Press Release
For the first time in 15 years, Ontario is increasing driver and vehicle licence fees to ensure provincial roads and bridges remain safe and in good repair for future generations.
While costs of maintaining roads, bridges, and highways have risen over time, fees have not. So in keeping with the recommendations of the Drummond Commission, the government is moving forward with modest and gradual increases to:
•permit fees for truck and bus operators;
•permits for trailers and vehicles;
•new driver’s licences and renewals; and
•farm and off-road/snow vehicles.
The revenue generated from the fees will help support the maintenance of provincial roads, highways, and bridges.
Even with the increases, Ontario’s passenger vehicle licence fees will remain lower than many other provinces in Canada.
The government will not be moving ahead with the recommendation to charge parking fees at GO Transit parking lots.
The McGuinty government is committed to eliminating the deficit and creating jobs while strengthening Ontario’s transportation infrastructure.
“Our government is making thoughtful choices to eliminate the deficit and keep Ontario’s economy on track while making sure our roads and bridges remain in good repair,” said Transportation and Infrastructure minister Bob Chiarelli.
“By increasing some fees for the first time in almost 15 years, we are making the choice to keep Ontario’s families safe when they are on the road,” he added.
There are about 11 million vehicles registered in Ontario.
Ontario has 16,500 km of highways and 2,720 bridges.
The vehicle validation fee in Ontario was last increased in 1997.
