The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has announced an extension to the DriveON program transition period, which will allow for additional time to complete development for the program and ensure a more seamless transition from the current paper-based Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (MVIS) program to the more complex and technologically-driven DriveON.
A full copy of the letter from the MTO regarding the extension can be found here: MTO-MVIS-DriveON_public
Although there is no current timeline for the completion of the DriveON transition, MTO has confirmed that the current MVIS program will continue to operate for now; and the vendor for the program will reach out directly to interested stakeholders with further communications, substantial outreach, support, and educational materials once they are ready to move forward with the transition.
Once complete, DriveON will combine the heavy-duty diesel vehicle emissions testing program and the MVIS program into one digital inspections program. The use of a “one test, one result” approach will significantly combat rampant issues around emissions tampering and the use of delete kits in the trucking sector in Ontario.
In addition, the new program will significantly reduce opportunities for fraud, such as the widespread use of “lick and stick” in this area, while also eliminating paper waste, improve compliance and commercial vehicle safety standards, and help protect people and the environment from smog-causing pollutants harmful to human health.
In the interim, MTO continues its significant efforts to target emissions tampering through its robust and growing on-road enforcement program throughout all regions of the province. Current on-road enforcement efforts have been very successful in identifying emissions tampering and other related violations for trucks of all jurisdictions on Ontario roadways.
MTO’s letter also indicates that interested parties can receive updates on the initiative through the DriveON website, and that all stakeholders are encouraged to contact mvis@ontario.ca to ensure you are on the distribution list to receive the latest updates or to verify your email address on file.
Members with questions about the new DriveON program can reach out to the Vehicle Inspection Centre Assistance Line toll free at 1-833-420-2110 or via email at VIC@driveonportal.com.
For questions about the MVIS Program, please contact MTO toll free at 1-800-387-7736 or e-mail cvor@ontario.ca.