How Long Can You Drive in Ontario with Out of Province Plates?

Ontario is the most populated province in Canada for a reason. The province of Ontario is full of sites, events and exciting adventures waiting around every corner. It's hard to think of something not to enjoy about this fantastic province.

Are you thinking about travelling or moving to Ontario in the near future? If so, then you're likely bringing your car along for the trip. After all, it is hard to go on a road trip without a set of wheels.

Before you buckle up your seatbelt and hit the road, you should take some time to learn the answer to the following question — how long can you drive in Ontario with out of province plates? Knowing the answer to this question can help you stay safe, make good decisions and make it easier for you to avoid preventable predicaments.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about driving an out of province vehicle, along with important information about how and when to exchange out of province license Ontario.

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How long can you drive in Ontario with license plates from another province as a visitor?

You can drive in Ontario with out of province plates for as long as you need, as long as you are travelling within or through the province.

Drivers still need to have the following documentation in order to legally travel in Ontario:

• Valid driver's license (G2 or G-class license equivalent)
• Valid license plates with stickers (registered to the appropriate province)
• Car insurance

If you're planning on going on a trip to Ontario, we suggest reaching out to your car insurance provider or broker beforehand. Doing this gives your provider or broker the chance to make any necessary changes to your policy, which can improve your chances of being eligible for coverage (more on that later).

Bonus — Click here to learn about custom license plates.

How long can you drive in Ontario with license plates from another province if you're a new resident?

If you're planning on moving to Ontario, you have 30 days to get province-appropriate plates. In order to get Ontario license plates, you'll need to complete a handful of necessary steps.

Register out of province vehicle in Ontario — what are the requirements drivers should know?

If you're planning on registering an out of province vehicle in Ontario, you'll need to complete the following requirements:

• Provide your driver's license or a copy of your RIN (registrant identification number)
• If you're registering a passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle, motorcycle or motorhome, you'll need to provide a completed used vehicle information package
• Provide a copy of proof of purchase (a receipt will do the trick)
• Provide proof of insurance
• Provide your vehicle permit and the plate portion of the permit (if you have a license plate you wish to attach to your vehicle)
• Prove your name and date of birth via your driver's license number or RIN

After completing these tasks, you are officially registered and can legally drive as a new resident of Ontario.

What happens if you get into a collision while driving a vehicle with out of province plates in Ontario?

The answer to this question depends on whether you're a visitor or a new resident in Ontario.

Getting into a collision as a visitor in Ontario

If you're visiting Ontario, you may or may not be eligible for coverage if you get into a car accident. The end result depends on your home province's regulations regarding out of province incidents.

For instance, the SAAQ (Quebec's mandatory provincial car insurance option) protects drivers anywhere in the world, even if they aren't deemed responsible for the event.

So, if a driver from Quebec (that's insured by SAAQ) gets into an accident in Ontario, they would more than likely be eligible for coverage.

Getting into a collision as a new resident in Ontario

If you're a new resident in Ontario and are within the 30-day grace period, then you will most likely be eligible for coverage. During the 30-day grace period, drivers can use their current provider, even if they are located in a different province.

Bonus tip — Drivers should be aware that they need to follow the Ontario Highway Traffic Act regulations, even if their vehicle is registered in a different province.

Getting car insurance quotes in Ontario

Finding a car insurance policy in Ontario can be challenging, especially if you're not familiar with all of the options yet. Not to mention, Ontario has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, which makes finding an affordable plan even more difficult.

Thankfully, you don't have to compromise your coverage or budget in order to protect yourself on the road — you can team up with a Surex insurance provider instead! At Surex, we aim to please; the primary way that we do this is by providing the most competitive, affordable car insurance quotes on the market.

How do we help you save on car insurance? It's relatively simple; we work with the most respected car insurance providers in Ontario, which allows us to offer you the very best options available.

If you need help finding or comparing car insurance quotes in Ontario, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced insurance advisors today. Within ten short minutes, we can provide you with upwards of ten top-notch car insurance quotes which are guaranteed to work with your budget and meet your needs.

Additionally, you likely need home insurance if you're moving to Ontario. Click here to learn how we can help you save as much as 25% by bundling your car and home insurance with one of our providers.

Registering out of province vehicle in Ontario — what have you learned about the process?

There are countless reasons to travel or move to the province of Ontario. However, you won't get very far if you don't bring your car!

That's why travellers and new residents must know the ins and outs of driving in Ontario with license plates from a different province. As a quick reminder, travellers can drive with out of province plates for as long as they need, but new residents need to register their vehicle within 30 days of moving.

After reading this article, we hope you'll make the right choice the next time you visit this beautiful province.