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Vehicle registration plates of Ontario

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Ontario
Current series
SloganYours to discover/Tant à découvrir[note 1]
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial formatABCD-123
Introduced1997 (reissued in 2020) (1997 (reissued in 2020))
Availability
Issued byMinistry of Transportation of Ontario
Manufactured byTrilcor Industries
Milton, Ontario
History
First issued1911 (1911)
(pre-provincial plates from 1903 to 1911)

The Canadian province of Ontario first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1911, when the province began to issue plates.[1] Plates are currently issued by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). The location of plates is specified by the Highway Traffic Act[2] and Regulation 628 under the Act.[3]

The Crown

[edit]

The symbol of a crown representing the Crown of Canada has appeared on almost all Ontario licence plates since 1937, when it was first used to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Exceptions to this included a series of licence plates issued from 1951 to 1952, due to metal shortages from the Korean War;[4] and a series of farm plates issued in the 1980s and 1990s.

Toronto politician and Orange Order leader Leslie Saunders led protests against a proposal to remove the crown in 1948, a decision the government overturned.[5]

Passenger baseplates

[edit]

1911 to 1972

[edit]

In 1956, Canada, the United States, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for licence plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes.[6] The 1954 (dated 1955) issue was the first Ontario licence plate that complied with these standards.

Image Dates issued Design Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1911 White serial on blue porcelain plate; vertical "ONT." and "1911" at left and right respectively none 12345 1 to approximately 11500
1912 Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1912" at left none 12345 1 to approximately 16500
1913 Black serial on yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1913" at left none 12345 1 to approximately 24000
1914 Black serial on tan flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1914" at left none 12345 1 to approximately 33000
1915 Dark blue serial on light green flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1915" at left none 12345 1 to approximately 43000
1916 Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1916" at left none 12345 1 to approximately 64000
1917 Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1917" at right none 12345 1 to approximately 78000
1918 Dark blue serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1918" at left none 123456 1 to approximately 107000
1919 Black serial on golden yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1919" at left none 123456 1 to approximately 133000
1920 Dark green serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1920" at left none 123456 1 to approximately 162000
1921 Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 21" at left none 123-456 1 to approximately 184-000 First embossed plate.
1922 Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONT 22" at left none 123-456 1 to approximately 216-000
1923 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONT–1923" at bottom none 123-456 1 to approximately 260-000
1924 Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "ONT–1924" at bottom none 123-456 1 to approximately 313-000
1925 Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 25" at left none 123-456 1 to approximately 309-000
1926 Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONT 26" at left none 123-456 1 to approximately 415-000
1927 Embossed black serial on buff plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1927" at bottom none 123·456 1 to approximately 437·000 First use of the full province name.
1928 Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1928" at bottom none 123·456 1 to approximately 446·000
1929 Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1929" at bottom none 123·456 1 to approximately 477·000
1930 Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1930" at bottom none A-1234 A-1 to Z-9999 Letters G, I and Q not used in serials.[7]
AB-123 AA-1 to approximately PV-999
1931 Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1931" at top none A·1234 A·1 to Z·9999
AB·123 AA·1 to approximately OT·999
1932 Embossed black serial on grey plate; "ONTARIO 1932" at top none A·1234 A·1 to Z·9999
AB·123 AA·1 to approximately OB·999
1933 Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1933" at top none A·1234 A·1 to Z·9999
AB·123 AA·1 to approximately MZ·999
1934 Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO 1934" at top none A·1234 A·1 to Z·9999
AB·123 AA·1 to approximately NA·999
1935 Embossed black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top none A·1234 A·1 to Z·9999
AB·123 AA·1 to approximately OK·999
1936 Embossed white serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at bottom none A·1234 A·1 to Z·9999
AB·123 AA·1 to approximately PK·999
1937 Embossed white serial on red plate; "ONTARIO 1937" centred at top, with crowns to left and right none 1·A·234
12·A·34
123·A·4
First base to feature a crown in any form.
1938 Embossed orange serial on light blue plate; "19", crown and "38" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom none 1A234
12A34
123A4
Colours commemorate the Loyal True Blue and Orange Home.[8]
1939 Embossed white serial on black plate; "19", crown and "39" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1940 Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1940" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1941 Embossed green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1941" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1942 Embossed black serial on orange plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1942" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1943–44 Embossed orange serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1943" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
Revalidated for 1944 with windshield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II.
1945 Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1945" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1946 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1946" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1947 Embossed black serial on silver plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1947" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1948 Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1948" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1949 Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1949" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1234A
1950 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1950" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1234A
1951–52 Embossed blue serial on white plate; "19–ONTARIO–51" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1234A
AB123
Revalidated for 1952 with windshield stickers.
1953 Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1953" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1234A
AB123
1954 Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1954" at top none 1A234
12A34
123A4
A1234
1234A
AB123
1955 As 1953 base, but with "1955" to right of crown none 123·456
A12·345
First 6" x 12" plate.
1956 As 1954 base, but with "1956" to right of crown none 123·456
A·12345
1957 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1957" at top none 123·456
A·12345
1958 Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1958" at top none 123·456
A·12345
1959 As 1957 base, but with "1959" to right of crown none 123·456
A·12345
1960 As 1958 base, but with "1960" to right of crown none 123·456
A·12345
1961 As 1957 base, but with "1961" to right of crown none 123·456
A·12345
1962 As 1958 base, but with border line, and with "1962" to right of crown none 123·456
A·12345
1963 As 1957 base, but with border line, and with "1963" to right of crown none 123·456
A·12345
1964 As 1958 base, but with border line, and with "1964" to right of crown none 123·456
A·12345
1965 Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "ONTARIO", crown and "1965" at top none 123·456
A·12345
12345·A
1966 Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO", crown and "1966" at top none 123·456
A·12345
12345·A
1967 Embossed white serial with crown separator on blue plate with border line; "19 ONTARIO 67" at top "18 CONFEDERATION 67" at bottom 123-456
A12-345
123-45A
Issued as part of the Canadian Centennial celebration.
1968 Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "1968" and "ONTARIO" centred at top and bottom respectively none 123-456
A12-345
123-45A
1969 Embossed white serial with crown separator on blue plate with border line; "1969" and "ONTARIO" centred at top and bottom respectively none 123-456
A12-345
123-45A
1970 As 1968 base, but with "1970" at top none 123-456
A12-345
123-45A
1971 As 1969 base, but with "1971" at top none 123-456
A12-345
123-45A
1972 As 1968 base, but with "1972" at top none 123-456
A12-345
123-45A

1973 to present

[edit]

After 1973, Ontario ceased to issue plates annually. Instead, validation was indicated by means of stickers affixed to the top right of the rear plate. All Ontario license plates issued since 1973 remain valid for display.

In 1973, the "Keep it Beautiful" slogan was introduced to Ontario passenger plates. In 1982, the slogan was changed to "Yours to Discover". The adjustment was made to reflect the province's new tourism campaign.[9]

In April 2019, the Government of Ontario announced that the plates would be redesigned. The plates' design includes a superficial laminate layer manufactured by 3M.[10] The plates have a two-tone blue background with white letters and numbers flanking a stylized white trillium, and no longer embossed. The motto was also changed to "A Place to Grow", taking inspiration from Ontario's unofficial anthem "A Place to Stand, a Place to Grow".[11]

Issue of the new plates began in February 2020. The new plates faced criticism from law enforcement agencies, as their new design made them difficult to read in certain lighting conditions. Concerns were also raised that photo radar systems would have difficulty reading them, due to the lighting issues, as well as the smaller sizing of their "Ontario" text. On February 20, 2020, Premier Doug Ford stated that the government planned to recall the initial batch, and was working with 3M on improvements.[12] However, on May 6, 2020, a spokesperson for Ford announced that the blue plates would be discontinued entirely after "thorough testing by law enforcement and other key stakeholders". The previous white plates were reinstated, with their coating also made more durable, although the blue plates continued to be issued through early-June until their supply was exhausted.[13][14]

Image Dates issued Design Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1973–78 Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" centred at bottom ABC-123 AAA-001 to NKJ-999 Letters G, I and Q not used in this serial format, and U discontinued after the LMU series (1976).[7]
1978–82 As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right NKK-001 to TMA-999
1982–86 As above, but with no sticker box "YOURS TO DISCOVER" centred at bottom TMB-001 to ZZZ-999 Staggered registration introduced 1983, with each plate expiring in the same month as the registrant's birthday.
1986–94 123-ABC 001-AAA to 999-VYH Letters G, I, Q and U not used in this serial format.[7]
1994–97 Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top "YOURS TO DISCOVER" screened in blue centred at bottom 123-ABC 001-VYJ to 999-ZZZ Narrower serial dies introduced in preparation for ABCD-123 format, and O discontinued after the ZZO series (1997).
1997–2020
2020–present
ABCD-123 AAAA-001 to CLZZ-999; CPAA-001 to DCJV-999 (as of September 11, 2024)[15]
Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format.[7] Font had slightly changed from CASA-001 to CATR-999.[16]
2008–20
2020–present
"TANT À DÉCOUVRIR" screened in blue centred at bottom FAAA-001 to FAAY 026 (as of April 14, 2023)[17] Alternative issue, introduced in 2008. Certain series were allocated for the french slogan; BCAA, BEAA, BEAD, BEAE, BEAJ, BEAL, BEAM, BEAN, BEAP, BEAS, BSRH, BSRJ, BSRK, BTBE, and BTBF. Exclusive use of 'F' series of serials since April 2019.
2020 White on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right; "Ontario" screened in white centred at top.[18][19] Plates are made of synthetic material and are not embossed. "A PLACE TO GROW" screened in white centred at bottom. ABCD-123 CMAA-001 to CMMZ-349 (as of July 9, 2020)[17] The initial batch of these plates issued from February 1, 2020 to March 4, 2020 were recalled due to poor visibility at night when illuminated.[12] This design was later scrapped on May 6, 2020.[20]
"EN PLEIN ESSOR" screened in white centred at bottom[21] FAAE-000 to FAAM-000 Alternative issue.

Serial numbers reserved for government officials

[edit]
Serial(s) Political Office of Holder(s) Level of Government
CAN-001 Prime Minister of Canada Federal
CAN-002 to CAN-999 Federal Cabinet Ministers Federal
SEN-001 to SEN-999 Members of the Senate Federal
MHC-001 to MHC-999 Members of the House of Commons Federal
FCJ-001 to FCJ-999 Federal Court Judges Federal
FDA-001 to FDZ-999 Federally Owned Vehicles Federal
ONT-001 Premier of Ontario Provincial
ONT-002 to ONT-999 Provincial Cabinet Ministers Provincial
MPP-001 to MPP-999 Members of Provincial Parliament Provincial
SCO-001 to SCO-999 Ontario Superior Court of Justice Provincial
PJO-001 to PJO-999 Ontario Provincial Judges Provincial
ONA-001 to ONZ-999 Provincially Owned Vehicles[22] Provincial

Green vehicle plates

[edit]
Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
2010 Green on white with graphic white trillium separator "GREEN VEHICLE" GVAB 123 GVAA-001 to GVKC-815 (as of June 10, 2023)[17] Issued to electric vehicles (plug-in hybrid and battery electric) and hydrogen vehicles. Vehicles with these plates can access HOV lanes on 400-series highways regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle.[23] See also: government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles.
"VÉHICULE ÉCOLOGIQUE" VEAB 123 VEAA-001 to VEAB-658 (as of May 24, 2022)[17]

Historic vehicles

[edit]
Example of an Ontario Historic plate, affixed to the front of a vehicle.

Historic vehicle license plates were introduced in 1969 as yearly plates. In 1973, plates switched to permanently issued plates validated with stickers.

Vehicles more than 30 years old and substantially unchanged since manufacture may qualify for a "Historic" registration.[24]

Annual fees were much lower ($18 vs $120 for a passenger car until 2022),[25] but historic vehicles may not be used as conventional transportation. They legally may only be driven to and from events and parades where the vehicle is on display, to garages for maintenance, and other similar use cases. Annual renewal stickers are affixed to the rear plate, as with passenger vehicles.

Historic plates are not to be confused with year-of-manufacture plates.[26]

Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1969 White on blue plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags. none 12 345
1970 Blue on white plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags. none
1971 White on blue plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags. none
1972 Blue on white plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags. none
1973 Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right "HISTORIC VEHICLE" HVA-123
1978 As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right
1982 As above, but with no sticker box
1994 Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side. "YOURS TO DISCOVER"
Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side. 123-HVA 001-HVA to 999-HVZ
2007 Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side. 1H2345 1H0001 to 7H9039 (as of June 2, 2023)[17]

Commercial baseplates

[edit]
Exemption sticker

Unlike passenger cars, plate validation stickers for commercial vehicles are placed on the front plate, instead of the rear. This placement is consistent between trucks with visible rear plates, and tractor units where the rear plate is obscured by a trailer. Ontario vehicles registered in the International Registration Plan receive special commercial plates with "PRP" screened vertically at the left.

All pickup trucks are legally considered commercial vehicles and thus require commercial plates. However, if used strictly as a passenger vehicle ("personal-use vehicle"), a truck may be exempt from some conditions imposed on commercial vehicles, indicated by a white or red "PERSONAL USE ONLY" sticker affixed in the top left corner of the front plate.[27]

1916 to 1962

[edit]

Commercial license plates were first introduced in 1916.

Image First issued Description Serial format Serials issued Notes
1916 Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1916" at left C1234
1917 Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1917" at right C1234
1918 Dark blue serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1918" at left C1234
1919 Black serial on golden yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1919" at left C1234
1920 Dark green serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1920" at left C12345
1921 Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 21" at left C1-234
1922 Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONT 22" at left C1-234
1923 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONT–1923" at bottom C12-345
1924 Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "ONT–1924" at bottom C12-345
1925 Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 25" at left C12-345
1926 Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONT 26" at left C12-345
1927 Embossed black serial on buff plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1927" at bottom C12-345
1928 Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1928" at bottom C12-345
1929 Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1929" at bottom C1-234
1930 Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1930" at bottom 12-345C Letter C moved to the end
1931 Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1931" at top 12-345C
1932 Embossed black serial on grey plate; "ONTARIO 1932" at top 12-345C
1933 Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1933" at top 12345-C
1934 Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO 1934" at top 12345-C
C-12345
1935 Embossed black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top 12345-C
1936 Embossed white serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at top 12345-C
1937 Embossed white serial on red plate; "ONTARIO 1937" centred at top, with crowns to left and right 12345-C
1938 Embossed orange serial on light blue plate; "19", crown and "38" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom 12345C
1939 Embossed white serial on black plate; "19", crown and "39" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom 12345C
1940 Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1940" at top 12345C
1941 Embossed green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1941" at top 12345C
1942 Embossed black serial on orange plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1942" at top 12345C
1943-44 Embossed orange serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1943" at top 12345C
C12345
Revalidated for 1944 with windshield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II.
1945 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1946" at top 1234C
C1234
1946 Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1945" at top 12345C
C12345
1947 Embossed black serial on silver plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1947" at top 12345C
C12345
1948 Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1948" at top 12345C
C12345
1949 Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1949" at top 12345C
C12345
1950 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1950" at top 12345C
C12345
12345B
1951-52 Embossed blue serial on white plate; "19–ONTARIO–51" at top 12345C
C12345
12345B
Revalidated for 1952 with windshield stickers.
1953 Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1953" at top 12345C
C12345
12345B
1954 As 1953 base, but with "1955" to right of crown 12345C
C12345
12345B
1955 Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1954" at top 12-345A
12-345B
12-345C
12-345D
1956 Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1955" at top 12345-A
12345-B
12345-C
12345-D
1957 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1957" at top 12345-A
12345-B
12345-C
12345-D
1958 Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1958" at top 12345-A
12345-B
12345-C
12345-D
1959 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1959" at top 12345-A
12345-B
12345-C
12345-D
1960 Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1960" at top 12345-A
12345-B
12345-C
12345-D
1961 Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1961" at top 12345-A
12345-B
12345-C
12345-D
1962 Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1962" at top 12345-A
12345-B
12345-C
12345-D

1963 to 1979

[edit]

In 1963, Ontario switched to a quarterly system for commercial plates. Plates could be issued on a quarterly basis rather than paying for a full year of registration.

1980 to present

[edit]

In the 1980s, Ontario shifted to plates that were renewed yearly with stickers, ditching the quarterly system.

Image Dates issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1980–1995 Black on white with embossed crown separator none AB1-234 AA1-001 to ZD9-999 Also used for non-passenger personal vehicles (i.e. pick-up trucks and panel vans).
1995–1996 Black on reflective white with screened crown separator "YOURS TO DISCOVER" AB1-234 ZE1-001 to ZZ9-999 On commercial vehicles, licence plate stickers are affixed in the top right of the front plate, as shown in the photo. The top left corner may be used for other stickers relating to vehicle use or taxation (i.e.: government exemption).
1996–2011 123-4AB 100-1AA to 999-9ZZ
2011–present AB-12345 AA-10001 to CB-20578
(as of November 25, 2024)[17]
"TANT À DÉCOUVRIR" DA-10001 to DA-17008 (as of June 12, 2023)[17]
2020 White on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right "OPEN FOR BUSINESS" BF-10000 Never released to public due to visibility issues, scrapped.
2020 "OUVERT AUX AFFAIRES" DB-10000

Prorate plates

[edit]

Used on vehicles registered in the International Registration Plan (IRP).

Image Dates issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1982–1994 Black on white with embossed crown separator none PA1-234 PA1-001 to PJ7-999
1994–2006 Black on reflective white with screened crown separator; vertical "PRP" at left "YOURS TO DISCOVER" PA1-234 PJ8-001 to PZ9-999 Switched to new reflective plates.
2006–2019 Black on reflective white with screened crown separator; vertical "PRP" at left 123-4PA 100-1PA to 999-9PZ
2019–present Black on reflective white; vertical "PRP" at left PA12345 PA10001 to PA80483 (as of May 31, 2023)[17]

Bus plates

[edit]

Bus license plates were first issued in 1973. They followed the quarterly system until 1980, switching in favour of a new permanent plate renewed yearly with stickers.[28]

Image Dates issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes Usage
1980–1994 Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black at bottom. BA1-234 The plate's color is changed to black for this design. All bus types
1994–2009 Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top. "YOURS TO DISCOVER" BA1-234 BA1-001 to BN9-999 Plates designated for use on municipal and long distance busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format.
2009–present Black on reflective white with screened crown separator "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 123-4BA 101-1BF to 522-3BM (as of January 8, 2023)[17] Plates designated for use on municipal and long distance busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format.[citation needed]
1980–1994 Black on white with embossed crown separator none BP1 234 BP1 001 to BP1 ??? Plates designated for use on inter-provincial and long distance coach busses.
1994–present Black on reflective white with screened crown separator "YOURS TO DISCOVER" BP1 234 BP2 ??? to BP4 875 (as of May 9, 2023)[17] Plates designated for use on inter-provincial and long distance coach busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format. [citation needed]

School bus plates

[edit]

School bus license plates were first issued in 1975 under a yearly registration. Unlike regular bus license plates, these plates expired in June at the end of the school year. In 1980, these yearly issued plates were phased out for permanent plates revalidated with stickers annually.[28]

Image Dates issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1980–1994 Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom none SA1-234 Plates no longer issued yearly. Letters A, B, C, D, E, F, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y and Z are now used in this serial format. However, letters G, I, O, Q and U are not used in this serial format.
1994–present Black relfective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top "YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom SA1-234 SA1-001 to SJ4-813 (as of April 16, 2023)[17] Letters G, I, O, Q and U are not used in this serial format. Switched to reflective plate

Farm plates

[edit]
Example of a Farm quarterly plate from 1979.

Farm plates were introduced in 1978 using the quarterly system. In 1980, the plates were switched to permanent plates revalidated with stickers.[28]

Vehicles over 3000 kg owned by farmers and used for farm-related purposes, such as working the soil, building maintenance, and the transportation of farm products, may qualify for a farm plate. Farm-plated trucks and towed trailers may also be used by a farmer for personal transportation.

To qualify, a farmer must meet a series of criteria, including membership in farming organisations and a minimum amount of income that derives from farming. Fees for farm plates are substantially lower than for passenger or commercial plates. The Highway Traffic Act also exempts farm vehicles from several requirements imposed on commercial vehicles.[29]

Farm plates are black on white with a black crown separator, in a pattern similar to commercial plates. They have the word "FARM" written vertically on the left of the plate. Validation stickers are the same as for other vehicles, and are affixed to the front plate, as with commercial plates.

Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1978 White on blue; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" vertically on right side. Expiry date on top. none F12345
1980 Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" screened vertically on right side. none FA1234 Switched to permanent baseplates, renewed annually with validation stickers.
1982 Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" screened vertically on left side. none FA1234 "FARM" moved to left side.
1994 Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top "YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom FA1-234 Introduction of reflective plates.
2003 Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top "YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom 123-4FA 100-1FA to 884-4FX (as of June 7, 2023)[17]

Trailer plates

[edit]
Example of a Trailer plate, affixed to the rear.

All trailers in Ontario are considered separate vehicles and must have a permit and be plated. New owners of a trailer must register with the MTO within six days of purchase. They are then issued with a permit and a plate. Trailer plates are not renewed annually, but may be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen. Plates are affixed to the rear of the trailer. There is no front plate.[30]

All trailers, whether used by commercial operators or others, use a same model plate. Plates are blue on white with crown separator, in a pattern and colour similar to that of passenger vehicles, with the word "TRAILER" written vertically on the left of the plate. However, they do not follow the same numbering system as other vehicles.

1921 to 1973

[edit]

Trailer plates were first introduced in 1921. Plates issued from 1921 to 1929 had the letter T at the front. In 1930, the letter T was moved to the end of the number. A quarterly system was introduced for trailers starting in 1963.[28]

Image Dates issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1934 Embossed black serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year none 12345·T Trailer text vertically on left side
1935 Embossed black serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year none 12345·T Trailer text vertically on left side
1936 Embossed dark yellow serial ; "ONTARIO" at bottom with year none 12345·T Trailer text vertically on left side
1937 Embossed white serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year none 12345·T Trailer text vertically on left side
1943 Embossed dark yellow serial ; "ONTARIO" at bottom with year none 12345·T
1944 Embossed black serial on yellow plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right. none 12345·T
1947 Embossed black serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right. none 12345·T
1952 Embossed black serial on yellow plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right. none 12345·T
1953 Embossed white serial on blue plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right. none 12345·T
1955 Embossed white serial on blue plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right. none 12·345T
1956 Embossed blue serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right. none 12345·T
1959 Embossed white serial on black plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right. none T·12345
1962 Embossed black serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right. none 12345·T

1973 to present

[edit]

By 1973, the quarterly system was phased out in favour of a semi-permanent plate validated each year with an annual sticker. As of 1980, trailer plates no longer require yearly validation stickers, rather a one time fee.[28]

Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1973⁠–79 Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" 123-45A 10-01Z to 397-61N Serials issued in reverse
1979–80 As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right 123-45A 700-97N - 586-49L Letter M not used.[31]
1980⁠–84 Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white reflective plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom. "TRAILER" 123-45A 10-01A - 412-51K First issue of permanent trailer plates. Reflective plates from Quebec.
1984⁠–86 Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white reflective plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom. 123-45A 604-92K - 999-99M Introduction of reflective plates from ALCAN. Letter L not used.[31]
1986 Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white reflective plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom. 123-45A A10-001 - A16-827
1986⁠–94 Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom. A12-345 A68-592 - M98-192 Switched back to painted plates due to issues with ALCAN reflective plates.
1994⁠–2002 Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top and vertical trailer text on the left side. "YOURS TO DISCOVER" A12-345 N40-861 to Z99-999 Trailer text moved back to the left side vertically.
2002⁠–present Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top and vertical trailer text on the left side. A12-34B A10-01A to X71-41Y (as of April 22, 2023)[17]

Motorcycle vehicle plates

[edit]

Motorcycle plates were first issued in 1911.[28] Issued yearly until 1980 when they switched to yearly renewal with validation stickers.

1911 to 1980

[edit]
Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1965 White on blue; "ONT" screened in white on top with year to the right. none 123
1234
12345
1966 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none A123
123A
1968 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345
1972 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345
1973 White on blue; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345
1974 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345
1975 White on blue; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345
1976 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345
1977 White on blue; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345
1978 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345
1979 White on blue; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345
1980 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right. none 12345 Plates issued in 1980 were re-used in 1981 with a validation sticker.

1980 to present

[edit]
Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1980 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top. none 12345
A1234
10001 to 99999
Z1001 to Z9999
Validation stickers were used on 1980 plates for 1981, year was removed by 1982.
1981–⁠82 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top none A1234 Y0001 to S9999 Serials issued in reverse
1982–⁠91 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top none A1234
123AB
R0001 to H9999
001AA to 999EZ
001NA to 999ZZ
1991–⁠94 Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top none AB123 FA001 TO KZ999
1994–⁠96 Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top none AB123 LA001 to LZ999 Switched to new reflective plate design
1996–⁠2003 Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top none 1A234 1A001 - 9Z999
2003–⁠08 Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top none 123A4 100A1 to 999Z9
2008–⁠13 Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top none 1234A 0001A to 9999Z
2013–2024 Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top none 1A2B3 0A0A1 to 4X0D6 (as of May 25, 2023)[17] Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
2024 Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top none 12A3B 00A1A to ???[17] Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.

Off-road vehicle plates

[edit]

These license plates are issued to ATVs and other vehicles for off roading uses.

Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1984 Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top none 123AB 001AA to 999ZZ Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top none AB123 AA001 to P???? Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
1994 P???? to ZZ999 Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
2002 Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top none 12AB3 11AA1 to 99ZZ9 Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
2013 Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top none 1AB23 1AA11 to 6ZT21 (as of May 20, 2023)[17] Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.

Moped plates

[edit]
Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1976 White on reflective red; "ONT 1976" screened in white on top none A1234
1977 Red on reflective white; "ONT 1977" screened in red on top none A1234
1978 White on reflective red; "ONT 1978" screened in white on top none A1234
1979 Red on reflective white; "ONT 1979" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom none A1234
1980 Red on reflective white; "ONT 1980" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom none A1234
1981 Red on reflective white; "ONT" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom none A1234 Year removed, sticker box added.
1982 Red on reflective white; "ONT" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom none A1234 Sticker box removed.
1994 Red on reflective white; "ONT" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom none A1234 New reflective plate. Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
2004 Red on reflective white; "ONT" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom none AB123 EA001 to EE211 (as of February 23, 2020)[17] New serial format. Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.

Snowmobile plates

[edit]

Unlike all Ontario license plates — which were changed to reflective plates in 1994 — the snowmobile plates remain non-reflective.

Image Dates issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1970 Green on white; "ONT" screened on top none AB123
1972 As above, but yellow on blue none AB123
1973 Green on white; "ONT" screened on top none AB123
1974 As 1970, 1973 and 1975, but inverted to white on green none AB123
1975 Green on white; "ONT" screened on top none AB123
1999 Blue on white; "ONTARIO" in the Helvetica Bold font screened on top none 123456

Dual purpose plates

[edit]

Dual purpose license plates were first introduced in 1927. They were issued to vehicles that could be used for both personal and commercial purposes. Vehicles such as RV's, station wagons & motor-homes.[28] They were noted by the X prefix. However, these plates were discontinued in 1973 and are no longer issued.

1927 to 1972

[edit]
Image First issued Design Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1927 Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1927" at bottom none X1-234
1928 Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1928" at bottom none X1-234
1929 Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1929" at bottom none X12-345
1930 Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1930" at bottom none 1234-X
1931 Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1931" at top none 1234-X
1932 Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1932" at top none 1-234-X
1933 Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1933" at top none 1234-X
1934 Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1934" at top none X-1234
1234-X
1935 Black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top none 1234-X
1936 White serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at bottom none 1234-X
1937 White serial on red plate; "ONTARIO." and "1937" at top none 1234-X
1938 Red serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1938" at top none 123X
1939 White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1939" at top none 1234X
1940 Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1940" at top none 1234X
1941 Green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1941" at top none 1234X
1942 Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1942" at top none 1234X
1945 White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1945" at top none 1234X
1946 White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1946" at top none 1234X
1947 Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1947" at top none 1234X
1948 White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1948" at top none 123X
1951 Blue serial on white plate; "19-ONTARIO-51." at top none 1234X
1953 White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1953" at top none 12X
1954 Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1954" at top none X1234
1234X
1955 White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1955" at top none X123-4
1-234X
1956 Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1956" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1957 White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1957" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1958 Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1958" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1959 White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1959" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1960 Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1960" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1961 White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1961" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1962 Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1962" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1963 White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1963" at top none X-12345 12345-X
1964 Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1964" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1965 White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1965" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1966 Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1966" at top none X-12345
12345-X
1967 White serial on blue plate; "19 ONTARIO 67." at top and "18 CONFEDERATION 67" at bottom none X12-345
123-45X
1968 Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1968" at top none X12-345
123-45X
1969 White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1969" at top none X12-345
123-45X
1970 Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1970" at top none X12-345
123-45X
1971 White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1971" at top none X12-345
123-45X
1972 Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1972" at top none X1-234
12-34X

Diplomatic plates

[edit]
Example of an older style Diplomatic plate from 1965.

In Ontario, diplomatic plates were first issued in the 1950s. The first red licence plate was issued in 1959. Yearly plates were issued until 1986, when permanent plates renewed with stickers were introduced the following year. The ABC-123 serial format began in 1973.[28]

The current design is a white serial on red plate, using the 123-ABC serial format. "YOURS TO DISCOVER" is screened at the bottom. The red plate colour is exclusive to diplomatic plates.

Any foreign representatives and their accredited family members are required to obtain special red diplomatic licence plates when registering passenger vehicles within 30 days of taking up residence in the province. This rule does not apply to the registration of motorcycles.[32]

These plates are most commonly found in Ottawa and Toronto where embassies and foreign government operations are located.

Image First issued Description Slogan Type Serial format Serials issued Notes

1994 White on reflective red with crown separator. "YOURS TO DISCOVER" Diplomatic 123-CDA 101-CDA to 284-CDT (as of May 30, 2023)[17] Ontario plates do not bear indications of the mission. Low numbers assigned to heads of missions (i.e.: ambassadors).

Consulate 123-CCA 101-CCA to 291-CDS (as of March 8, 2023)[17]

Embassy Staff 123-XTR 101-XTR to 810-XTW (as of May 6, 2023)[17] Reserved for non-diplomat embassy staff.
External Organization 123-XOR 101-XOR to 202-XOR (as of April 21, 2022)[17] Issued to envoys without diplomatic recognition.[33]

Dealer and service licence plates

[edit]
A Dealer plate is affixed only to the rear of a vehicle.

In Ontario, motor vehicle dealers licensed under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act use a single portable plate with the word "DEALER" on the left side and red alpha-numeric characters on a white background. It is for exclusive use by motor vehicle dealers only on motor vehicles owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale. It may also be used for private use vehicles that are owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale.[34]

Service providers, including anyone who repairs, customizes, modifies, manufactures or transports motor vehicles or trailers use yellow and black DLR series plates (Dealer and Service Plate).

A service plate may be used:

  • on a trailer or motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor-assisted bicycle for purposes related to the repair, road testing, customization or modification of the vehicle, if the vehicle is in the possession of the person to whom the service plate is issued, or
  • for the purpose of transporting the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
  • for purposes related to the manufacturing or sale of a trailer, or
  • for the purpose of towing the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
  • to tow a vehicle to a location where its load will be removed or to an impound facility.

Private use of motor vehicles or trailers with a service plate is not permitted.

Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1994 Black on yellow background, with crown separator. "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 123-DAB 001-DAA to 693-DXB (as of May 25, 2023)[17] Removable service plate. Before 2007 also used by vehicle dealers. See below.
2007 Red stamped identification on a white reflective background. Screened in black: "DEALER" written vertically on the left, crown separator, "ONTARIO" across the top and "Yours to discover". "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 123-DAB 101-DLA to 033-DSS (as of May 27, 2023)[17] Removable plate restricted to car dealers. Introduced in 2007 to differentiate dealer's inventory from vehicles being serviced.[35] See below. Issued singly, to be displayed at the rear of the vehicle.

Motorcycle dealer plates

[edit]
An example of a current motorcycle dealer plate.

Dealer plates for motorcycles have been issued since the 1920s.[28] Very few of these early plates were issued, thus making it a rare plate. The 'M' prefix was featured on all plates before 1973. From 1973 to 1979 they were issued with the 'DL' prefix, with a similar design to regular motorcycle plates. In 1982, the government began issuing permanent plates with yearly registration stickers.[28] Reflective plates were introduced in 1994.

The current plate design is a white serial on a light blue plate. These plates are the same size as regular motorcycle plates. The serial format used by these plates is AB123, running from AA001 to AF965 (as of February 23, 2020)[17]

Other non-passenger plates

[edit]
Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
2004 Printed on security paper with barcode 10 Day Temporary Permit/Permis Provisoire de Dix Jours A-123456 Temporary use only, placed on dashboard at windshield.
2017 Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with MFR vertically on left side. "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 123-MPA 101-MPA to 259-MPB (as of November 13, 2022)[17] Manufacturer License plate. New plate as of 2017.

Medical doctor plates

[edit]

Medical doctor plates were first introduced in 1930, and are denoted by the letters starting with MD. When all the MDA - MDZ serials had been issued in the late 1990's [date missing], new serials using MAA started being issued.

Image Dates issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1973 Blue on white; "73" on bottom left and sticker box on bottom right "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" MDA-123
1978 As above, but with no "73" "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" MD-123
1982 As above, but with no sticker box "YOURS TO DISCOVER" MDA-123
1994 Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 123-MAA 001-MAA to 077-MAE (as of April 7, 2023)[17]

Amateur radio plates

[edit]

Amateur Radio plates were introduced in 1969 as supplemental plates. In 1976, Ontario permitted the call-sign to be on regular passenger plates, eliminating the small supplemental plates.[28]

Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1969 Yellow on black; "RADIO" on top and "AMATEUR" on bottom none VE3ABC
1976 Blue on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" VE3-ABC
1983 As above, but with no "73" "YOURS TO DISCOVER" VE3ABC The format switched back to its original format. Returned in 1986.
1994 Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top "YOURS TO DISCOVER" VE3ABC Switched to new reflective plate
Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screen in blue on top "YOURS TO DISCOVER" VA3AB For 5-digit amateur radio callsigns

Special event plates

[edit]
Image Date issued Description Slogan Serial format Notes
1984 "YOURS TO DISCOVER" Used in the motorcade of Queen Elizabeth II at provincial events during her Royal Visit of 1984
1984 "YOURS TO DISCOVER" Used during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ontario during the Papal Visit of 1984
1989 "YOURS TO DISCOVER" Commemorative plates to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the QEW highway. Plates used by police.
1991 "YOURS TO DISCOVER" Given to MTO employees in celebration of the agency's 75th anniversary.
2000 "YOURS TO DISCOVER" Plates for the CCMTA Conference 2000
2002 "YOURS TO DISCOVER" Used in the Queen's motorcade during the 2002 Royal Jubilee Visit to Ontario.
2010 'none' G20 Summit Special plates used in Toronto
2016 "YOURS TO DISCOVER" Given to MTO employees in celebration of the agency's 100th anniversary.

Vanity licence plates

[edit]

Along with regular series plates, the province also offers vanity plates for passenger and commercial vehicles. A personalized licence plate message may contain almost any combination of letters and numbers from two to eight characters. The plates can also include one of 60 different graphics,[36] with two to six characters. Available graphics have changed over the years, with some becoming available, while others have been withdrawn or modified. Owners selecting a graphic but no custom message are generally assigned a registration with a 12XY34 pattern, where the XY is a code indicating the design (i.e.: LN and LM = Loon, CF = Canadian Flag, etc.).

The province reserves the right to refuse or withdraw plates for a variety of reasons,[37] including:

  • Sexual messages
  • Abusive, obscene language and derogatory slang
  • Promotion or denunciation of religion and religious figures
  • Promotion of use of drugs or alcohol
  • Messages relating to politics, political figures, negative statements on institutions and persons, public personalities, or police badge numbers
  • Advocating or promoting violence or crime
  • Any discriminatory statement
  • Ambiguous or confusing numbers, or which may be mistaken for another existing plate (about 1 in 3 rejections)
  • Messages which may infringe on copyright and intellectual property

While criteria have existed since the introduction of personalized plates, accusations of excessive zeal led the McGuinty government to set up a review committee in August 2008. The eight-member committee meets weekly to review submissions. In the first half of 2013, it had rejected 3% of requests.[38] Plates have also been withdrawn after issue.[39]

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 brought renewed attention to the work of the Personalized License Plate Review Committee as it rejected personalized plates based on this theme.[40]

The ownership of plates with graphic elements associated with particular groups, such as veterans or firefighters, may be restricted and require proof of eligibility.

Personalized plates with two to five characters are also available for motorcycles.

Veteran plate

[edit]
Image First issued Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
2003 Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 1V2345 1V0001 to 7V9900 ( As of August 7, 2022) Applicants must confirm their eligibility through the Royal Canadian Legion. Numbers are assigned in format if no personalized message selected.

License plate graphics

[edit]

Plates with graphics are also available.[41] Graphics first being issued on license plates began in 1996. The variety of graphics includes charities, universities, community organizations and popular Ontario sports teams, such as the Ottawa Senators. All plates offer the French slogan since 2017.[28]

Image First issued Type Category Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1998 Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation Arts Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12SQ34 01SQ01 to 15SQ65 (As of June 1st 2022)
Breast Cancer Society of Canada Charity Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12BC34
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities Charity Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12JS34
2007 Farley Foundation Charity Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12FF34
2015 MADD Canada (Mother's Against Drunk Driving) Charity Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12MD34 01MD01 to 03MD88 (As of April 30, 2022)
2009 St. John Ambulance Charity Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12SJ34
2007 48th Highlanders Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12TH34
2006 Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario) Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12AL34
2006 Association of Canadian Distillers Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12CD34 01CD01 to 09CD57 (As of May 30, 2022)
2007 Canadian Blood Services Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12BL34
1997 Elmer the Safety Elephant Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12EE34
1998 Girl Guides of Canada Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12GG34 01GG01 to 10GG28 (As of March 30, 2022)
2006 Governor General’s Horse Guards Association Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12HG34
Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12FM34
1998 Grand Lodge of Ontario, Independent Order of Odd Fellows Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12OF34
1998 Knights of Columbus Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12VJ34
2001 Lincoln and Welland Regiment Foundation Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12LW34
2006 Ottawa Valley Adventure Playground Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12AP34
2005 Queens Own Rifles of Canada Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12QO34
2006 Queen’s York Rangers Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12QR34
1996 Radio Amateurs of Canada Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12HM34
2005 Rotary International Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12RI34
2001 Royal Canadian Legion (Ontario Provincial Command) Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12CL34
2006 Trillium Gift of Life Network Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12GL34 Introduced to promote organ donation.
2006 Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12CA34
2006 Royal Regiment of Canada Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12RG34 01RG01 to 02RG29 (As of May 30, 2022)
2005 Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12AD34
1996 Scouts Canada Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12SC34 01SC01 to 11SC61 (As of May 30, 2022)
1996 Shriners International Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12SR34
2010 Support Our Troops Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12YR34 01YR01 to 21YR66 (As of April 30, 2022) Some money from the sale of the Yellow Ribbon plates is donated by the province to the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund to assist Canadian military veterans.[42] The "yellow ribbon" design is indicated by the "YR" code.
2006 Toronto Scottish Regiment Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12TS34 01TS01 to 02TS38 (As of May 30, 2022)
2006 Ducks Unlimited Environment Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12DU34 01DU01 to 14DU05 (As of January 30, 2022)
1998 Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Environment Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12AH34
1998 Don't Drink and Drive Government Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12DD34
2010 Flag of Ontario Government Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12ON34 01ON01 to 03ON53 (As of December 31, 2018)
1996 Road Safety Government Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12RS34
1998 Anishinabek Nation Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12AN34 01AN01 to 18AN81 (As of October 31, 2021)
1997 Canadian Flag Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12CF34
12FC34
01CF01 to 99CF99
01FC01 to 11FC60 (As of March 31, 2022)
2005 Franco-Ontarian Flag (English) Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12FL34 01FL01 to 06FL08 (As of July 1, 2014) The English slogan plates start at 01FL01
2009 Franco-Ontarian Flag (French) Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "TANT A DECOUVRIR" 12FL34 50FL01 to 64FL14 (As of July 1, 2021) The french slogan plates start at 50FL01
1996 Loon Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12LN34 (1996)
12LM34 (2002)
01LN01 to 99LN99
01LM01 to 61LM13 (As of July 1, 2021)
2006 Nishnawbe Aski Nation Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12NA34 01NA01 to 01NA82 (As of March 1, 2022)
1996 Trillium Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12TR34 (1996)
12TL34 (2004)
01TR01 to 99TR99
01TL01 to 40TL37 (As of February 1, 2021)
2013 United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12UE34 Last batch of plates were ordered in June 2018. Remaining plates available while supply lasts at ServiceOntario.[43]
1996 Heart Novelty Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12RH34
1996 I Heart Novelty Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12LV34
1998 Fire Service Society Professional Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12FD34 (1998) 12FS34 (2004) 12FR34 (2012) 12RF34 (2021) 01FD01 to 99FD99
01FS01 to 99FS99
01FR01 to 99FR99
01RF01 to 10RF60 (As of July 31, 2022)
201X Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians Professional Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12ME34 Plates can be purchased through the OAVT website.
2005 Ontario Paramedic Association Professional Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12PA34
12EP34
Changed from PA to EP
2008 Ontario Professional Fire Fighter Association (OPFFA) Professional Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12PF34 Plates are only available through the OPFFA
2011 Professional Engineers Ontario Professional Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12PE34
2009 Equine Canada Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12EC34 01EC01 to 07EC41 (As of November 30, 2021)
1996 Hamilton Tiger-Cats Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12TC34 01TC01 to 21TC98 (As of May 9, 2022)
2006 International Ch’ang-Hon Taekwon-Do Federation Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12TD34 01TD01 to 04TD75 (As of May 30, 2022)
1996 Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12SN34 01SN01 to 27SN67 (As of May 1, 2015)
1996 Ontario Lacrosse Association Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12LX34 01LX01 to 14LX35 (As of May 30, 2022)
2014 Ottawa REDBLACKS Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12RB34 01RB01 to 03RB95 (As of September 30, 2021)
1996 Ottawa Senators Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12SE34 01SE01 to 74SE07 (As of March 4, 2022)
1996 Toronto Argonauts Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12AR34 01AR01 to 17AR96 (As of May 30, 2022)
1996 Toronto Blue Jays Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12JA34 01JA01 to 94JA14 (As of February 28, 2022)
1996 Toronto Maple Leafs Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12ML34 (1996)
12TO34 (2002)
12TM34 (2007)
01ML01 to 99ML99
01TO01 to 99TO99
01TM01 to 83TM74 (As of April 5, 2022)
1996 Toronto Raptors Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12RA34 01RA01 to 54RA47 (As of May 9, 2022)
2005 Lakehead University Universities / Colleges Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12LU34
George Brown College Universities / Colleges Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12GB34
1996 Queen’s University Universities / Colleges Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12QU34 01QU01 to 14QU88 (As of February 16, 2022)
1997 University of Toronto Universities / Colleges Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12UT34
2001 University of Waterloo Universities / Colleges Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12UW34 Image depicts license plate with both a graphic element and a personalized registration.
1996 Wilfrid Laurier University Universities / Colleges Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12WL34

Discontinued graphics

[edit]

Certain graphics have been discontinued and are no longer issued. A plate design is considered discontinued once it is no longer offered at ServiceOntario.

Image First issued Discontinued Type Category Description Slogan Serial format Serials issued Notes
1996 2002 Star Trek Arts / Entertainment Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12ST34 Discontinued due to licensing issues.
Cadet Instructor Cadre Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12IV34 01IV01 to 03IV30 (As of November 30, 2013)
Canadian Auxiliary Coast Guard Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12CG34 01CG01 to 03CG32 (As of November 30, 2014)
1997 2020 Canadian National Sportsmen's Show Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12NS34 01NS01 to 08NS10 (As of June 14, 2010)
2009 Canadian Snowbird Association Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12CS34 01CS01 to 04CS13 (As of May 26, 2013)
2022 Geocaching Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12GC34 01GC01 to 04GC05 (As of August 21, 2015)
1998 Humane Society Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12HS34 01HS01 to 11HS82 (As of October 31, 2009)
2001 2018 Kawartha Lakes Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12KL34
2009 2019 Lions Club Community Organizations Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12LC34 01LC01 to 09LC60 (As of February 28, 2015)
2000 Millennium Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12MM34 01MM01 to 14MM44 (As of February 28, 2009)
2009 2012 Niagara War of 1812 Heritage / Historical Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12NI34
2005 2010 Ottawa Renegades Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12RR34
2007 Special Olympics Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12SA34
1998 2005 Toronto SkyDome Sports / Recreation Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12SD34 01SD01 to 08SD50 (As of April 30, 2022)
1997 2007 King's College Universities / Colleges Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12KC34
1998 2004 University of Guelph Universities / Colleges Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12UG34
1998 2004 York University Universities / Colleges Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 12YU34

Manufacturing

[edit]
Since 1994, Ontario plates have had a reflective backing. Between 1999 and 2003, the backing was made by Avery. These can be recognized by the slogan written with smaller letters, and the presence of a registration mark below the bottom left bolt hole. Backing has since been made using 3M-brand reflective material.

Ontario licence plates were formerly manufactured by prison inmates at the Millbrook Correctional Centre in Cavan-Millbrook-North Monaghan.[44] Upon Millbrook's closure in 2003,[45] manufacture was moved to the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ontario.[46] Since 1991, all Ontario plates have been manufactured for the MTO by Trilcor Industries, owned by the province's Ministry of the Solicitor General.[47][48] From 2017 to 2018, the plates were manufactured by Waldale Manufacturing of Nova Scotia, because Ontario's prison made plates ran out due to the peeling and bubbling in the preceding "B" series. The plates made by Trilcor Industries returned in 2018, to avoid license plate issues with the Nova Scotia license plates.

Alternative supplier

[edit]

In 2016, an increase in the rate of defective plates combined with an increase in the number of registered vehicles led to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation becoming unable to keep up with demand for plates. It placed an order for 100,000 units from the Waldale Irwin Holdson Group, the largest licence plate manufacturer in North America.[49] Plates are produced by the Waldale Manufacturing facility in Amherst, Nova Scotia.

Plates from the first batch of 35,000 can be identified due to the use of embossed letters and numbers from Nova Scotia plates, which differ in appearance from Ontarian fonts.[50] The province continues to order supplementary batches of plates from Waldale. Since 2017, the Ontario die set has been in use. These plates are almost identical to those made by Trilcor Industries. The Waldale made plates have squared off edges and smaller bolt holes.[51]

Issues and controversies

[edit]

Defective plates from 2012

[edit]

In 2012, reports began to appear of plates deteriorating earlier than otherwise expected. The reflective layers detached themselves from the metal plate, making the plate unreadable. Approximately 1% of licence plates issued have this defect. The defect has appeared in both front and rear plates. Trilcor Industries and the MTO offer a five-year warranty on plates and will replace the defective plates at no cost.[52] Plate replacement for other reasons (theft, damage, wear, etc.) is done at a cost.

Conventional plates can be replaced "over-the-counter" at a licence office, but the complete process for personalized plates takes over six months.[53]

Driving with an illegible plate is an offence punishable by fine, under the Highway Traffic Act.[54]

In 2015, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services hired Canada's National Research Council to identify the root cause of licence plate de-lamination. The NRC's report indicated that the reflective material adhered poorly to the aluminium plates, and that embossing process stressed the materials to the point that the reflective layer would puncture and de-laminate. At that point, water and other contaminants could slip between the layers. Also, road de-icing materials contributed to the de-lamination. The report found that this problem was present in samples from all types of plates, except for motorcycle plates.

The report recommended that Trilcor work with its supplier of laminating layer to resolve the problem, and indicated that a thicker layer of material would likely perform better.[55]

Illegality of licence plate covers

[edit]

Many vehicle owners place clear plastic covers over their licence plates to protect their already defective licence plates (2012) from premature deterioration.[56] According to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act Section 13.2, licence plate covers are considered an obstruction and are illegal in the province of Ontario.[57] In the rare event that the officer chooses to issue the citation, the offence carries a minimum fine of $85.[58] On the contrary, drivers operating a motor vehicle with defective (i.e. unreadable) number plates can be charged with the same offence.[57] This has left defective number plate owners with little choice but to obtain replacement plates from the MTO, orders which have taken months (or over six months for customised plates) to process.[56]

Several motorists sought other solutions to prevent their number plates from deterioration, such as placing the front plate on the dashboard instead of affixing it to the front bumper.[59] Others have omitted the front licence plate altogether since it is not uncommon to see out-of-province vehicles on Ontario roadways (many jurisdictions in North America, including neighbouring Quebec and Michigan, do not require front plates). In most cases, vehicle owners who attempted the aforementioned solutions were convicted of the same offence (HTA section 13.2).[59]

Defective plates from 2020

[edit]
Recalled 2020 plate design that is difficult to read at night.

On 15 February 2020, two weeks after the province began issuing plates with the new design, off-duty Kingston Police Sergeant Steve Koopman posted a photo on Twitter showing a vehicle with the new plate at night, stating that "they're virtually unreadable at night".[60] Government spokesperson Lisa Thompson, the Minister of Government and Consumer Services, stated in a news conference that the new design had undergone a "rigorous testing program", that the government had consulted with "key stakeholders" including law enforcement, and that the plates were not problematic.[60][61] She also criticized the earlier "Liberal plates",[60] referring to a batch of plates issued during a previous government that peeled. Thompson stated that manufacturing and quality control are the responsibility of 3M.[61] The redesigned plates also caused problems for photo radar cameras, which have difficulty reading the name of the jurisdiction. The name is rendered in a smaller font size than earlier plates.[61] The president of the Toronto Police Association stated that the organization had not been consulted on the new design.[60]

The Ford Government had insisted for days that there was not an issue with the plates; however, on February 20, it announced that 3M would make an "enhanced licence plate" to be available in less than three weeks.[62] On February 28, the government announced that the distribution of the defective plates would cease on March 4, that the enhanced plates would be ready by March 16 at "no cost to Ontario taxpayers", those who had already been issued the new plates will receive the enhanced version in the mail, and until the enhanced plates were ready, the government switched back to the previous plate design.[63][64] This design was later scrapped on May 6.[20]

Sticker renewal fee

[edit]

On February 22, 2022, the Ford Government eliminated licence plate renewal fees and the requirement to have a licence plate sticker for the nearly eight million passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds, effective March 13, 2022.[65]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Vehicular license plates may be ordered with the slogan in either the English or French-language. The slogan is omitted on green vehicle license plates issued by the province.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Taylor, Eric Robert. "Ontario Archive". PorcelainPlates.net. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  2. ^ "Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8". Government of Ontario. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  3. ^ "R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628: Vehicle Permits". Government of Ontario. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  4. ^ "Royal Symbols and the Canadian Car". www.canadianautomotivemuseum.com. Canadian Automotive Museum. 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  5. ^ Leslie Howard Saunders. An Orangeman in public life: the memoirs of Leslie Howard Saunders. Britannia Printers, 1980 p. 97
  6. ^ Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  7. ^ a b c d Tanner, Eric N. "Ontario License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  8. ^ Sallmen, Joseph (2003). Ontario License Plates: A Century of History. J.P. Sallmen. p. 13. ISBN 0973414405.
  9. ^ "And you're gonna love it: How Ontario became 'Yours to Discover'". tvo. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  10. ^ Rider, David; Ferguson, Rob (2020-02-19). "Ontario government shifts blame for hard-to-read license plates to the manufacturer". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
  11. ^ "Ontario's new blue license plates hitting the road". CBC News. 2020-02-08. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
  12. ^ a b "Ford government admits new license plates 'absolutely' a problem, will need to be recalled". CBC News. 2020-02-20. Retrieved 2022-09-04.
  13. ^ "Ford government's blue license plates officially scrapped, 'Yours to Discover' is back". CBC News. 2020-05-06. Retrieved 2022-09-04.
  14. ^ DeClerq, Katherine (2020-06-28). "Ontario government expects to stop issuing blue license plates by end of week". CTV News Toronto. Retrieved 2022-09-05.
  15. ^ "OFFICIAL Ontario Plate Sample Series Thread Discussion D SERIES HERE! DAAL - Page 47 - RedFlagDeals.com Forums". RedFlagDeals.com. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
  16. ^ "Ontario special orders licence plates to meet high demand". CBC News. www.cbc.ca. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z "Ontario License Plates". The High Road. www.licenseplates.cc. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  18. ^ "'Open for Business' and 'A Place to Grow' New Licence Plate and Driver's Licence to Reflect Ontario's Optimistic Future". new.ontario.ca. April 15, 2019.
  19. ^ "Ontario's new licence plates hit the road: Here's what you need to know". toronto.ctvnews.ca. February 3, 2020.
  20. ^ a b "Ontario scraps licence plate redesign, will revert to old design". National Post.
  21. ^ "Accueil véhicules". Ministère des Transports (in French). Le gouvernement de l'Ontario. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  22. ^ Ontario Ministry of Transportation (1991). Ontario Licence Plate and Permit Guide. Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
  23. ^ "Ontario's Green Licence Plate Program". Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  24. ^ "Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER H.8, s7". eLaws. Queen's Printer for Ontario. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  25. ^ "Fees for other types of vehicles". Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  26. ^ "Vehicles must be 30 years old for historic plate designation". wheels.ca. Toronto Star Newspapers and Metroland news. 23 August 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  27. ^ "Is my pickup truck a commercial motor vehicle and does it need a CVOR?". Ministry of Transport of Ontario. QUEEN'S PRINTER FOR ONTARIO. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Collection". Eric's Plates. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  29. ^ "Register a farm vehicle (permit, licence plate and sticker)". Ministry of Transport of Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  30. ^ "Driver's Handbook". Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  31. ^ a b "Non Passenger Plates". Allaboutlicenceplates. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  32. ^ "Issuance of Licence Plates to Foreign Representatives, including Honorary Consular Officers". Global Affairs Canada. Government of Canada.
  33. ^ Used for example by Palestine or Taiwan, which has a trade office but is not officially recognized by the Canadian Government
  34. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions about Ontario Dealer Plates". ucda.org. The Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  35. ^ "Dealer plates and Service plates - public information package" (PDF). Hamilton Police. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  36. ^ "Choose a licence plate graphic". Service Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  37. ^ "Choose an appropriate personalized message". Service Ontario. Queen's printer for Ontario. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  38. ^ Ellison, Marc (2 August 2013). "0UTLAW3D: The vanity licence plates the Ontario government won't let you see". The Toronto Star. Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  39. ^ Laroque, Corey (10 May 2011). "Government revokes driver's 'WTF' plate". The Toronto Sun. Sun Media. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  40. ^ Watters, Hayden. "Here's the list of licence plates Ontario doesn't want on the road". CBC News Hamilton. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  41. ^ "Choose a licence plate graphic". Service Ontario. Ontario Government. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  42. ^ Leslie, Keith (13 November 2009). "Licence plates to honour troops called 'offensive gimmick'". The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail Inc. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  43. ^ "Ontario Loyalist Licence Plates". United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  44. ^ Sallmen, Joseph (2003). Ontario License Plates: A Century of History. J.P. Sallmen. p. 66. ISBN 0973414405.
  45. ^ Graham, Karen (2015). "End of an Era as the Jail Comes Tumbling Down". Millbrook,Ontario. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
  46. ^ "First look at where Ontario inmates make blankets, licence plates". CTV News London. CTV Television Network. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  47. ^ "Treatment Programs;Trilcor Industries". Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  48. ^ Government of Ontario, Canada / Gouvernement de l'Ontario, Canada (in English and French) Archived July 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  49. ^ "About us". Waldale Irwin Hodson Group. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  50. ^ "Ontario special orders licence plates to meet high demand". CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  51. ^ "Ontario Project". The Andrew Turnbull Network. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  52. ^ Warren, May (22 January 2015). "Peeling licence plates a problem across Ontario". Waterloo Region Record. Metroland News. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  53. ^ "How can I replace a lost, stolen, or damaged licence plate or personalized licence plate?". Service Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  54. ^ "Highway Traffic Act (Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8)". ontario.ca. Queen's Printer for Ontario. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  55. ^ Howorun, Christina (22 September 2016). "Thousands of Ontario licence plates deemed defective". Rogers Digital Media. City News. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  56. ^ a b "Why was I ticketed for a plastic covering over a licence plate?". Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  57. ^ a b Ontario. "13.2". Highway Traffic Act. Queen's Printer. OCLC 695599257.
  58. ^ Ontario. "13.4". Highway Traffic Act. Queen's Printer. OCLC 695599257.
  59. ^ a b Foran, Pat (2020-03-12). "Driver gets $110 ticket for not having front licence plate". Toronto. Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  60. ^ a b c d Stone, Laura (2020-02-18). "Ontario facing criticism over visibility problems of new blue licence plates". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
  61. ^ a b c Lucs, Ieva (2020-02-19). "Toronto's photo radar cameras having trouble reading new Ontario licence plates". Retrieved 2020-02-19.
  62. ^ Jeffords, Shawn (February 20, 2020). "Days after denying there was a problem, Ontario government says it will replace defective new licence plates". National Post. nationalpost.com.
  63. ^ "Update on New Enhanced Licence Plates". Province of Ontario. February 28, 2020.
  64. ^ "Ontario government will go back to the old licence plates while waiting for a fix to plates that are hard to read". thestar.com. February 28, 2020.
  65. ^ "Ontario Eliminating Licence Plate Renewal Fees and Stickers". news.ontario.ca. February 22, 2022.
[edit]