Ontario Vehicle “Branding” Law Debuts March 31st

A new Ontario Ministry of Transport mandatory vehicle branding program takes effect on March 31st. The regulation requires insurers and others (including self-insurers, auctioneers, importers, salvagers and individuals) to assign “brands” to vehicles that are written off. These brands are printed on vehicle registration documents, including vehicle permits, vehicle histories and the Used Vehicle Information Package, which must be provided to prospective buyers by anyone who sells a vehicle privately.

The brands are:

“Irreparable”

a vehicle that can be used for parts or scrap only. This vehicle can never be driven in Ontario.

“Salvage”

a vehicle that can be repaired and is subject to inspection criteria approval.

“Rebuilt”

a vehicle that has been previously branded as “salvage” but has been rebuilt and inspected in accordance with regulatory criteria.

“None”

has not had a brand applied to it in Ontario. This does not mean the vehicle was never given a brand in another jurisdiction, or that it has not been rebuilt in Ontario prior to the mandatory branding program.

If you own a vehicle that requires a brand, it must be reported to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. For more details call MTO INFO at (416) 235-4686 or toll free at 1-800-268-4686. Garages that sell used cars can download the necessary form at: http://www. mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/branding/guide3.htm