A Guide to Ontario’s Green Licence Plate Program

A Guide to Ontario’s Green Licence Plate Program

The environmental impact of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles is a growing concern. Thankfully, electric vehicles are becoming a more accessible and attractive option for drivers across Canada. With a growing focus on environmental conscience, electric and hybrid vehicles have becoming more common on our roadways.

In Ontario, the government has introduced an initiative to encourage the adoption of these eco-friendly vehicles: the Green Licence Plate Program. This program offers not only environmental benefits but also practical advantages for drivers. O In addition to the green benefits provided by the Ontario government, the Canadian government’s Federal iZEV program offers additional rewards to people who choose to go green. 

Today, we will delve into everything you need to know about the Green Licence Plate Program, from eligibility requirements to application procedures and the benefits of owning an EV.

Related:

Ontario’s Best Road Trips for Electric Vehicles

The Most Popular EVs In Canada for 2024

The 11 Best Car Apps and Tools For Car Buyers in Canada

Buy or Sell A Used Electric Vehicle in Ontario: Here Is What You Need To Know

As always, Carnex can provide you with detailed information about buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

Carnex is the top online EV expert in Canada for buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

Checking out the best selling electric vehicles from Carnex inventory today!

What is the Green License Plate Program, and What Are the Green Perks?

The Green Licence Plate Program allows drivers of qualifying low-emission vehicles to display special green plates. The program offers significant advantages to drivers of qualifying low-emission vehicles. 

Here’s what you can expect:

HOV Lane Access

One of the significant benefits of owning a green licence plate in Ontario is the freedom it grants you when navigating busy roads. Regardless of the number of passengers in your car, you can enjoy free access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, which are typically reserved for vehicles with two or more occupants. This translates to significant time savings, especially during rush hour commutes. 

HOT Lane Access

The program extends its advantage to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on Ontario’s Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) and other 400-series highways. These lanes typically require a toll for single-occupancy vehicles. With a green licence plate, you can bypass the toll and enjoy a smoother ride.

If you have a green licence plate, look for these signs on HOV and HOT lanes:

Who Qualifies for Green Licence Plates?

The Green Licence Plate Program is open to a wide range of low-emission vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of eligible options:

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These vehicles combine an electric motor with a traditional gasoline engine, allowing drivers to switch between electric and gasoline power depending on their needs.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): BEVs are fully electric vehicles powered purely by batteries, with no exhaust emissions.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs): These vehicles use hydrogen gas to generate electricity, also resulting in zero tailpipe emissions. 

Used 2010 or later model year PHEVs and BEVs: The program is not limited to new vehicles, encouraging the adoption of used eco-friendly options.

PHEVs, BEVs, and HFCVs in limited numbers as part of pilot study or test program: Ontario supports innovation by including vehicles participating in approved research programs.

It’s important to note that not every eco-friendly vehicle qualifies for the program. Here are some ineligible options:

• Commercial vehicles exceeding 3,000 kg in weight
• Low-speed vehicles, such as e-bikes
• Motorcycles
• Off-road vehicles
• Conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) – These hybrids rely primarily on gasoline engines with some electric assistance and are not eligible.
• Vehicles converted to plug-in capability – Only factory-built PHEVs qualify.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) maintains a comprehensive, regularly updated list  (the comprehensive list)  of all vehicles eligible for the Green Licence Plate Program. This list features a wide variety of models from numerous car manufacturers, ensuring there’s an eco-friendly option for almost every budget and preference.

How To Apply Your Green Licence Plate

The application process for a green licence plate is straightforward. You can visit any ServiceOntario centre to submit your request. If you’re purchasing a new or used EV from a dealership, they might handle the registration process on your behalf.

Who can appl for a Green Licence Plate?

Individuals: Drivers with valid Ontario driver’s licence can apply.

Businesses: Businesses and commercial groups with qualifying vehicles are also eligible.

Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand when applying:

• Proof of Identity: A government-issued document that verifies your legal name, birthdate, and signature.
• Driver’s Licence or Registrant Identification Number (RIN): This confirms your driving privileges in Ontario.
• Proof of Vehicle Purchase: This could be a bill of sale or ownership documents.
• Safety Standards Certificate: This ensures your vehicle meets safety regulations.
• Proof of Insurance: Valid car insurance from an Ontario-licensed provider is mandatory.

If you’re registering a vehicle for your business, you’ll need additional documentation:

• Notarized Letter of Authorization: This document confirms your authority to act on behalf of the business.
• Business Identification: This could be a letter of good standing or articles of amendment.
• Proof of Business Address: A utility bill or ownership documents can be used as proof.

While there are no extra fees for a green vehicle licence plate, green licence plates cannot be personalized or ordered online.

Financial Incentives for Going Green

While electric vehicles tend to have higher price tags, the Government of Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (iZEV) may help offset these upfront costs by providing EV rebates. 

Here’s an overview of what the program offers:

• Vehicles that are battery-electric, long-range plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell eligible for up to $5,000 in rebates.
• Short-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are eligible for up to a $2,500 reimbursement. 

These incentives can be collected upfront at the dealership when you buy your qualifying EV.

To qualify for the iZEV program’s incentives, your EV must meet the following criteria:

• Safety Standards: The vehicle must comply with Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
• Road Use: It must be suitable for public roads, highways, and streets.
• Functionality: It requires four functional wheels capable of highway driving.
• Lease Minimum: For leased vehicles, the minimum lease term must be 12 months.

The iZEV program excludes certain vehicles from receiving rebates. These include:

• Vehicles purchased or leased outside of Canada
• Previously plated used vehicles
• Two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles and e-bikes)

To verify if your EV eligibility for the iZEV program, here’s the full list of eligible vehicles.

The Benefits of Going Green with Electric Vehicles

The advantages of owning an EV extend far beyond the perks offered by the Green Licence Plate Program and EV incentives. Here are some compelling reasons to consider going electric:

Environmental Benefits: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet, especially in urban areas with high traffic congestion.

Reduced Noise Pollution: Compared to gas-powered vehicles, EVs are significantly quieter. For example, some territories even require Acoustic Vehicle Alert Systems (AVAS) to be installed on EVs to emit low-speed warning sounds for pedestrian safety.

Lower Maintenance Costs: EVs require less maintenance compared to gasoline vehicles. They don’t require oil changes, spark plug replacements, or exhaust system repairs. Additionally, their simpler electric motors require less frequent servicing compared to traditional gasoline engines.

Advanced Technology: Many EVs boast cutting-edge technology features like keyless ignition, touchscreen interfaces, advanced lighting systems, and even integrated payment processors for contactless transactions.

If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact and enjoy the benefits of a modern driving experience, then switching to an electric vehicle is a smart choice. The Ontario Green Licence Plate Program offers significant advantages for EV ownership, and the iZEV program sweetens these green perks with financial incentives. 

Consider the long-term cost savings on fuel and maintenance, along with the environmental benefits, and you might just find that going green is the perfect choice for your next car purchase.

Ready to explore the world of electric vehicles? Research qualifying models, visit Carnex for a EV test drive, and discover how you can join the growing community of eco-conscious drivers in Ontario.

Read More:

The Most Popular EVs In Canada for 2024

EV Charging Security: Is Your Electric Vehicle Charger Safe?

The 11 Best Car Apps and Tools For Car Buyers in Canada

Buy or Sell A Used Electric Vehicle in Ontario: Here Is What You Need To Know

As always, Carnex can provide you with detailed information about buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

Carnex is the top online EV expert in Canada for buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

Checking out the best selling electric vehicles from Carnex inventory today!

Learn more about the benefits of buying from Carnex. We believe that all clients deserve to know the good and bad of what they’re buying. Because we wanted to know these when we bought cars. That’s why at Carnex.ca, we will proudly display every detail every step of the way. Browse all the best cars, automobile buying tips, auto insurance, young drivers, driving techniques, auto industry trends from Carnex Blog.