Vehicle registration plates of Ontario explained

Slogan:	Yours to discover/Tant à découvrir
Size:	12x
Material:	Aluminum
Serial Format:	ABCD-123
Issuer:	Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
Manufacturer:	Trilcor Industries Milton, Ontario
Start Date:

The Canadian province of Ontario first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1911, when the province began to issue plates.^[1] Plates are currently issued by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). The location of plates is specified by the Highway Traffic Act^[2] and Regulation 628 under the Act.^[3]

The Crown

The symbol of a crown representing the Crown of Canada has appeared on almost all Ontario licence plates since 1937, when it was first used to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Exceptions to this included a series of licence plates issued from 1951 to 1952, due to metal shortages from the Korean War;^[4] and a series of farm plates issued in the 1980s and 1990s.

Toronto politician and Orange Order leader Leslie Saunders led protests against a proposal to remove the crown in 1948, a decision the government overturned.^[5]

Passenger baseplates

1911 to 1972

In 1956, Canada, the United States, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for licence plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6inches in height by 12inches in width, with standardized mounting holes.^[6] The 1954 (dated 1955) issue was the first Ontario licence plate that complied with these standards.

Dates issued	Design	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1911	White serial on blue porcelain plate; vertical "ONT." and "1911" at left and right respectively	none	12345	1 to approximately 11500
1912	Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1912" at left	none	12345	1 to approximately 16500
1913	Black serial on yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1913" at left	none	12345	1 to approximately 24000
1914	Black serial on tan flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1914" at left	none	12345	1 to approximately 33000
1915	Dark blue serial on light green flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1915" at left	none	12345	1 to approximately 43000
1916	Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1916" at left	none	12345	1 to approximately 64000
1917	Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1917" at right	none	12345	1 to approximately 78000
1918	Dark blue serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1918" at left	none	123456	1 to approximately 107000
1919	Black serial on golden yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1919" at left	none	123456	1 to approximately 133000
1920	Dark green serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1920" at left	none	123456	1 to approximately 162000
1921	Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 21" at left	none	123-456	1 to approximately 184-000	First embossed plate.
1922	Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONT 22" at left	none	123-456	1 to approximately 216-000
1923	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONT–1923" at bottom	none	123-456	1 to approximately 260-000
1924	Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "ONT–1924" at bottom	none	123-456	1 to approximately 313-000
1925	Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 25" at left	none	123-456	1 to approximately 309-000
1926	Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONT 26" at left	none	123-456	1 to approximately 415-000
1927	Embossed black serial on buff plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1927" at bottom	none	123·456	1 to approximately 437·000	First use of the full province name.
1928	Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1928" at bottom	none	123·456	1 to approximately 446·000
1929	Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1929" at bottom	none	123·456	1 to approximately 477·000
1930	Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1930" at bottom	none	A-1234	A-1 to Z-9999	Letters G, I and Q not used in serials.^[7]
1930		none	AB-123	AA-1 to approximately PV-999	Letters G, I and Q not used in serials.^[7]
1931	Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1931" at top	none	A·1234	A·1 to Z·9999
1931		none	AB·123	AA·1 to approximately OT·999
1932	Embossed black serial on grey plate; "ONTARIO 1932" at top	none	A·1234	A·1 to Z·9999
1932	Embossed black serial on grey plate; "ONTARIO 1932" at top	none	AB·123	AA·1 to approximately OB·999
1933	Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1933" at top	none	A·1234	A·1 to Z·9999
1933		none	AB·123	AA·1 to approximately MZ·999
1934	Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO 1934" at top	none	A·1234	A·1 to Z·9999
1934	Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO 1934" at top	none	AB·123	AA·1 to approximately NA·999
1935	Embossed black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top	none	A·1234	A·1 to Z·9999
1935		none	AB·123	AA·1 to approximately OK·999
1936	Embossed white serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at bottom	none	A·1234	A·1 to Z·9999
1936		none	AB·123	AA·1 to approximately PK·999
1937	Embossed white serial on red plate; "ONTARIO 1937" centred at top, with crowns to left and right	none	1·A·234 12·A·34 123·A·4		First base to feature a crown in any form.
1938	Embossed orange serial on light blue plate; "19", crown and "38" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom	none	1A234 12A34 123A4		Colours commemorate the Loyal True Blue and Orange Home.^[8]
1939	Embossed white serial on black plate; "19", crown and "39" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234
1940	Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1940" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234
1941	Embossed green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1941" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234
1942	Embossed black serial on orange plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1942" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234
	Embossed orange serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1943" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234		Revalidated for 1944 with windshield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II.
1945	Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1945" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234
1946	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1946" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234
1947	Embossed black serial on silver plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1947" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234
1948	Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1948" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234
1949	Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1949" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A
1950	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1950" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A
1951–52	Embossed blue serial on white plate; "19–ONTARIO–51" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A AB123		Revalidated for 1952 with windshield stickers.
1953	Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1953" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A AB123
1954	Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1954" at top	none	1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A AB123
1955	As 1953 base, but with "1955" to right of crown	none	123·456 A12·345		First 6" x 12" plate.
1956	As 1954 base, but with "1956" to right of crown	none	123·456 A·12345
1957	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1957" at top	none	123·456 A·12345
1958	Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1958" at top	none	123·456 A·12345
1959	As 1957 base, but with "1959" to right of crown	none	123·456 A·12345
1960	As 1958 base, but with "1960" to right of crown	none	123·456 A·12345
1961	As 1957 base, but with "1961" to right of crown	none	123·456 A·12345
1962	As 1958 base, but with border line, and with "1962" to right of crown	none	123·456 A·12345
1963	As 1957 base, but with border line, and with "1963" to right of crown	none	123·456 A·12345
1964	As 1958 base, but with border line, and with "1964" to right of crown	none	123·456 A·12345
1965	Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "ONTARIO", crown and "1965" at top	none	123·456 A·12345 12345·A
1966	Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO", crown and "1966" at top	none	123·456 A·12345 12345·A
1967	Embossed white serial with crown separator on blue plate with border line; "19 ONTARIO 67" at top	"18 CONFEDERATION 67" at bottom	123-456 A12-345 123-45A		Issued as part of the Canadian Centennial celebration.
1968	Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "1968" and "ONTARIO" centred at top and bottom respectively	none	123-456 A12-345 123-45A
1969	Embossed white serial with crown separator on blue plate with border line; "1969" and "ONTARIO" centred at top and bottom respectively	none	123-456 A12-345 123-45A
1970	As 1968 base, but with "1970" at top	none	123-456 A12-345 123-45A
1971	As 1969 base, but with "1971" at top	none	123-456 A12-345 123-45A
1972	As 1968 base, but with "1972" at top	none	123-456 A12-345 123-45A

1973 to present

After 1973, Ontario ceased to issue plates annually. Instead, validation was indicated by means of stickers affixed to the top right of the rear plate. All Ontario license plates issued since 1973 remain valid for display.

In 1973, the "Keep it Beautiful" slogan was introduced to Ontario passenger plates. In 1982, the slogan was changed to "Yours to Discover". The adjustment was made to reflect the province's new tourism campaign.^[9]

In April 2019, the Government of Ontario announced that the plates would be redesigned. The plates' design includes a superficial laminate layer manufactured by 3M.^[10] The plates have a two-tone blue background with white letters and numbers flanking a stylized white trillium, and no longer embossed. The motto was also changed to "A Place to Grow", taking inspiration from Ontario's unofficial anthem "A Place to Stand, a Place to Grow".^[11]

Issue of the new plates began in February 2020. The new plates faced criticism from law enforcement agencies, as their new design made them difficult to read in certain lighting conditions. Concerns were also raised that photo radar systems would have difficulty reading them, due to the lighting issues, as well as the smaller sizing of their "Ontario" text. On February 20, 2020, Premier Doug Ford stated that the government planned to recall the initial batch, and was working with 3M on improvements.^[12] However, on May 6, 2020, a spokesperson for Ford announced that the blue plates would be discontinued entirely after "thorough testing by law enforcement and other key stakeholders". The previous white plates were reinstated, with their coating also made more durable, although the blue plates continued to be issued through early-June until their supply was exhausted.^[13] ^[14]

Dates issued	Design	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
	Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right	"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" centred at bottom	ABC-123	AAA-001 to NKJ-999	Letters G, I and Q not used in this serial format, and U discontinued after the LMU series (1976).
1978–82	As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right	"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" centred at bottom		NKK-001 to TMA-999
1982–86	As above, but with no sticker box	"YOURS TO DISCOVER" centred at bottom		TMB-001 to ZZZ-999	Staggered registration introduced 1983, with each plate expiring in the same month as the registrant's birthday.
1986–94	As above, but with no sticker box	"YOURS TO DISCOVER" centred at bottom	123-ABC	001-AAA to 999-VYH	Letters G, I, Q and U not used in this serial format.
1994–97	Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top	"YOURS TO DISCOVER" screened in blue centred at bottom	123-ABC	001-VYJ to 999-ZZZ	Narrower serial dies introduced in preparation for ABCD-123 format, and O discontinued after the ZZO series (1997).
1997–2020 2020–present		"YOURS TO DISCOVER" screened in blue centred at bottom		CLZZ-999; CPAA-001 to DBBP-175 (as of December 20, 2023)^[15]	Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format. Font had slightly changed from CASA-001 to CATR-999.^[16]
2008–20 2020–present		"TANT À DÉCOUVRIR" screened in blue centred at bottom		FAAA-001 to FAAY 026 (as of April 14, 2023)^[17]	Alternative issue, introduced in 2008. Certain series were allocated for the french slogan; BCAA, BEAA, BEAD, BEAE, BEAJ, BEAL, BEAM, BEAN, BEAP, BEAS, BSRH, BSRJ, BSRK, BTBE, and BTBF. Exclusive use of 'F' series of serials since April 2019.
2020	White on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right; "Ontario" screened in white centred at top.^[18] ^[19] Plates are made of synthetic material and are not embossed.	"A PLACE TO GROW" screened in white centred at bottom.	ABCD-123	CMAA-001 to CMMZ-349 (as of July 9, 2020)	The initial batch of these plates issued from February 1, 2020 to March 4, 2020 were recalled due to poor visibility at night when illuminated. This design was later scrapped on May 6, 2020.^[20]
2020		"EN PLEIN ESSOR" screened in white centred at bottom^[21]	ABCD-123	FAAE-000 to FAAM-000	Alternative issue.

Serial numbers reserved for government officials

Serial(s)	Political Office of Holder(s)	Level of Government
CAN-001	Prime Minister of Canada	Federal
CAN-002 to CAN-999	Federal Cabinet Ministers	Federal
SEN-001 to SEN-999	Members of the Senate	Federal
MHC-001 to MHC-999	Members of the House of Commons	Federal
FCJ-001 to FCJ-999	Federal Court Judges	Federal
FDA-001 to FDZ-999	Federally Owned Vehicles	Federal
ONT-001	Premier of Ontario	Provincial
ONT-002 to ONT-999	Provincial Cabinet Ministers	Provincial
MPP-001 to MPP-999	Members of Provincial Parliament	Provincial
SCO-001 to SCO-999	Ontario Superior Court of Justice	Provincial
PJO-001 to PJO-999	Ontario Provincial Judges	Provincial
ONA-001 to ONZ-999	Provincially Owned Vehicles^[22]	Provincial

Green vehicle plates

Image	First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
	2010	Green on white with graphic white trillium separator	"GREEN VEHICLE"	GVAB 123	GVAA-001 to GVKC-815 (as of June 10, 2023)	Issued to electric vehicles (plug-in hybrid and battery electric) and hydrogen vehicles. Vehicles with these plates can access HOV lanes on 400-series highways regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle.^[23] See also: government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles.
	2010	Green on white with graphic white trillium separator	"VÉHICULE ÉCOLOGIQUE"	VEAB 123	VEAA-001 to VEAB-658 (as of May 24, 2022)

Historic vehicles

Historic vehicle license plates were introduced in 1969 as yearly plates. In 1973, plates switched to permanently issued plates validated with stickers.

Vehicles more than 30 years old and substantially unchanged since manufacture may qualify for a "Historic" registration.^[24]

Annual fees were much lower ($18 vs $120 for a passenger car until 2022),^[25] but historic vehicles may not be used as conventional transportation. They legally may only be driven to and from events and parades where the vehicle is on display, to garages for maintenance, and other similar use cases. Annual renewal stickers are affixed to the rear plate, as with passenger vehicles.

Historic plates are not to be confused with year-of-manufacture plates.^[26]

First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued
1969	White on blue plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags.	none	12 345
1970	Blue on white plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags.	none
1971	White on blue plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags.	none
1972	Blue on white plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags.	none
1973	Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right	"HISTORIC VEHICLE"	HVA-123
1978	As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right
1982	As above, but with no sticker box
1994	Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side.	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
	Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side.		123-HVA	001-HVA to 999-HVZ
2007	Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side.		1H2345	1H0001 to 7H9039 (as of June 2, 2023)

Commercial baseplates

Unlike passenger cars, plate validation stickers for commercial vehicles are placed on the front plate, instead of the rear. This placement is consistent between trucks with visible rear plates, and tractor units where the rear plate is obscured by a trailer. Ontario vehicles registered in the International Registration Plan receive special commercial plates with "PRP" screened vertically at the left.

All pickup trucks are legally considered commercial vehicles and thus require commercial plates. However, if used strictly as a passenger vehicle ("personal-use vehicle"), a truck may be exempt from some conditions imposed on commercial vehicles, indicated by a white or red "PERSONAL USE ONLY" sticker affixed in the top left corner of the front plate.^[27]

1916 to 1962

Commercial license plates were first introduced in 1916.

First issued	Description	Serial format	Notes
1916	Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1916" at left	C1234
1917	Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1917" at right	C1234
1918	Dark blue serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1918" at left	C1234
1919	Black serial on golden yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1919" at left	C1234
1920	Dark green serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1920" at left	C12345
1921	Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 21" at left	C1-234
1922	Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONT 22" at left	C1-234
1923	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONT–1923" at bottom	C12-345
1924	Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "ONT–1924" at bottom	C12-345
1925	Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 25" at left	C12-345
1926	Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONT 26" at left	C12-345
1927	Embossed black serial on buff plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1927" at bottom	C12-345
1928	Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1928" at bottom	C12-345
1929	Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1929" at bottom	C1-234
1930	Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1930" at bottom	12-345C	Letter C moved to the end
1931	Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1931" at top	12-345C
1932	Embossed black serial on grey plate; "ONTARIO 1932" at top	12-345C
1933	Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1933" at top	12345-C
1934	Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO 1934" at top	12345-C C-12345
1935	Embossed black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top	12345-C
1936	Embossed white serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at top	12345-C
1937	Embossed white serial on red plate; "ONTARIO 1937" centred at top, with crowns to left and right	12345-C
1938	Embossed orange serial on light blue plate; "19", crown and "38" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom	12345C
1939	Embossed white serial on black plate; "19", crown and "39" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom	12345C
1940	Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1940" at top	12345C
1941	Embossed green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1941" at top	12345C
1942	Embossed black serial on orange plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1942" at top	12345C
1943-44	Embossed orange serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1943" at top	12345C C12345	Revalidated for 1944 with windshield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II.
1945	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1946" at top	1234C C1234
1946	Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1945" at top	12345C C12345
1947	Embossed black serial on silver plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1947" at top	12345C C12345
1948	Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1948" at top	12345C C12345
1949	Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1949" at top	12345C C12345
1950	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1950" at top	12345C C12345 12345B
1951-52	Embossed blue serial on white plate; "19–ONTARIO–51" at top	12345C C12345 12345B	Revalidated for 1952 with windshield stickers.
1953	Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1953" at top	12345C C12345 12345B
1954	As 1953 base, but with "1955" to right of crown	12345C C12345 12345B
1955	Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1954" at top	12-345A 12-345B 12-345C 12-345D
1956	Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1955" at top	12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1957	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1957" at top	12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1958	Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1958" at top	12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1959	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1959" at top	12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1960	Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1960" at top	12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1961	Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1961" at top	12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1962	Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1962" at top	12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D

1963 to 1979

In 1963, Ontario switched to a quarterly system for commercial plates. Plates could be issued on a quarterly basis rather than paying for a full year of registration.

1980 to present

In the 1980s, Ontario shifted to plates that were renewed yearly with stickers, ditching the quarterly system.

Dates issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1980–1995	Black on white with embossed crown separator	none	AB1-234	AA1-001 to ZD9-999	Also used for non-passenger personal vehicles (i.e. pick-up trucks and panel vans).
1995–1996	Black on reflective white with screened crown separator	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	AB1-234	ZE1-001 to ZZ9-999	On commercial vehicles, licence plate stickers are affixed in the top right of the front plate, as shown in the photo. The top left corner may be used for other stickers relating to vehicle use or taxation (i.e.: government exemption).
1996–2011			123-4AB	100-1AA to 999-9ZZ
2011–present
2011–present		"TANT À DÉCOUVRIR"		DA-17008 (as of June 12, 2023)
2020	White on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right	"OPEN FOR BUSINESS"	BF-10000		Never released to public due to visibility issues, scrapped.
2020		"OUVERT AUX AFFAIRES"	DB-10000

Prorate plates

Used on vehicles registered in the International Registration Plan (IRP).

Dates issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1982–1994	Black on white with embossed crown separator	none	PA1-234	PA1-001 to PJ7-999
1994–2006	Black on reflective white with screened crown separator; vertical "PRP" at left	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	PA1-234	PJ8-001 to PZ9-999	Switched to new reflective plates.
2006–2019	Black on reflective white with screened crown separator; vertical "PRP" at left		123-4PA	100-1PA to 999-9PZ
2019–present	Black on reflective white; vertical "PRP" at left		PA12345	PA10001 to PA80483 (as of May 31, 2023)

Bus plates

Bus license plates were first issued in 1973. They followed the quarterly system until 1980, switching in favour of a new permanent plate renewed yearly with stickers.

Dates issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes	Usage
1980–1994	Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black at bottom.		BA1-234		The plate's color is changed to black for this design.	All bus types
1994–2009	Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top.	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	BA1-234	BA1-001 to BN9-999		Plates designated for use on municipal and long distance busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format.
2009–present	Black on reflective white with screened crown separator	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	123-4BA	101-1BF to 522-3BM (as of January 8, 2023)		Plates designated for use on municipal and long distance busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format.
1980–1994	Black on white with embossed crown separator	none	BP1 234	BP1 001 to BP1 ???		Plates designated for use on inter-provincial and long distance coach busses.
1994–present	Black on reflective white with screened crown separator	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	BP1 234	BP2 ??? to BP4 875 (as of May 9, 2023)		Plates designated for use on inter-provincial and long distance coach busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format.

School Bus plates

School Bus license plates were first issued in 1975 under a yearly registration. Unlike regular bus license plates, these plates expired in June at the end of the school year. In 1980, these yearly issued plates were phased out for permanent plates revalidated with stickers annually.

Image	Dates issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
	1980–1994	Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom	none	SA1-234		Plates no longer issued yearly. Letters A, B, C, D, E, F, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y and Z are now used in this serial format. However, letters G, I, O, Q and U are not used in this serial format.
	1994–present	Black relfective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top	"YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom	SA1-234	SA1-001 to SJ4-813 (as of April 16, 2023)	Letters G, I, O, Q and U are not used in this serial format. Switched to reflective plate

Farm plates

Farm plates were introduced in 1978 using the quarterly system. In 1980, the plates were switched to permanent plates revalidated with stickers.

Vehicles over 3000 kg owned by farmers and used for farm-related purposes, such as working the soil, building maintenance, and the transportation of farm products, may qualify for a farm plate. Farm-plated trucks and towed trailers may also be used by a farmer for personal transportation.

To qualify, a farmer must meet a series of criteria, including membership in farming organisations and a minimum amount of income that derives from farming. Fees for farm plates are substantially lower than for passenger or commercial plates. The Highway Traffic Act also exempts farm vehicles from several requirements imposed on commercial vehicles.^[28]

Farm plates are black on white with a black crown separator, in a pattern similar to commercial plates. They have the word "FARM" written vertically on the left of the plate. Validation stickers are the same as for other vehicles, and are affixed to the front plate, as with commercial plates.

First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1978	White on blue; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" vertically on right side. Expiry date on top.	none	F12345
1980	Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" screened vertically on right side.	none	FA1234		Switched to permanent baseplates, renewed annually with validation stickers.
1982	Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" screened vertically on left side.	none	FA1234		"FARM" moved to left side.
1994	Black relfective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top	"YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom	FA1-234		Introduction of reflective plates.
2003	Black relfective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top	"YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom	123-4FA	100-1FA to 884-4FX (as of June 7, 2023)

Trailer plates

All trailers in Ontario are considered separate vehicles and must have a permit and be plated. New owners of a trailer must register with the MTO within six days of purchase. They are then issued with a permit and a plate. Trailer plates are not renewed annually, but may be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen. Plates are affixed to the rear of the trailer. There is no front plate.^[29]

All trailers, whether used by commercial operators or others, use a same model plate. Plates are blue on white with crown separator, in a pattern and colour similar to that of passenger vehicles, with the word "TRAILER" written vertically on the left of the plate. However, they do not follow the same numbering system as other vehicles.

1921 to 1973

Trailer plates were first introduced in 1921. Plates issued from 1921 to 1929 had the letter T at the front. In 1930, the letter T was moved to the end of the number. A quarterly system was introduced for trailers starting in 1963.^[30]

Dates issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Notes
1934	Embossed black serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year	none	12345·T	Trailer text vertically on left side
1935	Embossed black serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year	none	12345·T	Trailer text vertically on left side
1936	Embossed dark yellow serial ; "ONTARIO" at bottom with year	none	12345·T	Trailer text vertically on left side
1937	Embossed white serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year	none	12345·T	Trailer text vertically on left side
1943	Embossed dark yellow serial ; "ONTARIO" at bottom with year	none	12345·T
1944	Embossed black serial on yellow plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.	none	12345·T
1947	Embossed black serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.	none	12345·T
1952	Embossed black serial on yellow plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.	none	12345·T
1953	Embossed white serial on blue plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.	none	12345·T
1955	Embossed white serial on blue plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.	none	12·345T
1956	Embossed blue serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.	none	12345·T
1959	Embossed white serial on black plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.	none	T·12345
1962	Embossed black serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.	none	12345·T

1973 to present

By 1973, the quarterly system was phased out in favour of a semi-permanent plate validated each year with an annual sticker. As of 1980, trailer plates no longer require yearly validation stickers, rather a one time fee.

First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1973⁠–79	Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right	"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"	123-45A	10-01Z to 397-61N	Serials issued in reverse
1979–80	As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right	"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"	123-45A	700-97N - 586-49L	Letter M not used.^[31]
1980⁠–84	Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white reflective plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom.	"TRAILER"	123-45A	10-01A - 412-51K	First issue of permanent trailer plates. Reflective plates from Quebec.
1984⁠–86	Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white reflective plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom.		123-45A	604-92K - 999-99M	Introduction of reflective plates from ALCAN. Letter L not used.
1986	Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white reflective plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom.		123-45A	A10-001 - A16-827
1986⁠–94	Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom.		A12-345	A68-592 - M98-192	Switched back to painted plates due to issues with ALCAN reflective plates.
1994⁠–2002	Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top and vertical trailer text on the left side.	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	A12-345	N40-861 to Z99-999	Trailer text moved back to the left side vertically.
2002⁠–present	Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top and vertical trailer text on the left side.	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	A12-34B	A10-01A to X71-41Y (as of April 22, 2023)

Motorcycle vehicle plates

Motorcycle plates were first issued in 1911. Issued yearly until 1980 when they switched to yearly renewal with validation stickers.

1911 to 1980

First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Notes
1965	White on blue; "ONT" screened in white on top with year to the right.	none	123 1234 12345
1966	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	A123 123A
1968	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345
1972	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345
1973	White on blue; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345
1974	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345
1975	White on blue; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345
1976	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345
1977	White on blue; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345
1978	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345
1979	White on blue; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345
1980	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top with year to the right.	none	12345	Plates issued in 1980 were re-used in 1981 with a validation sticker.

1980 to present

First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1980	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top.	none	12345 A1234	10001 to 99999 Z1001 to Z9999	Validation stickers were used on 1980 plates for 1981, year was removed by 1982.
1981–⁠82	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top	none	A1234	Y0001 to S9999	Serials issued in reverse
1982–⁠91	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top	none	A1234 123AB	R0001 to H9999 001AA to 999EZ 001NA to 999ZZ
1991–⁠94	Blue on white; "ONT" screened in blue on top	none	AB123	FA001 TO KZ999
1994–⁠96	Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top	none	AB123	LA001 to LZ999	Switched to new reflective plate design
1996–⁠2003	Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top	none	1A234	1A001 - 9Z999
2003–⁠08	Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top	none	123A4	100A1 to 999Z9
2008–⁠13	Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top	none	1234A	0001A to 9999Z
2013–⁠present	Blue on reflective white; "ONT" screened in blue on top	none	1A2B3	0A0A1 to 4X0D6 (as of May 25, 2023)	Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.

Off-road vehicle plates

These license plates are issued to ATVs and other vehicles for off roading uses.

First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1984	Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top	none	123AB	001AA to 999ZZ	Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
	Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top	none	AB123	AA001 to P????	Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
1994	Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top	none	AB123	P???? to ZZ999	Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
2002	Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top	none	12AB3	11AA1 to 99ZZ9	Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
2013	Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top	none	1AB23	1AA11 to 6ZT21 (as of May 20, 2023)	Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.

Moped plates

First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1976	White on reflective red; "ONT 1976" screened in white on top	none	A1234
1977	Red on reflective white; "ONT 1977" screened in red on top	none	A1234
1978	White on reflective red; "ONT 1978" screened in white on top	none	A1234
1979	Red on reflective white; "ONT 1979" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom	none	A1234
1980	Red on reflective white; "ONT 1980" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom	none	A1234
1981	Red on reflective white; "ONT" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom	none	A1234		Year removed, sticker box added.
1982	Red on reflective white; "ONT" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom	none	A1234		Sticker box removed.
1994	Red on reflective white; "ONT" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom	none	A1234		New reflective plate. Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
2004	Red on reflective white; "ONT" screened in red on top and "MOPED" at bottom	none	AB123	EA001 to EE211 (as of February 23, 2020)	New serial format. Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.

Snowmobile plates

Unlike all Ontario license plates — which were changed to reflective plates in 1994 — the snowmobile plates remain non-reflective.

Dates issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format
1970	Green on white; "ONT" screened on top	none	AB123
1972	As above, but yellow on blue	none	AB123
1973	Green on white; "ONT" screened on top	none	AB123
1974	As 1970, 1973 and 1975, but inverted to white on green	none	AB123
1975	Green on white; "ONT" screened on top	none	AB123
1999	Blue on white; "ONTARIO" in the Helvetica Bold font screened on top	none	123456

Dual purpose plates

Dual purpose license plates were first introduced in 1927. They were issued to vehicles that could be used for both personal and commercial purposes. Vehicles such as RV's, station wagons & motor-homes. They were noted by the X prefix. However, these plates were discontinued in 1973 and are no longer issued.

1927 to 1972

First issued	Design	Slogan	Serial format
1927	Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1927" at bottom	none	X1-234
1928	Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1928" at bottom	none	X1-234
1929	Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1929" at bottom	none	X12-345
1930	Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1930" at bottom	none	1234-X
1931	Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1931" at top	none	1234-X
1932	Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1932" at top	none	1-234-X
1933	Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1933" at top	none	1234-X
1934	Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1934" at top	none	X-1234 1234-X
1935	Black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top	none	1234-X
1936	White serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at bottom	none	1234-X
1937	White serial on red plate; "ONTARIO." and "1937" at top	none	1234-X
1938	Red serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1938" at top	none	123X
1939	White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1939" at top	none	1234X
1940	Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1940" at top	none	1234X
1941	Green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1941" at top	none	1234X
1942	Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1942" at top	none	1234X
1945	White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1945" at top	none	1234X
1946	White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1946" at top	none	1234X
1947	Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1947" at top	none	1234X
1948	White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1948" at top	none	123X
1951	Blue serial on white plate; "19-ONTARIO-51." at top	none	1234X
1953	White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1953" at top	none	12X
1954	Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1954" at top	none	X1234 1234X
1955	White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1955" at top	none	X123-4 1-234X
1956	Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1956" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1957	White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1957" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1958	Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1958" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1959	White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1959" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1960	Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1960" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1961	White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1961" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1962	Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1962" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1963	White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1963" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1964	Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1964" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1965	White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1965" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1966	Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1966" at top	none	X-12345 12345-X
1967	White serial on blue plate; "19 ONTARIO 67." at top and "18 CONFEDERATION 67" at bottom	none	X12-345 123-45X
1968	Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1968" at top	none	X12-345 123-45X
1969	White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1969" at top	none	X12-345 123-45X
1970	Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1970" at top	none	X12-345 123-45X
1971	White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1971" at top	none	X12-345 123-45X
1972	Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1972" at top	none	X1-234 12-34X

Diplomatic plates

In Ontario, diplomatic plates were first issued in the 1950s. The first red licence plate was issued in 1959. Yearly plates were issued until 1986, when permanent plates renewed with stickers were introduced the following year. The ABC-123 serial format began in 1973.

The current design is a white serial on red plate, using the 123-ABC serial format. "YOURS TO DISCOVER" is screened at the bottom. The red plate colour is exclusive to diplomatic plates.

Any foreign representatives and their accredited family members are required to obtain special red diplomatic licence plates when registering passenger vehicles within 30 days of taking up residence in the province. This rule does not apply to the registration of motorcycles.^[32]

These plates are most commonly found in Ottawa and Toronto where embassies and foreign government operations are located.

First issued	Description	Slogan	Type	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1994	White on reflective red with crown separator.	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	Diplomatic	123-CDA	101-CDA to 284-CDT (as of May 30, 2023)	Ontario plates do not bear indications of the mission. Low numbers assigned to heads of missions (i.e.: ambassadors).
			Consulate	123-CCA	101-CCA to 291-CDS (as of March 8, 2023)
			Embassy Staff	123-XTR	101-XTR to 810-XTW (as of May 6, 2023)	Reserved for non-diplomat embassy staff.
			External Organization	123-XOR	101-XOR to 202-XOR (as of April 21, 2022)	Issued to envoys without diplomatic recognition.^[33]

Dealer and service licence plates

In Ontario, motor vehicle dealers licensed under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act use a single portable plate with the word "DEALER" on the left side and red alpha-numeric characters on a white background. It is for exclusive use by motor vehicle dealers only on motor vehicles owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale. It may also be used for private use vehicles that are owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale.^[34]

Service providers, including anyone who repairs, customizes, modifies, manufactures or transports motor vehicles or trailers use yellow and black DLR series plates (Dealer and Service Plate).

A service plate may be used:

on a trailer or motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor-assisted bicycle for purposes related to the repair, road testing, customization or modification of the vehicle, if the vehicle is in the possession of the person to whom the service plate is issued, or
for the purpose of transporting the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
for purposes related to the manufacturing or sale of a trailer, or
for the purpose of towing the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
to tow a vehicle to a location where its load will be removed or to an impound facility.

Private use of motor vehicles or trailers with a service plate is not permitted.

Image	First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
	1994	Black on yellow background, with crown separator.	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	123-DAB	001-DAA to 693-DXB (as of May 25, 2023)	Removable service plate. Before 2007 also used by vehicle dealers. See below.
	2007	Red stamped identification on a white reflective background. Screened in black: "DEALER" written vertically on the left, crown separator, "ONTARIO" across the top and "Yours to discover".	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	123-DAB	101-DLA to 033-DSS (as of May 27, 2023)	Removable plate restricted to car dealers. Introduced in 2007 to differentiate dealer's inventory from vehicles being serviced.^[35] See below. Issued singly, to be displayed at the rear of the vehicle.

Motorcycle Dealer plates

Dealer plates for motorcycles have been issued since the 1920s. Very few of these early plates were issued, thus making it a rare plate. The 'M' prefix was featured on all plates before 1973. From 1973 to 1979 they were issued with the 'DL' prefix, with a similar design to regular Motorcycle plates. In 1982, the government began issuing permanent plates with yearly registration stickers. Reflective plates were introduced in 1994.

The current plate design is a white serial on a light blue plate. These plates are the same size as regular motorcycle plates. The serial format used by these plates is AB123, running from AA001 to AF965 (as of February 23, 2020)

Other non-passenger plates

First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
2004	Printed on security paper with barcode	10 Day Temporary Permit/Permis Provisoire de Dix Jours	A-123456		Temporary use only, placed on dashboard at windshield.
2017	Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with MFR vertically on left side.	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	123-MPA	101-MPA to 259-MPB (as of November 13, 2022)	Manufacturer License plate. New plate as of 2017.

Medical doctor plates

Medical doctor plates were first introduced in 1930, and are denoted by the letters starting with MD. When all the MDA - MDZ serials had been issued in the late 1990's, new serials using MAA started being issued.

Dates issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued
1973	Blue on white; "73" on bottom left and sticker box on bottom right	"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"	MDA-123
1978	As above, but with no "73"	"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"	MD-123
1982	As above, but with no sticker box	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	MDA-123
1994	Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	123-MAA	001-MAA to 077-MAE (as of April 7, 2023)

Amateur radio plates

Amateur Radio plates were introduced in 1969 as supplemental plates. In 1976, Ontario permitted the call-sign to be on regular passenger plates, eliminating the small supplemental plates.

First issued	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Notes
1969	Yellow on black; "RADIO" on top and "AMATEUR" on bottom	none	VE3ABC
1976	Blue on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top	"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"	VE3-ABC
1983	As above, but with no "73"	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	VE3ABC	The format switched back to its original format. Returned in 1986.
1994	Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	VE3ABC	Switched to new reflective plate
1994	Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screen in blue on top	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	VA3AB	For 5-digit amateur radio callsigns

Special Event Plates

Date issued	Slogan	Notes
1984	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	Used in the motorcade of Queen Elizabeth II at provincial events during her Royal Visit of 1984
1984	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	Used during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ontario during the Papal Visit of 1984
1989	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	Commemorative plates to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the QEW highway. Plates used by police.
1991	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	Given to MTO employees in celebration of the agency's 75th anniversary.
2000	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	Plates for the CCMTA Conference 2000
2002	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	Used in the Queen's motorcade during the 2002 Royal Jubilee Visit to Ontario.
2010	'none'	G20 Summit Special plates used in Toronto
2016	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	Given to MTO employees in celebration of the agency's 100th anniversary.

Vanity licence plates

Along with regular series plates, the province also offers vanity plates for passenger and commercial vehicles. A personalized licence plate message may contain almost any combination of letters and numbers from two to eight characters. The plates can also include one of 60 different graphics,^[36] with two to six characters. Available graphics have changed over the years, with some becoming available, while others have been withdrawn or modified. Owners selecting a graphic but no custom message are generally assigned a registration with a 12XY34 pattern, where the XY is a code indicating the design (i.e.: LN and LM = Loon, CF = Canadian Flag, etc.).

The province reserves the right to refuse or withdraw plates for a variety of reasons,^[37] including:

Sexual messages
Abusive, obscene language and derogatory slang
Promotion or denunciation of religion and religious figures
Promotion of use of drugs or alcohol
Messages relating to politics, political figures, negative statements on institutions and persons, public personalities, or police badge numbers
Advocating or promoting violence or crime
Any discriminatory statement
Ambiguous or confusing numbers, or which may be mistaken for another existing plate (about 1 in 3 rejections)
Messages which may infringe on copyright and intellectual property

While criteria have existed since the introduction of personalized plates, accusations of excessive zeal led the McGuinty government to set up a review committee in August 2008. The eight-member committee meets weekly to review submissions. In the first half of 2013, it had rejected 3% of requests.^[38] Plates have also been withdrawn after issue.^[39]

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 brought renewed attention to the work of the Personalized License Plate Review Committee as it rejected personalized plates based on this theme.^[40]

The ownership of plates with graphic elements associated with particular groups, such as veterans or firefighters, may be restricted and require proof of eligibility.

Personalized plates with two to five characters are also available for motorcycles.

License Plate Graphics

Plates with graphics are also available.^[41] Graphics first being issued on license plates began in 1996. The variety of graphics includes charities, universities, community organizations and popular Ontario sports teams, such as the Ottawa Senators. All plates offer the French slogan since 2017.

First issued	Type	Category	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1998	Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation	Arts	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12SQ34	1st 2022)
	Breast Cancer Society of Canada	Charity	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12BC34
	Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities	Charity	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12JS34
2007	Farley Foundation	Charity	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12FF34
2015	MADD Canada (Mother's Against Drunk Driving)	Charity	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12MD34	01MD01 to 03MD88 (As of April 30, 2022)
2009	St. John Ambulance	Charity	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12SJ34
2007	48th Highlanders	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12TH34
2006	Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario)	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12AL34
2006	Association of Canadian Distillers	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12CD34	01CD01 to 09CD57 (As of May 30, 2022)
2007	Canadian Blood Services	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12BL34
1997	Elmer the Safety Elephant	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12EE34
1998	Girl Guides of Canada	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12GG34	01GG01 to 10GG28 (As of March 30, 2022)
2006	Governor General’s Horse Guards Association	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12HG34
	Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12FM34
1998	Grand Lodge of Ontario, Independent Order of Odd Fellows	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12OF34
1998	Knights of Columbus	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12VJ34
2001	Lincoln and Welland Regiment Foundation	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12LW34
2006	Ottawa Valley Adventure Playground	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12AP34
2005	Queens Own Rifles of Canada	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12QO34
2006	Queen’s York Rangers	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12QR34
1996	Radio Amateurs of Canada	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12HM34
2005	Rotary International	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12RI34
2001	Royal Canadian Legion (Ontario Provincial Command)	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12CL34
2006	Trillium Gift of Life Network	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12GL34		Introduced to promote organ donation.
2006	Royal Hamilton Light Infantry	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12CA34
2006	Royal Regiment of Canada	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12RG34	01RG01 to 02RG29 (As of May 30, 2022)
2005	Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12AD34
1996	Scouts Canada	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12SC34	01SC01 to 11SC61 (As of May 30, 2022)
1996	Shriners International	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12SR34
2010	Support Our Troops	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12YR34	01YR01 to 21YR66 (As of April 30, 2022)	Some money from the sale of the Yellow Ribbon plates is donated by the province to the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund to assist Canadian military veterans.^[42] The "yellow ribbon" design is indicated by the "YR" code.
2006	Toronto Scottish Regiment	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12TS34	01TS01 to 02TS38 (As of May 30, 2022)
2006	Ducks Unlimited	Environment	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12DU34	01DU01 to 14DU05 (As of January 30, 2022)
1998	Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters	Environment	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12AH34
1998	Don't Drink and Drive	Government	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12DD34
2010	Flag of Ontario	Government	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12ON34	01ON01 to 03ON53 (As of December 31, 2018)
1996	Road Safety	Government	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12RS34
1998	Anishinabek Nation	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12AN34	01AN01 to 18AN81 (As of October 31, 2021)
1997	Canadian Flag	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12CF34 12FC34	01CF01 to 99CF99 01FC01 to 11FC60 (As of March 31, 2022)
2005	Franco-Ontarian Flag (English)	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12FL34	01FL01 to 06FL08 (As of July 1, 2014)	The English slogan plates start at 01FL01
2009	Franco-Ontarian Flag (French)	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"TANT A DECOUVRIR"	12FL34	50FL01 to 64FL14 (As of July 1, 2021)	The french slogan plates start at 50FL01
1996	Loon	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12LN34 12LM34	01LN01 to 99LN99 01LM01 to 61LM13 (As of July 1, 2021)
2006	Nishnawbe Aski Nation	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12NA34	01NA01 to 01NA82 (As of March 1, 2022)
1996	Trillium	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12TR34 12TL34	01TR01 to 99TR99 01TL01 to 40TL37 (As of February 1, 2021)
2013	United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12UE34		Last batch of plates were ordered in June 2018. Remaining plates available while supply lasts at ServiceOntario.^[43]
1996	Heart	Novelty	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12RH34
1996	I Heart	Novelty	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12LV34
1998	Fire Service Society	Professional	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12FD34 12FS34 12FR34 12RF34	01FD01 to 99FD99 01FS01 to 99FS99 01FR01 to 99FR99 01RF01 to 10RF60 (As of July 31, 2022)
201X	Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians	Professional	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12ME34		Plates can be purchased through the OAVT website.
2005	Ontario Paramedic Association	Professional	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12PA34 12EP34		Changed from PA to EP
2008	Ontario Professional Fire Fighter Association (OPFFA)	Professional	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12PF34		Plates are only available through the OPFFA
2011	Professional Engineers Ontario	Professional	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12PE34
2009	Equine Canada	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12EC34	01EC01 to 07EC41 (As of November 30, 2021)
1996	Hamilton Tiger-Cats	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12TC34	01TC01 to 21TC98 (As of May 9, 2022)
2006	International Ch’ang-Hon Taekwon-Do Federation	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12TD34	01TD01 to 04TD75 (As of May 30, 2022)
1996	Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12SN34	01SN01 to 27SN67 (As of May 1, 2015)
1996	Ontario Lacrosse Association	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12LX34	01LX01 to 14LX35 (As of May 30, 2022)
2014	Ottawa REDBLACKS	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12RB34	01RB01 to 03RB95 (As of September 30, 2021)
1996	Ottawa Senators	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12SE34	01SE01 to 74SE07 (As of March 4, 2022)
1996	Toronto Argonauts	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12AR34	01AR01 to 17AR96 (As of May 30, 2022)
1996	Toronto Blue Jays	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12JA34	01JA01 to 94JA14 (As of February 28, 2022)
1996	Toronto Maple Leafs	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12ML34 12TO34 12TM34	01ML01 to 99ML99 01TO01 to 99TO99 01TM01 to 83TM74 (As of April 5, 2022)
1996	Toronto Raptors	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12RA34	01RA01 to 54RA47 (As of May 9, 2022)
2005	Lakehead University	Universities / Colleges	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12LU34
	George Brown College	Universities / Colleges	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12GB34
1996	Queen’s University	Universities / Colleges	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12QU34	01QU01 to 14QU88 (As of February 16, 2022)
1997	University of Toronto	Universities / Colleges	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12UT34
2001	University of Waterloo	Universities / Colleges	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12UW34		Image depicts license plate with both a graphic element and a personalized registration.
1996	Wilfrid Laurier University	Universities / Colleges	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12WL34

Discontinued Graphics

Certain graphics have been discontinued and are no longer issued. A plate design is considered discontinued once it is no longer offered at ServiceOntario.

First issued	Discontinued	Type	Category	Description	Slogan	Serial format	Serials issued	Notes
1996	2002	Star Trek	Arts / Entertainment	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12ST34		Discontinued due to licensing issues.
		Cadet Instructor Cadre	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12IV34	01IV01 to 03IV30 (As of November 30, 2013)
		Canadian Auxiliary Coast Guard	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12CG34	01CG01 to 03CG32 (As of November 30, 2014)
1997	2020	Canadian National Sportsmen's Show	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12NS34	01NS01 to 08NS10 (As of June 14, 2010)
2009		Canadian Snowbird Association	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12CS34	01CS01 to 04CS13 (As of May 26, 2013)
	2022	Geocaching	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12GC34	01GC01 to 04GC05 (As of August 21, 2015)
1998		Humane Society	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12HS34	01HS01 to 11HS82 (As of October 31, 2009)
2001	2018	Kawartha Lakes	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12KL34
2009	2019	Lions Club	Community Organizations	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12LC34	01LC01 to 09LC60 (As of February 28, 2015)
2000		Millennium	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12MM34	01MM01 to 14MM44 (As of February 28, 2009)
2009	2012	Niagara War of 1812	Heritage / Historical	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12NI34
2005	2010	Ottawa Renegades	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12RR34
2007		Special Olympics	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12SA34
1998	2005	Toronto SkyDome	Sports / Recreation	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12SD34	01SD01 to 08SD50 (As of April 30, 2022)
1997	2007	King's College	Universities / Colleges	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12KC34
1998	2004	University of Guelph	Universities / Colleges	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12UG34
1998	2004	York University	Universities / Colleges	Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right	"YOURS TO DISCOVER"	12YU34

Manufacturing

Ontario licence plates were formerly manufactured by prison inmates at the Millbrook Correctional Centre in Cavan-Millbrook-North Monaghan.^[44] Upon Millbrook's closure in 2003,^[45] manufacture was moved to the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ontario.^[46] Since 1991, all Ontario plates have been manufactured for the MTO by Trilcor Industries, owned by the province's Ministry of the Solicitor General.^[47] ^[48] From 2017 to 2018, the plates were manufactured by Waldale Manufacturing of Nova Scotia, because Ontario's prison made plates ran out due to the peeling and bubbling in the preceding "B" series. The plates made by Trilcor Industries returned in 2018, to avoid license plate issues with the Nova Scotia license plates.

Alternative supplier

In 2016, an increase in the rate of defective plates combined with an increase in the number of registered vehicles led to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation becoming unable to keep up with demand for plates. It placed an order for 100,000 units from the Waldale Irwin Holdson Group, the largest licence plate manufacturer in North America.^[49] Plates are produced by the Waldale Manufacturing facility in Amherst, Nova Scotia.

Plates from the first batch of 35,000 can be identified due to the use of embossed letters and numbers from Nova Scotia plates, which differ in appearance from Ontarian fonts.^[50] The province continues to order supplementary batches of plates from Waldale. Since 2017, the Ontario die set has been in use. These plates are almost identical to those made by Trilcor Industries. The Waldale made plates have squared off edges and smaller bolt holes.^[51]

Issues and controversies

Defective plates from 2012

In 2012, reports began to appear of plates deteriorating earlier than otherwise expected. The reflective layers detached themselves from the metal plate, making the plate unreadable. Approximately 1% of licence plates issued have this defect. The defect has appeared in both front and rear plates. Trilcor Industries and the MTO offer a five-year warranty on plates and will replace the defective plates at no cost.^[52] Plate replacement for other reasons (theft, damage, wear, etc.) is done at a cost.

Conventional plates can be replaced "over-the-counter" at a licence office, but the complete process for personalized plates takes over six months.^[53]

Driving with an illegible plate is an offence punishable by fine, under the Highway Traffic Act.^[54]

In 2015, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services hired Canada's National Research Council to identify the root cause of licence plate de-lamination. The NRC's report indicated that the reflective material adhered poorly to the aluminium plates, and that embossing process stressed the materials to the point that the reflective layer would puncture and de-laminate. At that point, water and other contaminants could slip between the layers. Also, road de-icing materials contributed to the de-lamination. The report found that this problem was present in samples from all types of plates, except for motorcycle plates.

The report recommended that Trilcor work with its supplier of laminating layer to resolve the problem, and indicated that a thicker layer of material would likely perform better.^[55]

Illegality of licence plate covers

Many vehicle owners place clear plastic covers over their licence plates to protect their already defective licence plates (2012) from premature deterioration.^[56] According to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act Section 13.2, licence plate covers are considered an obstruction and are illegal in the province of Ontario.^[57] In the rare event that the officer chooses to issue the citation, the offence carries a minimum fine of $85.^[58] On the contrary, drivers operating a motor vehicle with defective (i.e. unreadable) number plates can be charged with the same offence. This has left defective number plate owners with little choice but to obtain replacement plates from the MTO, orders which have taken months (or over six months for customised plates) to process.

Several motorists sought other solutions to prevent their number plates from deterioration, such as placing the front plate on the dashboard instead of affixing it to the front bumper.^[59] Others have omitted the front licence plate altogether since it is not uncommon to see out-of-province vehicles on Ontario roadways (many jurisdictions in North America, including neighbouring Quebec and Michigan, do not require front plates). In most cases, vehicle owners who attempted the aforementioned solutions were convicted of the same offence (HTA section 13.2).

Defective plates from 2020

On 15 February 2020, two weeks after the province began issuing plates with the new design, off-duty Kingston Police Sergeant Steve Koopman posted a photo on Twitter showing a vehicle with the new plate at night, stating that "they're virtually unreadable at night".^[60] Government spokesperson Lisa Thompson, the Minister of Government and Consumer Services, stated in a news conference that the new design had undergone a "rigorous testing program", that the government had consulted with "key stakeholders" including law enforcement, and that the plates were not problematic.^[61] She also criticized the earlier "Liberal plates", referring to a batch of plates issued during a previous government that peeled. Thompson stated that manufacturing and quality control are the responsibility of 3M. The redesigned plates also caused problems for photo radar cameras, which have difficulty reading the name of the jurisdiction. The name is rendered in a smaller font size than earlier plates. The president of the Toronto Police Association stated that the organization had not been consulted on the new design.

The Ford Government had insisted for days that there was not an issue with the plates; however, on February 20, it announced that 3M would make an "enhanced licence plate" to be available in less than three weeks.^[62] On February 28, the government announced that the distribution of the defective plates would cease on March 4, that the enhanced plates would be ready by March 16 at "no cost to Ontario taxpayers", those who had already been issued the new plates will receive the enhanced version in the mail, and until the enhanced plates were ready, the government switched back to the previous plate design.^[63] ^[64] This design was later scrapped on May 6.^[20]

Sticker renewal fee

On February 22, 2022, the Ford Government eliminated licence plate renewal fees and the requirement to have a licence plate sticker for the nearly eight million passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds, effective March 13, 2022.^[65]

External links

R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 628 which prescribes vehicle registration
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8
Ontario licence plates 1969-present
Web site: ONTARIO License Plate History. Canplates. Joseph P. Sallmen. dead. 24 November 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20011124182002/http://www.canplates.com/ontario.html. 3 August 2015.

Notes and References

Web site: Taylor . Eric Robert . Ontario Archive . PorcelainPlates.net . 16 August 2017.
Web site: Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 . 24 July 2014 . . 17 September 2015.
Web site: R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628: Vehicle Permits . 24 July 2014 . Government of Ontario . 17 September 2015.
Web site: Royal Symbols and the Canadian Car. Canadian Automotive Museum. 2022. www.canadianautomotivemuseum.com. 20 June 2023.
Leslie Howard Saunders. An Orangeman in public life: the memoirs of Leslie Howard Saunders. Britannia Printers, 1980 p. 97
Garrish . Christopher . October 2016 . Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size . Plates . . 62 . 5.
Web site: Tanner . Eric N. . Ontario License Plates . allaboutlicenseplates.com . 10 July 2017.
Book: Sallmen, Joseph . 2003 . Ontario License Plates: A Century of History . 13 . J.P. Sallmen . 0973414405 .
Web site: And you're gonna love it: How Ontario became 'Yours to Discover' . tvo . 18 September 2022.
News: Ontario government shifts blame for hard-to-read license plates to the manufacturer. Rider. David. Ferguson. Rob. Toronto Star. 2020-02-19. 2020-02-19.
News: Ontario's new blue license plates hitting the road. CBC News. 2020-02-08. 2020-02-19.
Web site: 2020-02-20 . Ford government admits new license plates 'absolutely' a problem, will need to be recalled . 2022-09-04 . CBC News.
Web site: 2020-05-06 . Ford government's blue license plates officially scrapped, 'Yours to Discover' is back . 2022-09-04 . CBC News.
Web site: DeClerq . Katherine . 2020-06-28 . Ontario government expects to stop issuing blue license plates by end of week . 2022-09-05 . CTV News Toronto . en.
Web site: OFFICIAL Ontario Plate Sample Series Thread Discussion D SERIES HERE! DAAL - Page 47 - RedFlagDeals.com Forums . 2023-08-09 . RedFlagDeals.com . en-CA.
Web site: Ontario special orders licence plates to meet high demand . CBC News . www.cbc.ca . 7 June 2023.
Web site: Ontario License Plates . 7 June 2023 . The High Road . www.licenseplates.cc.
Web site: 'Open for Business' and 'A Place to Grow' New Licence Plate and Driver's Licence to Reflect Ontario's Optimistic Future. new.ontario.ca. April 15, 2019.
Web site: Ontario's new licence plates hit the road: Here's what you need to know. February 3, 2020. toronto.ctvnews.ca.
News: Ontario scraps licence plate redesign, will revert to old design . National Post .
Web site: Accueil véhicules . Ministère des Transports . Le gouvernement de l'Ontario . 12 February 2020 . fr.
Book: ((Ontario Ministry of Transportation)) . Ontario Licence Plate and Permit Guide . Ontario Ministry of Transportation . 1991.
Web site: Ontario's Green Licence Plate Program . Ministry of Transportation of Ontario . 6 July 2015.
Web site: Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER H.8, s7. eLaws. 24 July 2014 . Queen's Printer for Ontario. 17 September 2015.
Web site: Fees for other types of vehicles. Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario. 17 September 2015.
Web site: Vehicles must be 30 years old for historic plate designation . wheels.ca. 23 August 2008 . Toronto Star Newspapers and Metroland news. 17 September 2015.
Web site: Is my pickup truck a commercial motor vehicle and does it need a CVOR?. Ministry of Transport of Ontario. QUEEN'S PRINTER FOR ONTARIO. 31 August 2015.
Web site: Register a farm vehicle (permit, licence plate and sticker). Ministry of Transport of Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario. 17 September 2015.
Web site: Driver's Handbook. Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario. 17 September 2015.
Web site: Collection . Eric's Plates . 7 August 2022.
Web site: Non Passenger Plates . Allaboutlicenceplates . 18 October 2022.
Web site: Issuance of Licence Plates to Foreign Representatives, including Honorary Consular Officers . Global Affairs Canada . Government of Canada.
Used for example by Palestine or Taiwan, which has a trade office but is not officially recognized by the Canadian Government
Web site: Frequently Asked Questions about Ontario Dealer Plates. ucda.org. The Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario. 24 August 2015.
Web site: Dealer plates and Service plates - public information package. Hamilton Police. 24 August 2015.
Web site: Choose a licence plate graphic. Service Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario. 24 August 2015.
Web site: Choose an appropriate personalized message. Service Ontario. Queen's printer for Ontario. 24 August 2015.
News: Ellison. Marc. 0UTLAW3D: The vanity licence plates the Ontario government won't let you see. 7 October 2015. The Toronto Star. Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd.. 2 August 2013.
Web site: Laroque. Corey. Government revokes driver's 'WTF' plate. The Toronto Sun. Sun Media. 24 August 2015. 10 May 2011.
Web site: Watters . Hayden . Here's the list of licence plates Ontario doesn't want on the road . CBC News Hamilton . Canadian Broadcasting Corporation . 21 August 2020 . 2020CovidPlates.
Web site: Choose a licence plate graphic . Service Ontario . Ontario Government . 9 August 2022.
News: Leslie. Keith. Licence plates to honour troops called 'offensive gimmick'. 26 August 2015. The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail Inc. 13 November 2009.
Web site: Ontario Loyalist Licence Plates . United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada . 26 September 2022.
Book: Sallmen, Joseph . 2003 . Ontario License Plates: A Century of History . 66 . J.P. Sallmen . 0973414405 .
News: Graham. Karen. 2015. End of an Era as the Jail Comes Tumbling Down. Millbrook,Ontario. 2017-10-11.
Web site: First look at where Ontario inmates make blankets, licence plates. CTV News London. 17 March 2015 . CTV Television Network. 24 August 2015.
Web site: Treatment Programs;Trilcor Industries. Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Queen's Printer for Ontario. 24 August 2015.
http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/corr_serv/adult_off/treat_prog/treat_prog_trilcor/treat_prog_trilcor.html Government of Ontario, Canada / Gouvernement de l'Ontario, Canada
Web site: About us. Waldale Irwin Hodson Group. 18 January 2017.
Web site: Ontario special orders licence plates to meet high demand. CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 18 January 2017.
Web site: Ontario Project . The Andrew Turnbull Network . 10 October 2022.
News: Warren. May. 22 January 2015. Peeling licence plates a problem across Ontario. Waterloo Region Record. Metroland News. 2 September 2015.
Web site: How can I replace a lost, stolen, or damaged licence plate or personalized licence plate?. 2 September 2015. Service Ontario. Queen's Printer for Ontario.
Web site: Highway Traffic Act (Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8). 2 September 2015. ontario.ca. 24 July 2014 . Queen's Printer for Ontario.
News: Howorun. Christina. 22 September 2016. Thousands of Ontario licence plates deemed defective. Rogers Digital Media. City News. 18 January 2017.
News: Why was I ticketed for a plastic covering over a licence plate?. 2020-07-02.
Book: Ontario.. Highway Traffic Act.. Queen's Printer. 13.2. 695599257.
Book: Ontario.. Highway Traffic Act.. Queen's Printer. 13.4. 695599257.
Web site: Foran. Pat. 2020-03-12. Driver gets $110 ticket for not having front licence plate. 2020-07-02. Toronto. en.
News: Stone. Laura. 2020-02-18. Ontario facing criticism over visibility problems of new blue licence plates. The Globe and Mail. 2020-02-19.
News: Lucs. Ieva. 2020-02-19. Toronto's photo radar cameras having trouble reading new Ontario licence plates. 2020-02-19.
News: February 20, 2020. Days after denying there was a problem, Ontario government says it will replace defective new licence plates. National Post . nationalpost.com. Jeffords . Shawn .
Web site: February 28, 2020 . Update on New Enhanced Licence Plates . Province of Ontario.
Web site: February 28, 2020. Ontario government will go back to the old licence plates while waiting for a fix to plates that are hard to read. thestar.com.
Web site: Ontario Eliminating Licence Plate Renewal Fees and Stickers. news.ontario.ca. February 22, 2022.

Vehicle registration plates of Ontario explained

The Crown

Passenger baseplates

1911 to 1972

1973 to present

Serial numbers reserved for government officials

Green vehicle plates

Historic vehicles

Commercial baseplates

1916 to 1962

1963 to 1979

1980 to present

Prorate plates

Bus plates

School Bus plates

Farm plates

Trailer plates

1921 to 1973

1973 to present

Motorcycle vehicle plates

1911 to 1980

1980 to present

Off-road vehicle plates

Moped plates

Snowmobile plates

Dual purpose plates

1927 to 1972

Diplomatic plates

Dealer and service licence plates

Motorcycle Dealer plates

Other non-passenger plates

Medical doctor plates

Amateur radio plates

Special Event Plates

Vanity licence plates

License Plate Graphics

Discontinued Graphics

Manufacturing

Alternative supplier

Issues and controversies

Defective plates from 2012

Illegality of licence plate covers

Defective plates from 2020

Sticker renewal fee

See also

External links

Notes and References