Interpretation Bulletin – Vehicle Age

NO: IB-2017-1
Issued: March 2017

Updated: May 2025

Vehicle Age (Model Year)

Vehicle replacement timeline

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

Application

This bulletin outlines the age requirements for vehicles used as a taxicab, limousine, or private transportation company (PTC) vehicle in the City of Toronto.

Model Years & Vehicle Replacement Requirements

Based on Council direction, there are age limits on Vehicles-For-Hire. This bulletin outlines when Vehicles-For-Hire must 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 year.

On March 26-27 2025, City Council approved the following bylaw changes:

  • Wheelchair accessible vehicles used as a taxicab may be up to ten model years old.
  • Vehicles registered for use as a taxicab or sedan limousine as of December 31, 2024 and required to be replaced by March 31, 2025 may continue to be used as a taxicab or sedan limousine until August 29, 2025.
  • Vehicles registered for use as a taxicab or limousine as of December 31, 2024, may be up to ten model years until December 31, 2028.

For example:

  • Taxicabs and sedan limousines manufactured in 2013 or 2014 and registered for use as of December 31, 2024 can continue to be used until August 29, 2025.
  • Taxicabs and sedan limousines manufactured in 2015 and registered for use as of December 31, 2024 can continue to be used until March 31, 2026.
  • Taxicabs and sedan limousines manufactured in 2016 and registered for use as of December 31, 2024 can continue to be used until March 31, 2027.
  • Taxicabs and sedan limousines manufactured in 2017 and registered for use as of December 31, 2024 can continue to be used until March 31, 2028.
  • Taxicabs and sedan limousines manufactured in 2018 and registered for use as of December 31, 2024 can continue to be used until March 31, 2029.

Zero-emission vehicles used as a taxicab or sedan limousine do not have a model-year maximum and are not required to be replaced due to age. (Approved by City Council on October 12, 2023; see 546-51C; 546-73D)

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.

Zero-emission vehicles used as a private transportation company vehicle do not have a model-year maximum and are not required to be replaced due to age (approved by City Council on October 12, 2023; see 546-113(A)(3)).

On March 26-27 2025, City Council approved the following bylaw changes:

  • Wheelchair accessible vehicles used as a Private Transportation Company vehicle may be up to ten model years old.

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.

On March 26-27 2025, City Council approved the following bylaw changes:

  • Vehicles registered for use as a limousine as of December 31, 2024, may be up to ten model years until December 31, 2028.

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.