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Highway Traffic Act
Code de la route

R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 601

MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION STATIONS

Historical version for the period December 1, 2014 to August 26, 2015.

Last amendment:  O. Reg. 243/14.

This Regulation is made in English only.

CONTENTS

Interpretation

1. (1) In this Regulation,

“annual inspection certificate”, “annual inspection report”, “annual inspection sticker”, “NSC Standard 11B”, “salvage motor vehicle”, “semi-annual inspection certificate”, “semi-annual inspection report”, “semi-annual inspection sticker” and “structural inspection certificate” have the same meanings as in Regulation 611;

“proof of brake inspection document” means a document that meets the requirements of Section 3: Brake Systems of NSC Standard 11B with respect to qualification of a prior inspection;

“Regulation 611” means Regulation 611 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Safety Inspections) made under the Act. O. Reg. 243/14, s. 1.

(2) In this Regulation, a reference to a Schedule is a reference to that Schedule as set out in Regulation 611. O. Reg. 79/11, s. 1.

Classes of Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations

2. Motor vehicle inspection stations are classified as follows:

1. Class F is a fleet station.

2. Class G is a station operated by Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or a school board or commission on behalf of a municipality.

3. Class P is any station other than a Class F or Class G station.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

Motor Vehicle Inspection Station Licences

3. Motor vehicle inspection station licences are classified as follows:

1. Revoked:  O. Reg. 474/09, s. 2 (1).

2. A Type 1 or Type 2 licence is authority to inspect and certify trailers, trailer converter dollies and motor vehicles in accordance with the inspection requirements and performance standards set out in Schedule 1, 2, 6 or 6.1 or in NSC Standard 11B as modified by Schedule 3, 4 or 5, as appropriate to the class or type of vehicle inspected.

3. A Type 3 licence is authority to inspect and certify trailers and trailer converter dollies in accordance with the inspection requirements and performance standards set out in NSC Standard 11B (Trailer) as modified by Schedule 4.

4. A Type 4 licence is authority to inspect and certify motorcycles in accordance with the inspection requirements and performance standards set out in Schedules 6 and 6.1.

5. Revoked:  O. Reg. 474/09, s. 2 (3).

6. A Type 6 licence is authority to inspect a salvage motor vehicle in accordance with the inspection requirements and performance standards set out in Schedule 9.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1; O. Reg. 372/98, s. 2; O. Reg. 117/08, s. 1; O. Reg. 474/09, s. 2; O. Reg. 79/11, s. 2.

4. (1) It is a condition of a Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence that the licensee ensure that premises in which inspections are carried out,

(a) have sufficient internal space or external hard standing area for the inspection of at least one vehicle of the class that the licensee is licensed to inspect;

(b) be equipped with a mechanic’s common hand tools and a hoist or jack suitable for the weight of the vehicle to be inspected;

(c) be equipped with devices appropriate to the class or type of vehicle to be inspected for,

(i) aiming headlights,

(ii) measuring wear in brake system components,

(iii) measuring tire tread depth,

(iv) measuring play or wear in steering and suspension systems,

(v) detecting leaks in compressed fuel systems,

(vi) measuring the torque of wheel and rim fasteners;

(d) be maintained in a clean and safe condition.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1; O. Reg. 372/98, s. 3 (1); O. Reg. 474/09, s. 3; O. Reg. 79/11, s. 3 (1).

(1.1) It is a condition of a Type 6 licence that the licensee ensure that premises in which inspections are carried out,

(a) have sufficient internal space for the inspection of at least one vehicle of the class that the licensee is licensed to inspect;

(b) be equipped with industry-accepted equipment capable of making three-dimensional measurements on unibody and non-unibody vehicles;

(c) be equipped with devices suitable for safely supporting the vehicle during inspection;

(d) be maintained in a clean and safe condition.  O. Reg. 372/98, s. 3 (2).

(1.2) It is a condition of a Type 6 licence that the licensee keep on the licensed premises copies of, or copies of relevant excerpts from, the manuals used as a source of the manufacturer’s specifications for vehicle dimensions for every make, model and year of vehicle for which the station has prepared a structural inspection certificate, together with a copy of the actual measurements taken for each vehicle.  O. Reg. 372/98, s. 3 (2).

(2) It is a condition of a licence that the licensee ensure that the equipment referred to in clauses (1) (c) and (1.1) (b) be kept in proper working order and that all measuring or testing devices be calibrated to a degree of accuracy consistent with the performance standards prescribed by Regulation 611.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1; O. Reg. 372/98, s. 3 (3); O. Reg. 79/11, s. 3 (2).

5. It is a condition of a licence that the licensee,

(a) own or lease the premises in which the inspections are carried out;

(b) display the licence in a conspicuous position in the station;

(c) issue a safety standards certificate, annual inspection certificate, semi-annual inspection certificate or structural inspection certificate only on a form supplied to the licensee by the Ministry; and

(d) issue a safety standards certificate, annual inspection certificate, semi-annual inspection certificate or structural inspection certificate for a vehicle inspected in accordance with the inspection requirements and complying with the performance standards prescribed by Regulation 611, if the inspection fee charged by the licensee is paid.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1; O. Reg. 372/98, s. 4; O. Reg. 79/11, s. 4.

6. (1) It is a condition of a licence that the licensee not charge an additional inspection fee if,

(a) a vehicle is inspected at a station;

(b) repairs or adjustments to the vehicle or its equipment are required to qualify it for a safety standards certificate or for an annual inspection sticker or a semi-annual inspection sticker;

(c) the inspection fee charged by the licensee is paid;

(d) the required repairs or adjustments to the vehicle or its equipment are made at a place other than the station; or

(e) the vehicle is brought back to the station for issuance of the certificate or affixing of a sticker within ten days after the original inspection.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1; O. Reg. 79/11, s. 5 (1).

(2) An additional fee may be charged if a second inspection of a wheel brake assembly must be carried out before a safety standards certificate is issued or before an annual inspection sticker is affixed to the vehicle.  O. Reg. 79/11, s. 5 (2).

7. (1) It is a condition of a Class G licence that the licensee not issue or authorize any person to issue a safety standards certificate, an annual inspection certificate or a semi-annual inspection certificate for a vehicle unless a permit for the vehicle has been issued in the licensee’s name or, in the case of an annual inspection certificate or a semi-annual inspection certificate, unless the vehicle is a bus.  O. Reg. 79/11, s. 6.

(2) It is a condition of a Class G licence that the licensee not affix or authorize any person to affix an annual inspection sticker or a semi-annual inspection sticker unless a permit for the vehicle has been issued in the licensee’s name or unless the vehicle is a bus.  O. Reg. 79/11, s. 6.

Registration of Motor Vehicle Inspection Mechanics

8. (1) It is a condition of the registration of a motor vehicle inspection mechanic, except a mechanic who only inspects trolley buses, that the mechanic hold a certificate of qualification, that is not suspended, in the trade of automotive service technician, truck and coach technician, motorcycle technician, truck-trailer service technician or auto body and collision damage repairer issued under the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009. O. Reg. 437/12, s. 1 (1).

(2) It is a condition of the registration of a motor vehicle inspection mechanic who only inspects trolley buses that a transit authority designate the mechanic as a person who may inspect trolley buses and notify the Director of the designation.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

(3) It is a condition of the registration of a motor vehicle inspection mechanic who holds only a certificate of qualification in the trade of motorcycle technician that the mechanic only issue safety standards certificates for motorcycles.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1; O. Reg. 117/08, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 437/12, s. 1 (2).

(4) It is a condition of the registration of a motor vehicle inspection mechanic who does not hold a certificate of qualification in the trade of motorcycle technician that the mechanic not issue safety standards certificates for motor tricycles within the meaning of Regulation 611 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Safety Inspections) made under the Highway Traffic Act.  O. Reg. 117/08, s. 2 (3); O. Reg. 437/12, s. 1 (3).

(5) It is a condition of the registration of a motor vehicle inspection mechanic who holds only a certificate of qualification in the trade of truck-trailer service technician that the mechanic,

(a) only issue safety standards certificates for trailers; and

(b) only issue annual inspection certificates and affix annual inspection stickers for trailers and trailer converter dollies.  O. Reg. 79/11, s. 7; O. Reg. 437/12, s. 1 (4).

(5.1) It is a condition of the registration of a motor vehicle inspection mechanic who holds only a certificate of qualification in the trade of auto body and collision damage repairer that the mechanic only issue structural inspection certificates for rebuilt motor vehicles.  O. Reg. 372/98, s. 5 (3); O. Reg. 437/12, s. 1 (5).

(6) In subsections (l) and (2),

“trolley bus” means a bus propelled by electric power obtained from overhead wires.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

9. If the employment of a motor vehicle inspection mechanic registered with a licensee is terminated or the licensee requests the termination of the registration, the licensee shall promptly report the mechanic’s name, trade code, certificate number and termination date to the Ministry in writing.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

Operating a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station

10. (1) A licensee shall keep on the licensed premises,

(a) a copy of each safety standards certificate, annual inspection certificate and semi-annual inspection certificate issued by the licensee for a period of one year from the date of issue;

(b) a record of all vehicles inspected together with the measurements and any other information required to be recorded by the Schedules and by NSC Standard 11B as modified by the Schedules and, where applicable, a list of defects, recommended repairs and actual repairs carried out by the licensee, for a period of one year from the date of inspection;

(c) a written record of all persons authorized by the licensee to countersign safety standards certificates, annual inspection certificates, semi-annual inspection certificates or structural inspection certificates or to affix annual inspection stickers or semi-annual inspection stickers on behalf of the licensee, for a period of one year from the date of termination of such authority;

(d) in respect of every vehicle to which an annual inspection sticker has been affixed and for a period of one year from the date of affixing the sticker on the vehicle, an annual inspection report, being a report signed by the motor vehicle inspection mechanic inspecting the vehicle and the licensee or a person authorized in writing by the licensee showing,

(i) the date of inspection,

(ii) the vehicle identification number,

(iii) the annual inspection sticker number, and

(iv) the information recorded under clause (b);

(e) in respect of every vehicle to which a semi-annual inspection sticker has been affixed and for a period of one year from the date of affixing the sticker on the vehicle, a semi-annual inspection report, being a report signed by the motor vehicle inspection mechanic inspecting the vehicle and the licensee or a person authorized in writing by the licensee showing,

(i) the date of inspection,

(ii) the vehicle identification number,

(iii) the semi-annual inspection sticker number, and

(iv) the information recorded under clause (b); and

(f) in respect of every vehicle inspected based upon proof of a prior brake inspection, a copy of the proof of brake inspection document, for a period of one year from the date of the inspection relying upon proof of a prior brake inspection. O. Reg. 79/11, s. 8; O. Reg. 243/14, s. 2 (1).

(2) Revoked: O. Reg. 243/14, s. 2 (2).

10.1 (1) A licensee shall, within seven days after issuing a structural inspection certificate in respect of a motor vehicle, send to the Director the following information and documents:

1. The structural inspection certificate issued.

2. The completed Rebuilt Vehicle Parts Audit Form.

3. The name and address of the person who carried out the rebuilding of the salvage motor vehicle.

4. The name and address of the vehicle owner, if different from that of the person who carried out the rebuilding.

5. The name and address of the insurer of the vehicle who paid out the claim for the salvage motor vehicle, or the name and address of the person, other than an insurer, who declared the vehicle a total loss.

6. The make, model year and vehicle identification number of the vehicle.

7. A list of the major components used in rebuilding the vehicle, including the name of the supplier, the date of their purchase from the supplier by the person who carried out the rebuilding and the vehicle identification numbers of the vehicles that the major components came from.

8. The invoice for the purchase of each major component used in rebuilding the vehicle, clearly showing the information set out in paragraph 7.

9. The estimate of repairs required, as prepared by the insurer or other person who declared the vehicle a total loss, or documentation, provided by the insurer or other person who declared the vehicle a total loss, that fully describes the damaged components and the extent of their damage.

10. The invoice for the purchase of a vehicle chassis, clearly showing the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis came.

11. Two colour photographs clearly showing the damage to the front, rear and sides of the salvage motor vehicle, taken before rebuilding it, or, if the vehicle was rebuilt at a premises other than the motor vehicle inspection station and photographs were not taken, a written statement by the insurer or other person who declared the vehicle a total loss that such photographs are not available.

12. One colour photograph of the salvage motor vehicle taken in a frame alignment bench.

13. If the wheel alignment is inspected at a premises other than the motor vehicle inspection station, a statement that the wheel alignment meets the manufacturer’s specifications, and including in the statement the vehicle identification number of the vehicle, the applicable manufacturer’s specifications, the actual measurements taken for the vehicle, the name, address and signature of the person at the other premises who is making the statement and his or her trade certification number under the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009.

14. The relevant excerpts from the manuals used as a source of the manufacturer’s specifications for vehicle dimensions for the make, model and year of the vehicle.

15. The actual measurements taken for the vehicle.  O. Reg. 377/02, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 437/12, s. 2.

(1.1) The documents required by subsection (1) shall be originals or, if originals do not exist or cannot reasonably be obtained, copies.  O. Reg. 377/02, s. 1 (1).

(1.2) Despite subsection (1), if the motor vehicle for which the structural inspection certificate is issued is a reassembled motor vehicle, the licensee is not required to send to the Director the following:

1. The information required by paragraphs 5 and 9 of subsection (1).

2. The information and documents required by paragraphs 7, 8 and 10 of subsection (1), if the components and chassis for the reassembled vehicle are acquired from a donor vehicle registered to the owner of the reassembled vehicle.

3. The photographs required by paragraph 11 of subsection (1), if the licensee sends to the Director photographs in sufficient number to display all of the major components that were used in reassembling the vehicle.  O. Reg. 377/02, s. 1 (1).

(2) No structural inspection certificate shall be issued unless the licensee or the person authorized by the licensee to countersign structural inspection certificates, and the mechanic who inspects the vehicle are satisfied that there is a complete record of all the information, documents and photographs required under this section.  O. Reg. 377/02, s. 1 (1).

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a vehicle imported into Ontario, the permit for which was issued by a jurisdiction listed in Column 1 of the Table to this section and that is classified by that jurisdiction with a classification that is set out in Column 2 of the Table as equivalent to rebuilt for that jurisdiction.  O. Reg. 377/02, s. 1 (1).

(3.1) For a vehicle described in subsection (3), the licensee shall send to the Director the structural inspection certificate issued and a copy of the vehicle permit issued by the other jurisdiction showing the classification of the vehicle.  O. Reg. 377/02, s. 1 (1).

(4) The mechanic who performs the inspection shall use the photographs and information provided in the record to establish that the vehicle is the one described in the record.  O. Reg. 372/98, s. 7.

(5) The major components referred to in paragraph 7 of subsection (1) include, if they are not from the salvage motor vehicle itself, the engine, transmission, transaxle, transfer case, rear axle or drive unit, front axle or drive unit, hood, fenders, bumpers, side or quarter panels, trunk lid, doors, hatches, seats, dashboard, frame, full or partial frame rail, radiator grill, body roof, front and rear bumper covers, front pillar, center pillar, lock pillar, door pillar, body shell, tailgate, alloy wheels, truck cab and box, and motorcycle forks and fairing.  O. Reg. 372/98, s. 7; O. Reg. 377/02, s. 1 (2).

(6) For the purpose of subsection (1.2),

“reassembled motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle that has been assembled using the body of a motor vehicle with a model year of 1981 or later and the chassis frame assembly of another motor vehicle, both of which were manufactured utilizing a full frame assembly as part of the vehicle’s structure.  O. Reg. 377/02, s. 1 (3).

TABLE

 

Column 1

Column 2

Jurisdiction

Equivalent to Rebuilt

Canada

 

Alberta

Repaired

British Columbia

Rebuilt

Manitoba

Rebuilt

New Brunswick

Rebuilt

Newfoundland and Labrador

Rebuilt

Nova Scotia

Rebuilt

Prince Edward Island

Rebuilt

Quebec

Reconstruit

Saskatchewan

Rebuilt

United States of America

 

Alabama

Reconstructed

Alaska

Reconstructed Vehicle

Arizona

Restored Salvage

Arkansas

Reconstructed, “REC”

California

Salvage, or Salvaged, or Rebuilt

Colorado

Code “R”, Rebuilt

Connecticut

Code “A”

Florida

Rebuilt

Georgia

Rebuilt

Idaho

Reconstructed vehicle

Illinois

Reconstructed vehicle

Indiana

Rebuilt Vehicle

Iowa

Prior salvage

Kentucky

Rebuilt vehicle

Massachusetts

Reconstructed

Michigan

Rebuilt

Minnesota

Prior salvage, Rebuilt

Missouri

Prior Salvage

Montana

Rebuilt Salvage

Nebraska

Previously salvaged

Nevada

Rebuilt

New York

Rebuilt salvage

North Carolina

Code “SVR”

North Dakota

Previous salvage

Ohio

Rebuilt Salvage

Texas

Reconditioned, Rebuilt salvage

Vermont

Rebuilt

Virginia

Salvage rebuilt

West Virginia

Reconstructed

Wisconsin

Repaired salvage

Wyoming

Code “R”

O. Reg. 377/02, s. 1 (4).

11. (1) A licensee operating a Class P station shall identify the station by displaying an identifying sign provided by the Ministry in a conspicuous position, visible to the public.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

(2) The sign remains the property of the Crown and shall be returned to the Ministry when the licensee ceases to hold a Class P licence or to operate a station.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

(3) A sign identifying a Class P station shall not be displayed at a Class F or G station.  O. Reg. 474/09, s. 4.

12. (1) If annual inspection stickers with corresponding annual inspection certificate forms, semi-annual inspection stickers with corresponding semi-annual inspection certificate forms and safety standards certificate forms have not been used and are in the same condition as they were when they were received, a licensee may return them to the Ministry for a refund of the fees paid for them.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1; O. Reg. 79/11, s. 9 (1).

(2) A licensee who ceases to operate a motor vehicle inspection station or whose licence expires or is revoked shall return to the Ministry, along with the materials referred to in subsection (1), a copy of every safety standards certificate, annual inspection certificate or semi-annual inspection certificate kept under clause 10 (1) (a).  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1; O. Reg. 79/11, s. 9 (2).

13. (1) A licensee shall promptly report to the Director the loss, theft or destruction of any certificate form or inspection sticker provided by the Ministry.  O. Reg. 79/11, s. 10.

(2) The licensee shall include in the report the serial numbers of the certificates or stickers and all available information relevant to the loss, theft or destruction.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

(3) The licensee who, after having given a report to the Director, recovers a lost or stolen form or sticker, shall promptly forward it to the Ministry.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

Fees

14. (1) The following fees shall be paid to the Ministry:

 

1.

For a Class F or P motor vehicle inspection station licence

$50.00

2.

For a Class F licence replacing a subsisting Class P licence or for a Class P licence replacing a subsisting Class F licence.

5.00

3.

For a duplicate of a Class F or P licence in case of loss or destruction of the original

5.00

4.

For a safety standards certificate form or a structural inspection certificate form supplied to a Class F or P station

5.00

5.

For the registration of a motor vehicle inspection mechanic by a Class F or P station

14.00

6.

For an annual inspection sticker with accompanying annual inspection certificate supplied to a Class F or P station or a replacement in case of damage or destruction of the original

2.50

7.

For a semi-annual inspection sticker with accompanying semi-annual inspection certificate supplied to a Class F or P station or a replacement in case of damage or destruction of the original

1.00

8., 9  Revoked:  O. Reg. 474/09, s. 5.

O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1; O. Reg. 372/98, s. 10; O. Reg. 474/09, s. 5; O. Reg. 79/11, s. 11.

(2) No fee is payable for the registration of a motor vehicle inspection mechanic who replaces a registered mechanic at the same station.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

(3) The fees in paragraphs 1 and 5 of subsection (1) are reduced by one-half if an application for a license or registration is made after June 30 in the year for which it is issued.  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

15. (1) An application for a licence shall be in the form provided by the Minister.  O. Reg. 474/09, s. 6.

(2) A safety standards certificate, a structural inspection certificate, an annual inspection certificate and a semi-annual inspection certificate shall be in the forms provided by the Minister.  O. Reg. 79/11, s. 12.

16., 17. Revoked:  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 1.

18. Revoked:  O. Reg. 180/93, s. 2.

Forms 1, 2 Revoked:  O. Reg. 180/93, s. 3.

Form 3 Revoked:  O. Reg. 818/93, s. 2.

Forms 4, 5/ FORMULES 4, 5 Revoked:  O. Reg. 474/09, s. 7.