Hot News - December 2004

MTO Unveils New Dealer Plate

As a result of ongoing consultations with the motor vehicle industry and the law enforcement community, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is introducing a new licence plate for exclusive use by motor vehicle dealers.

The introduction of a new visibly distinct licence plate for dealers will enable law enforcement officers to quickly verify proper plate use, and lessen inconvenience for dealers.

The new Dealer Plate, which has a white background, red letters/numbers and the word “Dealer” clearly marked on the left-hand side, is intended for use by motor vehicle dealers on vehicles owned as part of the dealer’s inventory of vehicles for sale. Starting December 1, 2004, motor vehicle dealers can return their existing Dealer and Service Plates (yellow and black plates) and permit to any Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office and purchase the new Dealer Plate/Permit for $30 each.

Repairers and other service providers will continue to use the existing Dealer and Service Plate (yellow and black plate), which will be converted to the new Service Plate/Permit. Effective December 1, 2004, repairers and service providers can convert their existing Dealer and Service Plates to the new Service Plate/Permit by presenting their existing plate permit to any Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office. It is not necessary to present the actual licence plate.

The implementation of the new Dealer Plate and Service Plate will be a phased approach from December 1, 2004 to February 1, 2007 to accommodate clients who may have purchased validation for 24 months prior to the launch of the new plates.

For more information about the new Dealer Plate/Permit or Service Plate/Permit, please visit the ministry’s web site or call the Licensing Administration Office at 1-800-387-3445 or 416-235-2999.

Dealer plate questions and answers available here

Dealer plate mock-up available here

You'll need the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view the PDF document.  If you experience problems when trying to open it, click the above image to download the latest version.