How long can you drive in Ontario with license plates from another province?
7 minute read Published on Aug 17, 2024 by BrokerLink Communications
Whether you’re taking in the sights of Niagara Falls, the CN Tower or Parliament Hill, Ontario is a go-to destination for visitors. Between moving and vacationing, people cross over the province’s 14 borders daily. That begs the question, “How long can you drive in Ontario without plates from the province?” The answer will vary depending on the situation.
At BrokerLink, we understand that when you first arrive in a new province, you might not have the appropriate licence plate. This isn’t to say you’re barred from driving in the province at all. On the contrary, you can drive without province license plates for a certain amount of time. With that said, let’s explore how long you can drive in Ontario with out-of-province license plates.
The difference between visitors and new residents
Moving to Ontario and visiting are two different things. Visitors don’t have to do much different, even if they are doing some long-distance driving. However, those moving permanently will have to jump through a couple of extra hoops. Here’s what you need to know:
Visitors
If you have a valid Canadian driver’s licence, licence plates and an insurance policy, no extra work is required on your part. You can drive in the province and still be covered by your existing insurance policy.
On the other hand, if you are visiting Ontario for an extended period, you must notify your insurance company ahead of time. This will allow them to make the required policy changes and increase your coverage levels if necessary.
New Resident
If you are moving to Ontario from another province, your driver’s licence, plates, and insurance policy will be valid for 30 days, starting on your first day of living here. After this grace period, you will require Ontario-based documents in order to continue driving.
Converting your driver's licence to an Ontario driver's license
Congratulations on choosing Ontario as your new home! If this is the case, you will need the proper documentation for your vehicle. In addition to new licence plates, you’ll need an Ontario driver’s licence and insurance. Here are the steps you’ll need to take when making the switch:
Get an Ontario driver’s licence
First, you’ll need an Ontario driver’s licence. If you are moving from another province, switching your licence to an Ontario one isn’t much of a hassle, although we’ll discuss this in detail later.
Get car insurance
Next, you will need to get car insurance from an Ontario provider. Insurance requirements differ from province to province, so having the right coverage is essential.
Obtain a Safety Standards Certificate
All Ontario vehicles have to meet the province’s minimum safety standards. You cannot get your licence plates until you have this certificate in hand. There are inspection stations across Ontario that can certify your vehicle meets safety standards. Just bring your valid driver’s licence from the Ministry of Transportation with you.
Receive your new licence plates
You can get your plates after getting your new driver’s licence, Ontario insurance and safety standards certificate. Visit your nearest Service Ontario location to get your new licence plates. You can even get a custom licence plate!
Getting an Ontario driver’s licence
If you are moving to Ontario from another Canadian province, the United States or another country that has an exchange agreement with Ontario, you can exchange your licence. You are given credit for your previous driving experience. For an exchange agreement to go through, visit a drive test location with the following:
- An original copy of ID that shows your legal name, date of birth and signature.
- Your original, valid out-of-province or foreign driver’s licence.
- Any other supporting documents in English or French that show proof of your driving experience.
You will also have to complete an application form, take an eye test and pay the applicable fee.
How the driver’s licence system works in Ontario
Ontario uses the Graduated Drivers Licensing System. The two-step process allows new drivers to practice and gain experience driving. It takes a minimum of 20 months to complete. Drivers can obtain licences in the following levels: G1, G2, and G. A “G” class licence is your full and final licence and marks the completion of the program.
When you have a G1 or G2 class licence, you must adhere to certain restrictions while on the road. The main limitation for those with a G2-class licence is driving with a blood alcohol level of 0 at all times. G1 drivers have more restrictions, which include the following:
- Must be accompanied by a fully licenced driver with a minimum of 4 years of experience with a G class licence.
- Cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Cannot drive on any 400 series highway.
- Must have a blood alcohol level of 0 while driving.
Getting in a car accident in Ontario with out-of-province plates
If you are moving to Ontario and get into an accident within your 30-day grace period, you are covered under your existing insurance policy. If you are visiting, it comes down to your province’s insurance regulations and your personal policy. Before leaving, ask your insurance provider what your policy includes and if the coverage remains effective when visiting another province.
If you get into an accident in Ontario, you must comply with the Ontario Traffic Act laws, not the laws of the province where your vehicle is registered. In Ontario, the law states you must do the following:
- Stop if you are involved in any sort of accident. If you don’t stop, you may be subject to criminal prosecution.
- Call the police if anyone is injured, if the total damage to any or all of the vehicles involved appears to be more than $2,000, or if you suspect any driver involved is guilty of a Criminal Code offence, like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- When it is safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be driven, turn on your hazard lights or use cones, warning triangles, or flares.
What you need to know before coming to Ontario
Whether moving or travelling to Ontario from your current province, you should familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of Ontario roads. Each province has its own legal standards around driving, licensing and car insurance.
Regarding car insurance, Ontario has its own unique laws. Some provinces provide auto insurance through the government. However, in Ontario, this is not the case. You have to either find your own insurance provider or seek assistance from a broker. The types of insurance coverage required might also differ. Every province has mandatory minimum coverages. Here are the types of coverage required by law in Ontario:
Third-Party Liability Coverage
This covers you if someone else is injured or killed or their property is damaged due to an accident that was your fault.
Accident Benefits Coverage
This covers costs associated with injury resulting from an accident.
Direct Compensation & Property Damage Coverage
This covers you for damages to your vehicle or its contents and loss of use of your vehicle or its contents if another person was at fault for the accident.
Uninsured Automobile Coverage
This protects you if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured vehicle that flees the scene before its identity can be determined.
What you need for registering an out-of-province vehicle in Ontario
Registering an out-of-province vehicle in Ontario requires patience and organization. By coming prepared with the necessary information, registering your out-of-province vehicle should be a breeze. Be sure to have the following:
- Your driver’s licence or a copy of your RIN (registrant identification number).
- A completed used vehicle information package (only applicable if you are registering a passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle, motorcycle or motorhome).
- A copy of proof of purchase (e.g. a receipt or invoice for your car purchase).
- Proof of car insurance (which is mandatory in Canada).
- A vehicle permit and the licence plate portion of the permit (if you have a licence plate for the vehicle).
- Your driver’s licence or another piece of government-issued identification to prove your name and date of birth.
Key considerations before moving to Ontario with an out-of-province car
There are a few things to know before moving to Ontario with an out-of-province vehicle. Like other Canadian provinces and territories, car insurance is mandatory. In other words, you will need to purchase car insurance if you don’t have a policy already. Additionally, it must meet the minimum requirements set by the province, including $200,000 in liability car insurance.
Besides insurance, you’ll need a valid driver’s license—an Ontario driver’s license. You should switch over your driver’s licence as soon as you arrive. Further, the country you are travelling from can also be important. For example, if you are driving into Ontario from the United States, your U.S. driver’s licence, car insurance, and vehicle registration should be valid during your trip. However, if you are visiting from another country, especially one where neither English nor French is the official language, then the rules might be slightly different. If this scenario applies to you, we recommend obtaining an International Driving Permit before your trip.
Contact BrokerLink for car insurance solutions!
Several insurance companies have locations and write policies for the entire country. Others may be local or only available in your native province. When you arrive in Ontario, you might have to get a policy with a new company. Finding car insurance can be a hassle, especially when dealing with moving. Since you’re driving somewhere new, you might want extra coverage. In Ontario, optional coverage options include:
Getting insurance doesn’t have to be difficult, though. Trusting an insurance broker from BrokerLink will make the process simple. We will shop around for you and help you find the right policy at an affordable price. Contact us today.