rules. But for every Ontario region, there is no other way out than following these rules. You can always feel safe about your driving and never have to worry about any type of penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Many car owners have questions about driving a used car without plates in Ontario. So, let’s break them down here and give you the right answers.

1.      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.

2.      How can I apply for temporary plates in Ontario?

You can get temporary plates by visiting a ServiceOntario center with the important documents, such as an insurance policy, a bill of sale, and the current odometer reading.

3.      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.

4.      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 from a company licensed to operate in Ontario.

5.      What is a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC), and why is it necessary?

An SSC document, also known as a pink slip or roadworthy certificate, is proof that your vehicle meets safety standards. This certificate is valid for 36 days from the date of issue.

6.      How long do I have to transfer ownership after buying a car?

You must transfer ownership of the car within six days from the sale date. After six days, you may have to pay for any fines and face complications.

Also Read: How do I prove ownership of a car in Canada?

7.      Can I get the UVIP if the seller does not provide it?

Yes, in such cases, the buyer can obtain the UVIP from any ServiceOntario center by providing the vehicle’s VIN or license plate number.

8.      What if I don’t adhere to the six-day rule for transferring ownership?

Not following the six-day rule for transferring ownership is illegal. You may have to pay fines to the government. So, it’s best to complete the ownership transfer on time to avoid any trouble in the future.

9.      Can I use my old car’s plates on the newly purchased vehicle?

No, you can’t use the old plate on your newly purchased vehicles. You need to get new plates or legally transfer your old plates.

10.  Can I drive a car without plates on weekends or on holidays?

No, you need to wait until you get the temporary or permanent plates from the ServiceOntario center.

11.  What machanisms are inspected during a Safety Standards inspection?

The inspector checks the vehicle’s braking system, steering mechanism, lights, signals, and fuel system.

12.  Where can I get more details on buying a used car in Ontario?

You can browse the official website of ServiceOntario or talk with a legal expert who knows automobile industry rules.

13.  Are there any services to help with the transfer of ownership and other legal formalities?

Yes, there are many service providers who can help you in the vehicle transfer process. You can also contact Greenway Auto Recycling team for a smother experience.

14.  Can I get temporary plates online?

No, you need to visit a ServiceOntario center in person to get temporary plates.

15.  What if my temporary plates expire before I get permanent ones?

You must stop driving the car until you get permanent plates. You must follow government rules, or else you may end up paying big fines.

So far, we have talked about the rules for driving a used car without plates in Ontario. You need to follow every step to avoid any repercussions in the future.

Last Updated on 05th December 2024