What Are My Options If My Car Fails a Safety Inspection in Ontario?

If your vehicle does not pass a safety inspection in Ontario, please know that you are not alone and there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. This simply means that there are some important issues that need to be addressed to ensure your vehicle is safe for driving or sale. Taking care of these matters will help keep you and others safe on the road.

Understanding your rights and options can help you make smart, informed decisions and save both time and money.

Let's break down what happens next and what you can do if your vehicle doesn't pass.

Understanding the DriveON Safety Inspection

In Ontario, vehicles must pass a government-regulated safety inspection before they can be registered, sold, or re-plated. These inspections are conducted at licensed DriveON Vehicle Inspection Centres. They are designed to ensure that your car meets minimum safety standards for brakes, tires, suspension, lights, steering, and more.

The inspection results are based on provincial safety standards (example for passenger light-duty vehicles), not a mechanic's personal opinion. That means the process is fair, consistent, and regulated by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

If Your Vehicle Fails the Safety Inspection: Your Rights & Options

When your vehicle fails inspection, the licensed technician will give you a detailed inspection report outlining the issues. This report is your key to understanding what went wrong — and what to do next.

Here are your main options:

1. Get the Required Repairs

You have the right to take your vehicle to any repair shop for necessary repairs.

You are not obligated to have the same shop that performed the inspection do the repairs — even if they offer to fix it on-site.

Tips:

• Request a written estimate before authorizing repairs.

• Compare quotes from different shops.

• Select a mechanic who is certified and experienced in the type of repairs you require.

Once repairs are complete, you can return to the inspection centre for a re-inspection within 10 days.

2. Ask for a Re-Inspection

After repairs, you can bring your car back to the same DriveON centre for a partial re-inspection — usually focused only on the failed components.

Depending on the shop's policy, re-inspection fees may apply. However, some garages offer free or discounted re-inspections within a set time frame.

It's a good idea to ask about re-inspection policies before the first visit.

3. Dispute or Verify the Results

If you believe your vehicle was unfairly failed. In that case, you have the right to request a re-evaluation by contacting the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

The MTO can investigate concerns about improper inspections or questionable results.

You can file a complaint by contacting:

• MTO Vehicle Inspection Standards Office

• 📞 1-800-387-7736

• Alternatively, visit the Ontario government website for the latest procedures.

Keep all inspection reports and receipts as documentation.

4. Choose Not to Repair the Vehicle

You also have the option not to repair the vehicle, but be aware of the consequences.

A vehicle that fails inspection cannot receive a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC), which means it can't be legally plated or sold as a roadworthy vehicle in Ontario.

However, you can still:

• Sell it "as is" (disclosing that it doesn't have a valid safety certificate).

• Keep it for parts or restoration.

• Use it off-road (e.g., on private property).

What You Should Know About "As-Is" Sales

If you choose to sell your vehicle without a valid Safety Standards Certificate:

• The buyer will be responsible for completing any necessary repairs and inspections.

• The bill of sale must state clearly that the vehicle is being sold "as is".

• The buyer will need to obtain a new safety certificate before registering or plating the car.

This is a common option when repair costs exceed the car's value.

Your Rights as a Consumer

Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, you have several rights when dealing with licensed automotive service providers:

• You must receive a written estimate for any repair work.

• You have the right to approve or decline repairs.

• You must receive an itemized invoice for all services.

• Shops cannot perform or charge for unauthorized work.

If you ever feel pressured or treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with Consumer Protection Ontario.

Pro Tip: Preventing a Failed Inspection

To save yourself stress (and money), consider a pre-inspection check, at your local auto repair shop.

This allows technicians to identify issues early, show you photos and videos of components, and estimate costs before your official DriveON inspection.

Regular maintenance — like brake service, tire checks, and rust prevention — can go a long way in ensuring your vehicle passes safety inspections with ease.

Failing a safety inspection doesn't have to be a setback — it's an opportunity to make your vehicle safer and more reliable.

By understanding your rights, options, and next steps, you can make informed decisions that protect both your wallet and your peace of mind.

If you're in Ontario and your vehicle needs a safety inspection, make sure to visit a licensed DriveON inspection centre near you.

Ask questions, stay informed, and drive with confidence knowing your car meets Ontario's strict safety standards.