It costs a lot to drive a car in Ontario. There’s auto insurance, regular maintenance, and gasoline to name just a few expenses. This spring however, there’s one less expense you’ll have to pay for when it’s time to renew your vehicle’s registration: the fee for the Drive Clean emissions test you’ll need if your vehicle is seven years or older.
As of April 1, 2017 you’ll no longer have to pay the $30 fee for your Drive Clean emissions test. Instead, the province will cover the cost, but just for the first one. If your vehicle fails the initial emissions test, you’ll have to pay for the repairs needed to ensure your vehicle meets the province’s emissions standards, as well as the fees for the re-test.
Drivers of heavy-duty vehicles still have to pay for the test. The fee is only waived for drivers of cars, vans, SUVs and light-duty vehicles (those with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,500 kg or less).
How will you know if you need an emissions test?
Once your vehicle is seven years old, you’ll be notified by the province that it’s time for a Drive Clean test; you’ll see an asterisk (*) on the notice form that the Ministry of Transportation sends you when it’s time to renew your registration.
How often are Drive Clean tests required?
According to the province’s Drive Clean website, the emissions test is required every two years once a vehicle is 7 model years old. This applies to most light-duty vehicles, including cars, vans, SUVs, and light-duty trucks. However, heavy-duty vehicles (those weighing more than 4,500 kg) are tested on an annual basis.
When was the last time you put your car insurance rate to the test?
Car insurance rates often change and the provider who offered you the best premium last year, may no longer offer you the best deal on car insurance this year. Make sure you’re not overpaying for your car insurance and compare auto insurance rates today.
