Interpretation Bulletin – Vehicle Age

NO: IB-2017-1
Issued: March 2017

Updated: February 2021

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.

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: In December 2020, City Council adopted bylaw amendments that placed a moratorium on the enforcement of the age of vehicles for the next two years. The change came into effect on January 1, 2021. This means that vehicles manufactured in 2013, 2014 and 2015 will need to be replaced in 2022, but have until March 31, 2023.

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.

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.

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. Telephone inquiries may be made by emailing vehicleinspection@toronto.ca, calling (416) 392-6700 or inquiries may be made in person at the Licence & Permit Issuing Office (East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd Floor).

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.

Deadline to Replace a Vehicle: Examples

Taxicabs and Sedan Limousines:

Taxicab and sedan limousine vehicles manufactured in 2013, 2014 and 2015 need to be replaced in 2022, but have until March 31, 2023.

PTC Vehicles:

PTC vehicles manufactured in 2014 must be replaced in 2021, but have until March 31, 2022.

Stretch Limousines:

Stretch limousine vehicles manufactured in 2013 must be replaced in 2021, but have until March 31, 2022.