Getting A Car Safety Inspection And Certificate In Ontario

A safety standards certificate is a document that outlines the health of a vehicle. You need it to get a license plate for a vehicle. The certificate proves a vehicle meets the minimum required safety standards in Ontario. The certificate does not guarantee the condition of the vehicle and it does not act as a warranty when you purchase a used vehicle.

You need a car safety standard certificate when you buy or sell a used vehicle through a private sale. You can buy a used vehicle and register it without a certificate. You cannot get plates for it without a safety standards certificate.

There are four instances when you need to get a car safety inspection. Here is when you need an inspection :

• You are transferring ownership of a used vehicle.
• You are registering a rebuilt vehicle.
• You are registering a vehicle in Ontario that previously resided in another province or country.
• You are updating the status of a vehicle from unfit to fit.

The vehicle safety inspection cost depends on where you get the certificate. The cost of the inspection and certification is different at each Motor Vehicle Inspection Station. They set the price independently. Cost is not set by the government of Ontario. Shop around to find the shop that offers the best price.

No. Private vehicle sellers do not have to provide you with a certificate. You can request one to be part of the sale. If the seller doesn’t provide a certificate, you will need to get one by getting the car inspected.

There are many locations in Ontario where you can get a safety standards certificate. Most mechanics and local auto shops offer the service. The inspection station must be licensed by the MTO. Locations will have a sign saying they have Motor Vehicle Inspection Station designation.

To get a certificate, your vehicle needs to pass the inspection. All vehicles must pass the Passenger/Light-Duty Vehicle Inspection Standard. Upon completion, you will receive the certificate.

Vehicles go through a thorough inspection. The car safety inspection checklist includes these components :

• Powertrain
• Suspension
• Brake System
• Steering
• Auxiliary equipment
• Lamps
• Electrical system
• Body
• Tires and wheels
• Coupling devices
• Road test

If the vehicle doesn’t pass, the owner cannot register it. This means you cannot drive the vehicle until the repairs are complete, even if you have Ontario car insurance.

What are the reasons my car might fail a car safety inspection?

Here are some common reasons why a car might fail a safety certificate test in Ontario:

• Brakes: Worn pads/shoes, leaking lines/callipers, faulty master cylinder, handbrake issues.
• Steering: Worn components, steering wheel play, power steering fluid leaks.
• Lights: Headlights not aligned, broken/burned-out bulbs, damaged reflectors.
• Tires: Worn tread, uneven wear, damaged tires.
• Body: Rust/corrosion, damaged panels, broken/missing windows.
• Other: Exhaust leaks, worn wipers, damaged mirrors, faulty horn, safety belt issues, loose/missing components.

If you are planning to get a test done, always consult the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website or a certified inspection station for detailed information.