Interpretation Bulletin – Vehicle Age

NO: IB-2017-1
Issued: March 2017

Updated: August 2024

Vehicle Age (Model Year)

Vehicle replacement timeline

Reference: Chapter 546 of Toronto Municipal Code, Licensing of Vehicles for Hire, § 546-51 (A), § 546-73, and § 546-113(A)(3).

Application

This bulletin applies to requirements to replace taxicabs, limousines, and private transportation company (PTC) vehicles in the City of Toronto due to the age of the vehicle.

Model Years & Vehicle Replacement Requirements

Based on Council direction, there are limits on age of vehicles-for-hire. This bulletin outlines when vehicles-for-hire have to be replaced due to the age of the vehicle.

Standard Taxicabs and Sedan Limousines:

Any vehicle used as a taxicab or a sedan limousine must be replaced by March 31 of the year following the vehicle’s seventh model years.

Please note: On October 12, 2023, City Council approved extending vehicle-for-hire vehicles due for replacement by March 31, 2024 for one additional year. These vehicles are now required to be replaced by March 31, 2025. On October 12, 2023, City Council also approved an exemption for zero-emission vehicles used as vehicles-for-hire from vehicle age limits. This means that:

  • Taxicabs and limousines manufactured in 2013, 2014, 2015 or 2016 and registered as of July 21, 2022 and January 1, 2024 need to be replaced by March 31, 2025. Other 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 vehicles are not allowed to be in use.
  • Taxicabs and limousines manufactured in 2017 need to be replaced by March 31, 2025.
  • Accessible taxicabs manufactured in 2013 and 2014 must be replaced by March 31, 2025.
  • Accessible taxicabs manufactured in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 must be replaced by March 31, 2026.
  • Zero-emission taxicabs and limousines are not required to be replaced.

Find your Safety Standards Certificate or Annual Inspection Certificate submission date:

PTC Vehicles:

Any vehicle used as a PTC vehicle must be replaced by March 31 of the year following the vehicle’s seventh model years.

Please note: On October 12, 2023, City Council approved extending the vehicle-for-hire vehicles due for replacement by March 31, 2024 by one additional year. These vehicles are now required to be replaced by March 31, 2025. On October 12, 2023, City Council also approved an exemption for zero-emission vehicles used as vehicles-for-hire from vehicle age limits. This means that:

  • Vehicles used by PTC drivers manufactured in 2015 and 2016 and registered as of July 21, 2022 and January 1, 2024 must be replaced by March 31, 2025. All other 2015 model years had to be replaced as of March 31, 2023 and can no longer be used.
  • Vehicles used by PTC drivers manufactured in 2017 must be replaced by March 31, 2025.
  • Zero-emission vehicles used by PTC drivers are not required to be replaced.

Stretch Limousines:

Any vehicle used as a stretch limousine must be replaced by March 31 of the year following the vehicle’s eighth model year. Stretch limousine vehicles manufactured in 2016 must be replaced in 2024, but have until March 31, 2025.

Complying with Requirements for Registering a New Vehicle as a Taxicab or Limousine

Information is available on the City’s website regarding the steps that must be taken by an owner replacing their taxicab or limousine with a new vehicle. Inquiries may be made by emailing mlstaxilimo@toronto.ca.

How Does this Work?

Identifying Your Vehicle’s Model Year or Year Date (age of vehicle)

The age of your vehicle is identified on your Ontario Motor Vehicle Registration Form on the right side of the document. See the image below.