TORONTO — Trucking companies are hit with another licence plate fee-hike from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation. The fee increase goes into effect December 1, 2014, completing the 70-percent plate fee hike introduced in 2011.

Carriers with both Ontario-only and International Registration Plan (IRP) plates who want to minimize the hike can pay their plate fees before December 1.

Like Ontario-only plates, IRP plate holders can also renew licence plate validation up to 90 days prior to their expiry date as long as they have submitted a completed IRP Renewal Application. But IRP plate holders must present the IRP Fee Notice they got from MTO at the time of payment to MTO to be eligible for the lower fee structure on their Ontario mileage.  

Information regarding pay early options for IRP will be included in the renewal documentation received from MTO’s IRP office, for fleets expiring on November 30, 2014, December 31, 2014 and January 30, 2015.

Carriers who have renewal dates after December 1st but are able to complete their plate renewal packages and pay their renewal prior to December 1st will be eligible for the lower Ontario mileage rate.

Plate renewals and appointments at IRP offices are handled on a first come first serve basis, so plan ahead because carriers who miss the November 30^th cut-off date will not be eligible for the lower rates.