With the Ontario government today passing the Fewer Fees, Better Services Act, 2022, the province is cutting costs for families across the province.
“Since day one, we’ve been relentless in finding ways to put money back into the pockets of hard-working Ontarians,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “With the passage of this legislation, we’re removing tolls on Highways 412 and 418 and refunding licence plate sticker renewal fees.”
With the legislation now having passed, the government will soon begin mailing refund cheques to millions of Ontario vehicle owners for licence plate sticker renewal fees paid since March 1, 2020 for vehicles owned by individuals. People with a correct address on their driver’s licence and no defaulted fees, tolls or fines as of March 7, 2022, can expect to receive these refunds starting the end of March and throughout the month of April.
Further, commuters in the Durham region who use Highways 412 and 418 will no longer have to pay toll fees starting April 5, 2022, helping to restore fairness to the region after the previous government introduced these punitive tolls.
“Our government is taking action to help make life more affordable for Ontarians. In less than two weeks, drivers will no longer have to pay licence plate renewal fees and can instead put that money towards other necessities,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are helping drivers keep more of their hard-earned money while also building much needed transit infrastructure, like the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413, so that they can get to where they need to go quicker.”
“Since taking office, our number one priority has been to create the environment for economic growth – and through lowering taxes, reducing electricity costs and cutting red tape, we have reduced business costs in Ontario by nearly $7 billion annually,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through this new legislation, we’re taking further strides to ensure Ontario is the best place to open and grow a business, raise a family, welcome newcomers and keep tourists coming back for more.”
Quick Facts
● Starting on March 13, ServiceOntario will no longer be issuing licence plate stickers for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds.
● It is still the law for vehicle owners to renew their licence plate every one or two years at no cost to confirm their automobile insurance is valid and pay any defaulted Highway 407 tolls and other municipal fines.
● Eliminating renewal fees will save vehicle owners $120 a year in Southern Ontario and $60 a year in Northern Ontario for passenger and light commercial vehicles.
● Highways 412 and 418 are north-south oriented highways connecting Highway 401 to Highway 407 in Durham Region.
● Toll rates on the privately owned and operated 407 ETR are not impacted by these measures.
