If you are buying or selling a used vehicle in Ontario, or transferring ownership, you may need a Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) — commonly called a safety inspection. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is a Safety Inspection?
An MVI is a standardized inspection performed by a licensed mechanic at a provincially certified Motor Vehicle Inspection Station. It checks that the vehicle meets minimum safety standards for Ontario roads.
When Do You Need One?
- When buying or selling a used vehicle (the seller typically provides it)
- When transferring ownership of a vehicle not currently plated in Ontario
- When bringing a vehicle from another province into Ontario
What Is Inspected?
The inspection covers brakes, steering, suspension, tires, lights, glass, mirrors, wipers, fuel system, and emissions-related components. It is a pass/fail inspection based on minimum standards.
How Long Is It Valid?
A passing safety certificate is valid for 36 days in Ontario. You must complete the vehicle transfer within that window.
What Does It Cost at Rankin Automotive?
Standard Safety Inspection (MVI) — $250
We are a provincially certified Motor Vehicle Inspection Station in Mississauga. Our licensed mechanic performs the inspection and issues the certificate on the spot if the vehicle passes.
What If It Fails?
We give you a written list of what needs to be repaired. You can choose to have us do the repairs, take it elsewhere, or as a seller, disclose the failed inspection to the buyer and sell as-is without a certificate.
1098 Lorne Park Road, Mississauga | (905) 274-4692 | Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM