Light-Duty FAQs
If you do not find the answer to your question here, please use our online contact form, or phone us toll free at 1-888-758-2999.
You can download any of our brochures from our publications section.
Top Questions for Light Duty Vehicles
- What is Drive Clean doing for the air, and how do we know?
- Why do we still need Drive Clean since we have fewer smog days?
- How will I know that I need a Drive Clean test?
- How long is the pass report valid?
- How often are vehicles required to go for emissions testing?
- Why are vehicles manufactured before 1988 exempt?
- Do I need a test if I’m buying or selling a used vehicle?
- What is the repair cost limit and what repairs and services qualify?
- Why is there a repair cost limit?
- How much will the test cost?
- What happens after I pass my Drive Clean test?
- What if my vehicle fails the emissions test?
- How will I know if the test results and repairs are fair?
- What is Drive Clean doing to prevent fraud?
- Why are some areas of the province exempt?
- My vehicle is registered in the Drive Clean program area, but is currently out of the province or not in close proximity to an accredited test facility. What are my options?
- My vehicle permit has expired – how do I get my vehicle tested?
- What can I do if I see a smoking vehicle on the road?
- What can I do if I have a concern about Drive Clean customer service?
What is Drive Clean doing for the air, and how do we know?
Drive Clean was established to reduce pollutants contained in vehicle emissions. Some pollutants dirty our local air, and others – greenhouse gases – are linked to climate change.
From 1999 through 2008, Drive Clean reduced smog-causing emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons from light-duty vehicles by an estimated 266,000 tonnes. During the same period, the program also reduced emissions of carbon monoxide, an air toxic, by about 2.5 million tonnes and carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, by more than 250,000 tonnes.
Drive Clean also reduces particulate matter emissions from trucks and buses by an average of more than 200 tonnes per year. “Particulate matter” refers to tiny particles – 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair – that can be inhaled and cause health problems for some people.
Independent experts evaluate Drive Clean results annually, which we post here.
Why do we still need Drive Clean since we have fewer smog days?
Many factors contribute to the better air quality we now have. However, as long as vehicles burn fuel we will need Drive Clean to monitor vehicle emissions systems.
How will I know that I need a Drive Clean test?
The Ministry of Transportation will send you a vehicle licence renewal application about three months before your vehicle’s registration expires. Vehicles that require a test are marked with an asterisk (*) on the registration form.
You can also use our online form or phone the Drive Clean contact centre toll free at 1-888-758-2999 to confirm whether or not your vehicle model year needs a test.
Also see: Do I need a test if I'm buying or selling a used vehicle?
For how long is the pass report valid?
A Drive Clean pass is valid for 12 months from its date of issue. During that time, you can renew the registration and/or transfer ownership.
However, if you have a test done for ownership transfer or initial vehicle registration, the test pass can be used at any point in the next calendar year to renew license registration.
The certificate must still be valid on the registration expiry date or, for late renewals or vehicle transfers, it must be valid on the date of the transaction.
How often are vehicles required to go for emissions testing?
Your light-duty vehicle is required to have an emissions test every two years to renew the registration if:
- it is seven years or older based on the model year*
- is from a model year of 1988 or newer
Vehicles that are even model years require a test for registration renewal in odd calendar years and odd model year vehicles require a test for registration renewal in even calendar years.
Vehicles manufactured before 1988 do not require emissions tests. Check if your vehicle needs a test.
*NOTE: Prior to September 1, 2011, emissions systems needed to be tested when vehicles became five years old. As a result, during 2011, five- or six-year old vehicles whose registrations expired on or before August 31, 2011 had to be tested. On September 1, 2011, Drive Clean testing changed from five to seven years.
Also see: Do I need a test if I’m buying or selling a used vehicle?
Why are vehicles manufactured before 1988 exempt?
Vehicles built in 1988 were the first to comply with new, significantly tighter vehicle emissions and durability standards for that time.
While 1987 and older light-duty vehicles are exempt from Drive Clean, they are still subject to the Environmental Protection Act. Anywhere in Ontario, Provincial Officers can stop and inspect a vehicle suspected of emitting excessive exhaust smoke or of having emissions control equipment tampered with or removed. Penalties include warnings, notices, tickets and summonses. For serious infractions, officers can use legally binding Provincial Officer Orders, and/or seize vehicle licence plates.
Do I need a test if I’m buying or selling a used vehicle?
As a consumer-protection measure, used vehicles must pass the emissions test in order to transfer ownership if the model year is older than the current calendar year.
This requirement helps to ensure that consumers do not unwittingly purchase a used vehicle with emissions problems.
There are two exceptions to this rule:
- When a person is buying their car from a leasing company at the end of the lease
- When vehicles are sold to immediate family members. Immediate family members include the applicant’s:
- parent
- stepparent
- grandparent
- stepgrandparent
- child
- stepchild
- grandchild
- stepgrandchild
- sibling
- half-sibling
- father-in-law
- mother-in-law
- son-in-law
- daughter-in-law
- brother-in-law
- sister-in-law
Exemption forms for family transfers and lease buy-outs are available at ServiceOntario counters.
It is the responsibility of the buyer and the seller to determine who pays to have the vehicle tested. Cars manufactured before 1988 are not subject to Drive Clean testing.
What is the repair cost limit and what repairs and services qualify?
To take advantage of the repair cost limit (RCL) your repair estimate and actual repairs must be emissions-related and conducted by a certified repair technician employed by an accredited Drive Clean Facility. However, you do not need to have the diagnostic or repairs performed at the facility that provided the initial emissions test. If you use another accredited facility for diagnostics and repairs, the repair technician will complete and sign a repair data form. With this form, you can have the vehicle retested at the facility where the initial emissions test was performed at a reduced fee.
The RCL cannot be applied if you have the repairs done elsewhere, or if you do them yourself. The limit also does not apply to the cost of replacing a missing gas cap or catalytic converter, non-emissions-related repairs, warranty repairs or repairs to correct a vehicle's smoking problem.
*NOTE: A conditional pass cannot be used to transfer the ownership of a used vehicle. This is an important consumer protection measure, since a conditional pass indicates a vehicle has ongoing emissions-system problems that require further repairs.
Why is there a repair cost limit?
Drive Clean improves our air quality because it identifies polluting vehicles and requires them to be repaired. However, sometimes owners cannot afford to fully repair or replace a grossly polluting vehicle. Drive Clean offers the repair cost limit to help these people.
The repair cost limit ensures that faults in a vehicle's emissions system are diagnosed and that at least some are repaired. Most Drive Clean-like programs in North America have a similar feature to assist vehicle owners.
Despite the repair cost limit, Drive Clean recommends you make all required repairs to your vehicle’s emissions system. A well-maintained vehicle uses less fuel, saving money at the gas pump, as well as emitting fewer pollutants.
How much will the test cost
The Drive Clean facility will perform a pretest inspection of your vehicle at no charge to ensure it is in reasonable mechanical working order for the emissions test.
The maximum fee that Drive Clean facilities may charge for a light-duty vehicle emissions test is $35. You can have up to two retests at $17.50 each after repairs, if the retests are conducted at the same facility as the initial test. Facilities may charge less, and it is a business decision whether they do so. All applicable taxes are extra.
If you chose to have repairs performed at a different Drive Clean facility from the one where the vehicle was tested, you can still take advantage of the reduced retest fees. The repair technician will complete and sign a "repair data form" with which you can have the vehicle retested at the facility where the initial emissions test was performed at a reduced fee rate.
If you perform repairs yourself or have them done at a non-Drive Clean facility, bring all relevant receipts for parts or repairs to make sure you qualify for the reduced retest fee. You will not, however, qualify for the repair cost limit unless repairs were done by a certified Drive Clean repair technician.
What happens after I pass my Drive Clean test?
You will be given a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) with "pass" or "conditional pass" clearly printed on it. You can then renew your vehicle registration at a licence issuing office, any Ontario self-service kiosk or online at ServiceOntario. Please retain your VIR pass or conditional pass with your vehicle's maintenance information.
What if my vehicle fails the emissions test?
You’ll be given a report on the vehicle's emissions, showing which standard(s) your car did not meet. You will also receive a pamphlet entitled What if my vehicle doesn't meet the emissions standards? to help you decide what steps to take next.
You can retire your older vehicle in an environmentally responsible way. Find out how by visiting Car Heaven (please note that when you click on this link, you will be leaving the Ministry of the Environment’s website).
How will I know if the test results and repairs are fair?
There are four measures in place to ensure Drive Clean tests are fair:
- To be accredited, Drive Clean facilities have computerized, tamper-proof equipment approved for the Drive Clean program. The equipment is regularly calibrated to ensure its accuracy.
- Your vehicle test results are compared with emissions standards set for all vehicles of the same particular year and model. All results are recorded in a central database, to facilitate monitoring and auditing of test results.
- All certified inspectors performing the tests and technicians doing the repairs are monitored continuously for expected pass/fail rate and irregularities.
- We audit all facilities to ensure they follow proper testing and repair procedures.
We have zero tolerance for fraud or consumer abuse within the Drive Clean program. If you have any concerns, we want to hear them. Please contact the Drive Clean contact centre toll free at 1-888-758-2999. The ministry is serious about protecting vehicle owners and will investigate your complaints.
What is Drive Clean doing to prevent fraud?
The Ministry of Environment takes non-compliance very seriously and acts on all instances of fraud. Between April 1, 2006, and October 1, 2011, the ministry obtained 78 convictions that resulted in $683,675 in fines for Drive Clean fraud.
The ministry works with the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Government Services to identify and reduce the risk of fraud.
Why are some areas of the province exempt?
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles, such as trucks and buses, are subject to Drive Clean, throughout Ontario.
Light-duty vehicles and non-diesel heavy-duty vehicles are affected if they’re registered in an area that extends across southern Ontario from Windsor to Ottawa. The program boundaries are defined by postal codes and generally follow county and regional borders for its northern boundary. This highly populated area has a history of poor air quality due to its high concentration of vehicles and major transportation corridors. Almost 90 per cent of the province’s light-duty vehicles are registered there.
You can view a map of the program area program area (PDF) and you can use this search form to find out if your vehicle will require an emissions test. You can also call the Drive Clean contact centre at 1-888-758-2999 for assistance with any question about the program.
My vehicle is registered in the Drive Clean program area, but is currently out of the province or not in close proximity to an accredited test facility. What are my options?
There are options available. Refer to the Ministry of Transportation website or call the Drive Clean contact centre at 1-888-758-2999 for information and instructions on registering or renewing the registration for an out-of-province vehicle.
My vehicle permit has expired – how do I get my vehicle tested?
For late renewals or vehicle transfers, a Drive Clean pass certificate must be valid on the date of the transaction.
You may get a temporary vehicle registration ($15 for 10 days) from a licence-issuing office which will allow enough time for you to have your vehicle tested and get any needed repairs done prior to renewing your regular vehicle registration. You will be provided with a "T" validation sticker to place on your licence plate. For any questions regarding licensing issues, please contact the Ministry of Transportation at 416-235-2999 or 1-800-387-3445 from within Ontario.
What can I do if I see a smoking vehicle on the road?
Please report a smoking vehicle by completing this online form. Alternatively, you can call the Drive Clean contact centre at 1-888-758-2999 with the following information:
- the licence plate
- a vehicle description
- the location, date and time of the occurrence
- the colour of the smoke
Please be assured we are doing everything we can to stop these types of occurrences.
What can I do if I have a concern about Drive Clean customer service?
Drive Clean has zero tolerance for fraud or consumer abuse. If you have any concerns, we want to hear them. Please call the Drive Clean contact centre toll free at 1-888-758-2999. The ministry is serious about protecting vehicle owners and will investigate your complaints.
Drive Clean’s customer service standards are posted in the ministry’s Service Excellence section. There, you’ll find standards for customer complaint resolution, handling applications to become accredited Drive Clean Facilities, and issuing conditional pass reports for out-of-province vehicles.
