MVI FAQ: All You Need To Know About Motor Vehicle Inspections In Ontario

If you’re transferring ownership of a used vehicle or registering one you’ve rebuilt, chances are you need a motor vehicle inspection to receive your Safety Standard Certificate (SSC), and your local TIRECRAFT can help.

To that end, today’s post answers 6 of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about motor vehicle inspections, then explains how to find a qualified technician near you.

Read on to learn all you need to know about earning your SSC, or contact your local TIRECRAFT to schedule a free consultation straight away.

What Is A Safety Standard Certificate (SSC)?

Put simply, the SSC is a document that assesses the health of your vehicle. It proves that your car, truck, coupe, SUV, or van meets the minimum required safety standards in Ontario, and it is required to get a license plate.

The SSC does not guarantee the condition of the vehicle, nor does it act as a warranty. As per the Passenger / Light-Duty Vehicle Inspection Standard, it is simply “a legal declaration that the vehicle was inspected in accordance with the legislation, Regulation 611, and this Standard and met all of the requirements at the time of the inspection.”

When Do I Need A Motor Vehicle Inspection/SSC?

There are four instances when you are required to book this type of motor vehicle inspection:

• When you are transferring ownership of a used vehicle, unless you are transferring the vehicle to your spouse
• When you are registering a rebuilt vehicle
• When you are registering a vehicle that was previously used in another province or country
• When you are updating the status of a vehicle from unfit to fit

Do All Used Vehicles Require SSCs?

No. You do not need a motor vehicle inspection when registering a used motorized snow vehicle, off-road vehicle, motor-assisted bicycle, or trailer.

How Can I Find A Qualified Motor Vehicle Inspection Shop Near Me?

According to Government of Ontario, motor vehicle inspection technicians must:

• Possess a Motor Vehicle Inspection license and appear on the official List of Registered Technicians
• Hold a Journeyman certificate from Skilled Trades Ontario to be licensed to conduct MVIS inspections
• Use “industry-accepted equipment capable of making three-dimensional measurements on unibody and non-unibody vehicles” for Type 6 inspections
• Possess a hoist or jack suitable for the weight of the vehicle
• Own tools designed to aim headlights and measure wear in brake system components, tire tread depth, play or wear in steering and suspension systems, window tint, leaks in compressed fuel systems, and torque of wheel and rim fasteners
• Properly calibrate and maintain all tools required for a motor vehicle inspection
• Provide an inspection report “noting important information about the results of the inspection, including measurements for specific components (e.g. tire tread depth); and, any warning lamps that are illuminated.”

If a shop is offering you a motor vehicle inspection without meeting these criteria, look elsewhere.

If you need help finding a licensed technician in your area, use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool. With more than 300 locations around the country, qualified help is closer than you think!

How Much Does A Motor Vehicle Inspection Cost?

The Ontario government does not regulate the price of motor vehicle inspections, so it is your best interest to shop around. For a free quote, contact your local TIRECRAFT.

How Long Does My Motor Vehicle Inspection/SSC Remain Valid?

SSCs are valid for 36 calendar days after the motor vehicle inspection is complete. If your SSC expires before you register your vehicle, you will have to pay for a new one.

Book A Motor Vehicle Inspection Near Me: Contact Your Local TIRECRAFT

Use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool to get a free quote on a motor vehicle inspection from a qualified technician near you.

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