Navigating Safety Standards Certificate and Annual Inspection for Taxicabs and Accessible Vehicles
- Vehicle Safety
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) & Annual Inspection Certificate (AIC) in Ontario: A Complete Guide for Vehicle Owners and Operators. Ensuring your vehicle meets Ontario’s safety and licensing requirements is not optional—it’s a legal obligation.
Whether you operate a taxicab, accessible vehicle, or vehicle-for-hire, understanding the Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)and Annual Inspection Certificate (AIC) is critical to keeping your licence active and avoiding costly suspensions.
This comprehensive guide explains what SSCs and AICs are, who needs them, how to submit them, deadlines, penalties, and vehicle requirements, all in one place.
What Is a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)?
A Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) is an official document issued after a mechanical safety inspection conducted by a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (MVIS) that is licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
An SSC confirms that a vehicle meets Ontario’s minimum safety standards at the time of inspection.
Key SSC Facts:
Issued only by provincially licensed MVIS garages
Required for vehicle licensing, transfers, and renewals
Valid for 36 days from the date of inspection
Must be current at the time of submission
👉 Learn more about Ontario safety inspections on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation – Vehicle Safety Standards
What Is an Annual Inspection Certificate (AIC)?
An Annual Inspection Certificate (AIC) is required for commercial and accessible vehicles, confirming that the car has passed a yearly mechanical inspection.
For Accessible Vehicles:
D409-compliant vehicles must submit both an SSC and an AIC
AICs must be renewed once per year
Certificates must be kept inside the car at all times
Who Can Issue an SSC or AIC in Ontario?
Only a licensed MVIS garage operator approved by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation can legally issue an SSC or AIC.
If you are looking for a trusted inspection provider, work only with garages listed under Ontario’s MVIS program or with reputable inspection platforms such as Vehicle-Safety-Inspection.ca
How to Submit Your SSC or AIC
Vehicle owners have two approved submission methods:
✅ Option 1: Submit Online (Recommended)
Submit a copy through the Licence Management and Renewal Portal:
Upload your SSC or AIC
Include your MLS Plate Number or Business Licence Number in the notes
Municipal staff will contact you if corrections are required
✅ Option 2: Submit In Person
Bring the original certificate to:
Licence and Permit Issuing Office: East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue, Toronto
Important Submission Rules You Must Follow
To remain compliant:
SSC or AIC must be submitted once per year
Certificates cannot be older than 36 days at submission
Documents may be submitted up to 30 days before the due date
Hard copies must be kept in the vehicle and produced upon request
Failure to follow these rules can result in licence suspension.
When Do You Need to Submit Your SSC or AIC?
Submission dates depend on your licence type:
Toronto Taxicab Licence (TTL) inspections
Standard Taxicab Vehicle Inspections
Accessible vehicle inspections (require both SSC and AIC)
Always verify your “Next Submission Date” through your licence portal or municipal notice.
What Happens If You Do Not Submit Your SSC or AIC?
Under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 546-15(C):
Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S) may suspend your vehicle licence
Suspension can occur if documents are not submitted within 7 days after the required submission date
Driving with a suspended licence may result in fines, enforcement action, and lost income
Why Annual Safety Inspections Matter
Annual safety inspections:
Protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians
Reduce breakdowns and liability risks
Keep your licence active and compliant
Demonstrate professionalism and responsibility
Municipal bylaws require ongoing compliance, not just one-time inspections.
FAQs: Safety Standards Certificates in Ontario
How long is an SSC valid in Ontario?
An SSC is valid for 36 days from the inspection date.
Do I need both an SSC and an AIC?
Accessible (D409) vehicles require both.
Can I submit my certificate early?
Yes—up to 30 days before the submission date.
What happens if my licence is suspended?
You cannot legally operate the vehicle until compliance is restored.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and submitting your Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) or Annual Inspection Certificate (AIC) on time is essential for staying legal, safe, and operational in Ontario—especially for taxicabs and vehicles-for-hire.
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