If you own a licensed motor vehicle in Ontario, you must renew your license plate stickers every one or two years, depending on your preference. If you are caught driving without a valid sticker, you may get a “Drive Motor Vehicle – No Currently Validated Permit” traffic ticket.
But, just like with almost everything else in our lives during the COVID pandemic, there’s been a change.
Typically, you would renew your license plate sticker at a Service Ontario outlet, or through the mail. Since the start of the pandemic, Service Ontario, like many other essential services, began to offer many services online. This was done to avoid any unnecessary close contact between people and reduce the spread of COVID. Services that are now online include renewing your driver’s licence, health card and license plate stickers, among others.
What if You Don’t Have Online Access?
For many reasons, not everyone is able to use online services. But they were still asked to avoid visiting Service Ontario outlets during the pandemic. To accommodate those who were unable to renew license stickers online, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation extended the expiry date of license plate stickers that expired on or after March 1, 2020. As the pandemic lingered, the new sticker expiry date has been been revised.
You Must Renew Your License Plate Sticker by February 28, 2022
The province is ending the expiry date extension period for license plate stickers, and other renewals, that expired March 1, 2020. If you cannot renew your license plate sticker online, more than 40 Service Ontario offer an appointment booking option for renewals.
It’s also important to note that, if you didn’t renew your licence plate sticker during the expiry extensions, you must pay for the skipped renewal fees and your next renewal fee.
Did You Get a Traffic Ticket for Having Expired Licence Plate Stickers During the Extension Period?
There was some confusion about issuing tickets for expired plate stickers during the expiry extension period. Many drivers got tickets for “Drive Motor Vehicle – No Currently Validated Permit”. While a conviction of the charge does not carry demerit points, it could increase your car insurance rates. If you’ve been issued a ticket, you should seek legal advice to avoid higher car insurance premiums.
The experienced team of former police officers, defense lawyers and paralegals at X-Copper understand law enforcement and court procedures. They are ready to defend your rights against charges of driving with expired stickers and get the best possible results.
Find out more about demerit points in our article “The Ultimate Guide to Ontario’s Demerit Point System“.
