Ontario Drivers Can Be Fined Up to $2,500 for Missing This Licence Plate Rule

January 06, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’re driving in Ontario, assuming your licence plate renewal takes care of itself, you might be in for a costly surprise. Many Ontario drivers believe automatic renewals apply to every vehicle, but that’s not always the case and missing a renewal could lead to fines of up to $2,500 under the Highway Traffic Act.

This little-known rule has left some Ontario motorists unknowingly driving with expired plates, especially those with larger or specialized vehicles. Understanding who qualifies for the automatic renewal program — and who doesn’t — is key to avoiding penalties and keeping your vehicle legal on the road.

The Major Change to Licence Plate Renewals in Ontario

Back in July 2024, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) changed how licence plate renewals work. Passenger vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, and light commercial vehicles weighing less than 3,000 kilograms became eligible for automatic licence plate renewal.

For eligible drivers, this was a big win. The province eliminated annual sticker fees, ServiceOntario lineups, and recurring renewal hassles. Now, if your vehicle qualifies and you meet a few basic requirements, your licence plate renews quietly behind the scenes about 90 days before its expiry.

However, eligibility depends on a few important conditions:

• You must have valid auto insurance.
• You cannot have unpaid fines, tolls, or penalties.
• Your vehicle must fall within the approved weight and class limits.

If everything checks out, your renewal is processed automatically — with no sticker, email, or notification.

The Catch: Not All Vehicles Qualify

While automatic renewal covers most passenger vehicles, several others are excluded. According to the MTO, these vehicle types must still complete a manual renewal:

• Commercial or business vehicles over 3,000 kg.
• Snowmobiles and off-road vehicles.
• Motorhomes and buses.
• Vehicles manufactured before 1983.

These drivers must renew either online via ServiceOntario or in person. If your vehicle falls into one of these categories and you fail to renew, your licence plate can expire without you even realizing it.

What Happens If You Miss Your Renewal

Driving with expired plates in Ontario can quickly become expensive. The Highway Traffic Act outlines penalties ranging from a minimum fine of $125 for personal vehicles to $400 or more for commercial vehicles. In severe cases, fines can climb up to $1,000 for personal drivers and a steep $2,500 for commercial operators.

Beyond the fine, being stopped with an expired plate can also lead to vehicle impoundment, towing fees, and increased insurance scrutiny, all of which can complicate your driving record and financial well-being.

How to Stay in Compliance

To avoid these penalties, Ontario drivers should:

1. Check your plate status online through the government’s licence plate expiry tool.
2. Clear any outstanding fines or toll charges before renewal.
3. Update your contact information with ServiceOntario to receive renewal reminders.
4. Renew manually if you own a commercial, recreational, or pre-1983 vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Automatic licence plate renewal has made life easier for most Ontario drivers, but not everyone qualifies. If your vehicle isn’t covered, forgetting to renew can cost you far more than time, and it can lead to fines up to $2,500. Staying informed and checking your renewal status regularly will help you avoid expensive mistakes and keep you driving legally across Ontario’s roads.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.