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Ontario Government Improving Road Safety

November 11, 2010 - Starting November 29, a new system will help keep uninsured drivers off Ontario's roads by providing on-the-spot confirmation of insurance when drivers go to renew their licence plate.

In Ontario, it is mandatory for all vehicles to have valid insurance coverage. Currently, drivers are required to provide proof of insurance when renewing their vehicle's licence plates. The new electronic verification system will allow the province to confirm directly with the Insurance Bureau of Canada if a vehicle has mandatory insurance coverage during the license plate renewal process.

Partnering with the Insurance Bureau of Canada to check for valid insurance in real-time will make sure that drivers have insurance that is valid and up-to-date. It will also help keep Ontario's roads safe by ensuring there are fewer uninsured vehicles on the road and less risk to other drivers.

Quick facts

• There are approximately 13.6 million registered passenger vehicles in Ontario.
• All vehicles on Ontario's roads must be insured. There are tough penalties for driving without insurance: o A fine of up to $25,000 for a first offence o A fine of up to $50,000 for a second offence, and the possibility of a driver's licence suspension for up to one year.

Learn more

• Learn more about the Uninsured Vehicles Project
• For more information about driver and vehicle services, contact the ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Contact Centre at (416) 235-2999 (GTA) or toll free in Canada at 1-800-387-3445, or access driver and vehicle services online at Serviceontario.ca
• Find out more about the Insurance Bureau of Canada
• Read more about the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act in Ontario