A safety certificate often comes up when buying a used vehicle privately, bringing a vehicle into Ontario, or changing a vehicle’s status from unfit to fit. The inspection records whether a vehicle met minimum safety standards on a specific date. When a vehicle passes, the result is documented as an Ontario Safety Standards Certificate.
For many vehicle owners, this step becomes a deciding point—either the car is worth fixing and certifying, or it may be time to move on from it altogether. At Scrap Car Removal Toronto, we often speak with Ontario drivers who start by looking into a safety inspection but end up scrapping the vehicle once repair costs outweigh its value.
In this blog, we discuss when a vehicle safety inspection is required, what inspectors check, and how long a certificate remains valid in Ontario.
What Is A Vehicle Safety Inspection?
A vehicle safety inspection is a regulated mechanical assessment completed at a Ministry-licensed inspection station. A certified technician follows the provincial standard and records the outcome as pass or fail. A certificate is issued only when the vehicle meets every required safety item.
Does My Car Need A Safety Inspection in Ontario?
Ontario requires a safety inspection in defined situations. The most common is a private sale between unrelated parties, since the buyer must present a valid certificate before registering and plating the vehicle.
A safety inspection is typically required when:
- Registering a vehicle brought in from outside Ontario
- Registering a rebuilt vehicle that was previously written off
- Changing a vehicle’s status from unfit to fit after repairs
Certain transfers and vehicle types are exempt. These include spouse-to-spouse transfers, some off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, mopeds, and specific trailers. Vehicles sold as-is to a scrap yard are not inspected because they are not being registered for road use. In those cases, owners often compare whether to scrap their car or sell its parts rather than pursue certification.
New Ontario Safety Inspection Requirements
Ontario has been moving away from the paper-based MVIS process toward the DriveON digital inspection system.1 DriveON inspections are completed using a tablet and require photo documentation. Images commonly include the vehicle exterior, compliance labels, and odometer readings. Inspection results are uploaded to a central database used during registration at ServiceOntario.
Ontario Safety Inspection Checklist
The Ontario safety inspection checklist focuses on components tied to road safety. Inspectors examine braking systems, tires and wheels, steering and suspension, exhaust components, lighting, electrical systems, body and frame condition, seatbelts, airbags, windshield condition, wipers, and mirrors. A short road test is included to confirm braking response, steering behaviour, suspension performance, and dashboard warning light status.
A basic self-check before booking can help flag obvious concerns:
- Verify that all exterior lights function properly
- Check tire condition and tread depth
- Inspect the windshield for cracks within the wiper sweep
- Look for illuminated airbag or ABS warning lights
Vehicle Safety Inspection in Ontario: Cost and Fees
Passenger vehicle inspections commonly fall within $60 to $150 range.2 A fixed administrative fee of $5.10 applies when a Safety Standards Certificate is issued. Any repairs required to meet inspection standards are billed separately.
Regional Differences In Ontario Safety Inspections
Inspection standards remain consistent across Ontario, but the experience can vary by location.
Cities usually offer more licensed inspection stations, making it easier to book appointments and compare prices. Rural and northern regions often have fewer stations covering larger service areas, which can lead to longer wait times.
The transition to the DriveON system has not occurred at the same pace everywhere. Some regions adopted the system earlier based on station readiness. This affects documentation and verification, while inspection criteria remain unchanged.
Validity And Re-Inspection Rules
A Safety Standards Certificate remains valid for 36 calendar days, including weekends and statutory holidays. If the certificate expires before registration or transfer, another inspection is required. Many owners schedule inspections close to their ServiceOntario appointment to avoid timing issues.
When a vehicle fails inspection, the station provides a written list of deficiencies. Repairs may be completed elsewhere, but re-inspection eligibility requires returning to the same station within 10 days. Reduced re-inspection fees often apply. Missing that window can result in a full inspection being required again.
Typical Costs And Time Windows
| Item | What It Covers | Amount Or Limit |
| Inspection Fee | Labour and inspection process | Approx. $60 to $150 |
| Certificate Admin Fee | Provincial SSC issuance fee | $5.10 |
| Re-Inspection Fee | Follow-up verification | Approx. $40 to $60 |
| Certificate Validity | Time allowed for registration | 36 calendar days |
| Re Inspection Window | Return period to the same station | 10 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Safety Inspection To Sell My Car In Ontario?
In most private sales, the buyer needs a valid Safety Standards Certificate to register and plate the vehicle unless an exemption applies. Vehicles may still be sold as is when the seller chooses not to complete repairs.
What Is Checked In A Safety Inspection In Ontario?
Inspectors review braking systems, steering and suspension components, tires, lighting, exhaust, structural integrity, restraint systems, visibility items, and complete a road test.
What Will Fail A Car Inspection In Ontario?
Failures commonly result from non-functioning lights, major exhaust leaks, windshield damage that interferes with visibility, and dashboard warning lights related to airbags or ABS systems.
How To Get A Safety Certificate For A Car In Ontario
The inspection must be completed at a Ministry-licensed inspection station. Only these stations can issue a valid Safety Standards Certificate. When repair costs exceed the vehicle’s remaining value, some owners explore how to legally scrap a car instead.
How Long Does A Safety Inspection Take?
Inspection length depends on station workload and vehicle condition. The process includes a full mechanical review and a road test.
How We Can Help
When inspection results point to extensive repairs that no longer make financial sense, Scrap Car Removal Toronto can take the vehicle as it is. Pickup is arranged quickly, and ownership transfer is handled properly.
Get a quote from Scrap Car Removal Toronto today!
References
- “Join the DriveON Program.” ontario.ca, 8 Oct. 2025, www.ontario.ca/page/join-driveon-program.
- Envision. “Will My Car Pass the Ontario Safety Inspection?” BEMAC, 22 Jan. 2024, www.bemac.ca/blog/will-my-car-pass-a-safety-inspection.
