Drive Clean requires most passenger cars, vans, light trucks (with a GVWR or GCWR of 4,500 kg or less) and sport utility vehicles registered in the Drive Clean program area (PDF) to get a test pass or conditional pass to renew the stickers on their licence plates.
Light-duty vehicles, beginning with 1988 models, require testing every two years once they reach a certain age. Beginning September 1, 2011, vehicles are tested when they are seven years old.
As a consumer-protection measure, an emissions test pass may be required when a used vehicle that is older than the current calendar year is sold. This test helps to ensure consumers do not purchase a vehicle with emissions problems.
Vehicles exempt from Drive Clean testing requirements:
- all hybrid vehicles (those powered by a combination of internal combustion engines and electric motors)
- vehicles manufactured before 1988
- vehicles currently designated as “Historic” under the Highway Traffic Act
- light-duty commercial farm vehicles
- kit cars
- motorcycles
For more information please refer to the light-duty FAQ page.
Retire your vehicle
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).