Vehicle Safety Inspection

What is a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) Vehicle Safety Inspection?

A car safety inspection is always worthwhile. Before you think about buying or selling a vehicle, it’s important you are aware of the overall condition. To do this, you can get a safety standards certificate. A safety standard certificate (SSC) shows that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards set by the Ministry of Transportation. Specifically, it is a “legal declaration that the vehicle was inspected in accordance with the legislation, Regulation 611.” It’s important to note that you can buy and register a vehicle without a safety standards certificate, however, you cannot put a license plate on a vehicle without one. When selling a used car privately in Ontario, a Safety Certificate is necessary to transfer ownership.

Criteria for Attainting your Safety Standards Certificate
In order for your vehicle to pass a safety in Ontario, you must meet all government-regulated vehicle inspection standards. Your vehicle will need to meet the following conditions: Brakes in good condition, tires that have no leaks and are safely inflated, as well as an extra tire with an air pressure gauge attached to it. The SSC vehicle safety inspection is very comprehensive, as it also takes a look at the suspension, the steering system, electrical system, body, powertrain, and more, ensuring everything is intact and in good condition. The certification will identify brakes that are gone, tires that are worn out completely, and suspensions that are worn out and have play in them.

Costs and Validation of your Safety Standards Certificate
The cost of a safety certificate is $160 (plus tax) plus any necessary repairs. The certificate is valid for 36 days from the inspection date, and is attained after passing the inspection at an inspection station, licensed by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). All drivers in Ontario need this SSC vehicle safety inspections when they are rebuilding a vehicle, transferring a used vehicle to a new owner (unless owner is your spouse), registering a vehicle in Ontario that was shipped in from another province, territory or country, and finally, when changing the status of a vehicle from unfit to fit.

Motor Vehicle Safety
You do not need a safety standards inspection certificate if you are registering a used motorized snow vehicle, off-road vehicle, motor-assisted bicycle or trailer. If you are transferring the vehicle to your spouse, you will not require a safety certificate as well.