Digital Safety Racing To The Finish Line

With the most recent announcement shared with UCDA Members by way of our Dealer Alert on Sept. 3rd, the finish line for the full transition from the old way of doing safety inspections to the new digital safety across Ontario is fast approaching. Many stations have already completed the transition, and the last remaining entrants are light-duty only safety inspection stations. By the end of 2024 everyone will be doing safeties on the Ministry of Transportation new digital platform.

.
Enrolment into DriveON opened on September 3, 2024, for current MVIS facilities that only conduct light-duty/passenger vehicle inspections and they can now apply through the DriveON portal at www.driveonportal.com.

Facilities whose applications are approved by the ministry will be onboarded and allowed to purchase the necessary equipment through the DriveON portal.

To ensure MVIS facilities receive their DriveON equipment prior to the ending of the MVIS program on December 31, 2024, it is strongly recommended they complete the enrolment process and purchase equipment prior to November 1, 2024.

Complimentary Inspection Tablet for Light-Duty Facilities

To help support the industry, the ministry will be providing one complimentary inspection tablet to all currently licensed MVIS facilities whose applications have been approved to DriveON during the purchase of the initial equipment package.

MVIS facilities that only conduct light-duty/passenger vehicle inspections will be eligible to receive one complimentary inspection tablet if onboarded to DriveON before December 31, 2024.

If MVIS facilities don’t apply to DriveON by December 31, 2024, they will no longer be able to conduct light-duty/passenger vehicle inspections under the MVIS program. These facilities will have to wait until the next phase of onboarding occurring after December 31, 2024, to apply and will not be eligible to receive a complimentary inspection tablet.

  • The last day of processing orders for safety standards certificates is October 31, 2024. Stations can order a maximum of 10 books per order. Towards the end of the MVIS program, the amount of safety books allowed to be ordered will decrease.
  • It is strongly recommended that you complete the enrolment process and purchase equipment before November 1, 2024, to ensure that your MVIS facility receives your DriveON equipment before the MVIS program ends on December 31, 2024.

In Other News

Technicians Entering the DriveON Program Must:

  • Have a valid Certificate of Qualification with Skilled Trades Ontario that is active and for which all fees have been paid. This information can be verified by calling 1-855-299-0028 or going online and checking the public registry for status through Skilled Trades Ontario at www.skilledtradesontario.ca.
  • Register as a technician on the DriveON portal.
  • Complete the mandatory online training available on the portal, which is free of charge and available 24/7.

MVIS facility owners and technicians are encouraged to review the Program Enrolment Package and begin collecting the required documents for their DriveON application. The Program Enrolment Package can be found on the DriveON portal at www.driveonportal.com.

If you have any questions about the new DriveON program, please contact the Vehicle Inspection Centre Assistance Line toll free at 1-833-420-2110 or by email at VIC@driveonportal.com.

Annual and Semi-annual Certificates Transition Period Extension

  • Annual and semi-annual certificates can no longer be ordered.
  • Ontario Regulation 170/22: Vehicle Inspection Centers states that MVIS stations are to stop issuing or affixing annual or semi-annual stickers after July 31, 2024.
  • Heavy-duty stations that have received their DriveON equipment are authorized and required to complete all inspections on the DriveON tablets. These stations are not to complete any heavy-duty or light-duty inspections on paper certificates/stickers.
  • However, MTO provided an educational transition period to help existing MVIS stations enter the DriveON program, and to reduce the burden on the industry. During this transition period, existing MVIS stations may continue to issue annual and semi-annual stickers and certificates. MTO is extending the transition period one more time from August 31, 2024, to September 30, 2024.
  • MVIS stations who have not yet transitioned to the new program may continue to issue annual and semi-annual stickers and certificates until September 30, 2024.
  • Heavy-duty stations must submit their DriveON applications by September 30, 2024, to qualify for a complimentary tablet.

Refunds

All unused MVIS certificates and stickers must be returned to MTO. Stations that have joined DriveON and have received their equipment, are required by legislation to return all unused MVIS books and certificates. If stations use MVIS certificates, they can face charges and their enrolment into the new DriveON program may be revoked or refused.

 To qualify for refunds:

  • unused forms of annual inspection and semi-annual inspection certificates and stickers must be returned by October 31, 2024. Heavy-duty stations must also return unused safety standards certificates by October 31, 2024.
  • unused safety standards certificates must be returned by January 31, 2025.

Refunds will not be provided if unused annual inspection and semi-annual inspection forms and stickers are returned beyond these dates.

Further questions or concerns about refunds may be directed to the MVIS program via telephone at 1-800-387-7736, via Fax at 905-704-2574, or via email at MVIS.CIVA@ontario.ca

The Elderly Buyer

It’s a fact of life that, as baby boomers grow older, dealers will encounter more and more elderly customers.

While customers in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s bring a wealth of experience to vehicle buying and ownership, have the security to afford what they want and the ‘know how’ to find it, these customers can also bring unique challenges for dealers.

We often receive calls from members who are being criticized, usually by the extended family of such customers, over deals they have made.

While the complaints sometimes deal with issues of “capacity”, for example, the family feel the elderly customer was not able to make the “right” decision, have made a “bad” deal or picked the “wrong” vehicle, in many cases it may just be that the adult children, and other family members, are unhappy that their aged relative is “spending their inheritance”!

How are dealers supposed to treat their elderly customers?

With respect. They have contributed their entire life to our society and its economy and have the right to make purchasing decisions like any adult.

How are dealers supposed to respond to the family?

With caution. Remember, they are not your customer, the buyer is. Because of privacy concerns, there is little you may be able to even discuss or disclose to the family, unless the buyer gives you permission, preferably in writing, to do so.

On the other hand, in some cases, the family may be able to produce legal documents, court orders or “powers of attorney” that have some bearing on the issue of your customer’s mental “capacity”. If that is the case, make a copy of the documentation and call the UCDA Legal Department before proceeding.

What issues do dealers need to be alert to?

Be sensitive to any customer who seems confused, distracted or suffering from some disability that appears to affect their ability to understand the ‘to and fro’ of the negotiating process. This is good advice at all times, but especially so when dealing with the elderly consumer.

Be sure about the status of your customer’s driver’s licence and / or insurance. The MTO will suspend the licence of anyone unable to drive safely due to age related or other impairments (in particular for drivers over 80).

The Ontario Consumer Protection Act, 2002, contains specific warnings to businesses to be alert to consumers who are vulnerable and to avoid unfair or “unconscionable” sales. Such deals must be cancelled and all money refunded or can lead to claims for damages and / or fines.

Keep in mind that for many seniors, a motor vehicle is both the symbol of, and the means to, an independent life. It guarantees their mobility and access to travel. All your customers have the right to shop and make purchasing decisions in peace, free from interference by anyone.

On the other hand, if you are ever concerned about any of the issues raised in this article, call the UCDA Legal Department (416) 231-2600 or 1 (800) 268-2598 before you proceed.

September Is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The UCDA’s charitable support for the fight against childhood cancers continues in 2024 with more donations in September to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (https://tinyurl.com/yc7xyrtm).

These wonderful organizations received donations from the Members of the UCDA:

Kids Kicking Cancer (Windsor)
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County has partnered with Kids Kicking Cancer, founded in 1999. Kids Kicking Cancer’s program provides therapeutic martial arts classes and therapeutic visits in the hospital for children and youth, aged 3 to 18, in pain (physical, emotional and/or intellectual).

This evidence-based innovative program merges modern integrative medicine with traditional martial arts, addresses the overwhelming needs of children with pain, including stress and anxiety. Specially trained black belt martial artists teach breathing, visualization, and relaxation techniques, in addition to traditional martial arts moves, to help empower the children and provide them with a sense of Power, Peace and Purpose.
https://kidskickingcancer.ca/

Childcan (London)
Since 1974, Childcan has been providing responsive and compassionate support services to families and children dealing with a diagnosis of childhood cancer received from Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). They serve families from LHSC’s entire catchment area which encompasses London/Middlesex, Windsor/Essex, Waterloo Region, Oxford, Sarnia/Lambton, Grey/Bruce, Elgin, Perth, Kent and Huron counties.

The financial assistance they provide ranges from the provision of hospital parking passes and meal vouchers, to assistance with uncovered treatment-related medical costs and expenses made untenable due to these costs and the reduction in work many families must undertake to be with their child, to bursaries for post-secondary education for our Childcan children, to assistance with funeral costs. 

Childcan has helped well over 1,000 families facing the journey through childhood cancer, from diagnosis, through treatment, to recovery or bereavement. Approximately 85 children are diagnosed annually at Children’s Hospital, LHSC, and all are immediately referred to Childcan. As the average duration of treatment is three years, they are serving approximately 250 families at any given time.

https://childcan.com/about-us

Help a Child Smile
Operating in Hamilton, with the funds they receive, they are able to raise a very sick child’s spirits with special “dream” trips to places like Disney or Marineland, as well as provide supports for families in the form of gas cards, parking vouchers and various outings.

https://helpachildsmile.com

Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC)
NOFCC is a not-for-profit organization that serves families all across Northern Ontario who have a child diagnosed with cancer. The organization was started by a group of parents in 1998, who wanted to provide support to families that would follow in their footsteps.

They support families with their immediate financial and emotional needs because families in their geographical region are forced to travel for treatments across Ontario, the States, and even further for some.

The large amount of income that is lost during treatment is overwhelming for a young family and can throw them into a lifetime of debt. NOFCC tries to reduce that burden that many face, and allow those parents to concentrate on their child and make necessary treatment decisions without having to worry about the cost involved.

NOFCC serves families in treatment, those off treatment and in follow-up care, as well as bereaved families in Northern Ontario (anyone residing in a “P” area code).

https://nofcc.ca/

Candlelighters Simcoe
Serving Simcoe County (Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia), Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Bradford, and as far east as Keswick, Candlelighters assist families who have a child with a diagnosis of cancer.  They support the family in a variety of meaningful ways as they begin, and throughout, the difficult journey back to health. 

Founded 25 years ago by a parent of a child in cancer treatment, the group was originally created as a monthly support group. They have since expanded to include programs and support for each member of the family. Programs include monthly parent support groups, art therapy for children, teen group, school support program and social events for the entire family at different times throughout the year.

On initial diagnosis, they have a care package that they deliver to families and they have recently created an emergency relief fund.

Families with a child in treatment are also assisted during the Holiday season. Our Member’s donation will support Candlelighters’ activities throughout the year and provide a much needed injection of cash for their annual holiday hamper initiative for families in need.

Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer (OPACC)

A registered charity whose mission, since their establishment in 1995, has been to be the parent voice for families with children diagnosed with cancer across the Province of Ontario.

Vision Statement:  OPACC will be the leading voice and expert resource for families and organizations navigating the childhood cancer journey.

How does OPACC support families?

  1. In-hospital and virtual peer-to-peer support through our  Parent Liaison program
  2. Community support through  community-based parent support groups
  3. Financial support through our  hospital parking,  gift card, and hospital meal vouchers programs. 

They also support advocacy efforts to empower parents to advocate for themselves and to advocate for all families on a wider Provincial level, including: E.I. legislation for benefits to Parents of Critically Ill Children, reduced hospital parking rates, representation for childhood cancer survivors, supporting the educational needs of children with cancer, raising awareness of childhood cancer and of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September), providing the caregiver voice to the pediatric oncology drug approval process, and more!

https://www.opacc.org/

THIS JUST IN ON THE MTO DIGITAL SAFETY PROJECT

We have just heard from the MTO about some updates for the timing on current MVIS facilities that only perform light duty/passenger vehicle safety inspections.

Information on light-duty / passenger safety MVIS stations and onboarding to DriveON will be released on August 19, 2024.

Onboarding is expected to follow with roll out on September 3, 2024.

Reminder – light duty/passenger vehicle inspections facilities will be eligible for one complimentary inspection tablet when onboarding is open to them.

Further information regarding the process on how to enrol in the DriveON program will be communicated by the DriveON vendor, Parsons Inc. Additional information can also be found on the DriveON portal at www.driveonportal.com.

If you have any questions about the new DriveON program, please contact the Vehicle Inspection Centre Assistance Line toll free at 1-833-420-2110 or by email at VIC@driveonportal.com.

The UCDA will continue to provide up to date information to members as we receive it.

Members Asked For Garage Registers

Members got them!

Do you like keeping a printed Garage Register? You are not alone, many of our members prefer that to keeping them electronically.

The UCDA offers printed Garage Register books, just like the ones MTO used to print, and authorized by the MTO, to members for $16 each, including shipping.

If you’d like one (or more) please contact Margi at m.muru@ucda.org or by calling 1-800-268-2598.

For those comfortable keeping such records electronically, a free option is offered by the MTO: Garage Register – Issued Pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act – Forms – Central Forms Repository (CFR) (beta) (gov.on.ca)

Indian Status Cards

A “Certificate of Indian Status” card, issued by the Federal Government of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, is the only form of identification acceptable to exempt a Status Indian from taxes on a vehicle sale or lease.

The holder of such a card only has to pay 5% on the purchase of a motor vehicle from a dealer if delivered at the dealership and will pay no tax ie. 0% if the vehicle is delivered by the dealer to an Indian Reserve.

The provincial portion of the H.S.T., which is 8%, is automatically exempt at the point of sale. This applies regardless of where the Status Indian actually lives.

This is what the cards look like, there are 4 kinds you might encounter:

Laminated Certificate of Indian Status

Certificate of Indian Status “All-in-One”

Certificate of Indian Status “Pilot Project”

Secure Certificate of Indian Status

For detailed rules please visit https://www.ucda.org/DealerInfo/StatusIndianFAQ.aspx or give our Legal Department a call anytime.

Métis and other such Aboriginal ID, membership or association cards are not issued by the Government of Canada and do not exempt the holder from paying H.S.T. on the purchase of a motor vehicle.

Auto Theft Progress

Update

While far from being solved, the auto theft problem seems to be easing for the first time in several years.

Media reports indicate auto theft is down 17% across Canada in the first 6 months of 2024, and the momentum is credited to ceaseless efforts throughout 2023 / 2024 by government and industry to tackle the crisis.

In Ontario, auto theft decreased by 14% while Quebec saw a 36% decline in stolen vehicles.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada paid around $1.5 billion in claims in 2023, a record high. That year, vehicle thefts rose by 50% in Quebec and almost as much in Ontario.

Insurers have said the majority of vehicles are being stolen from Ontario and Quebec and exported through the Port of Montreal.

Around 1.7 million containers moved through the port last year, including 70% of Canada’s legal vehicle exports, according to port authorities.

The federal government estimates 90,000 cars are stolen each year in Canada and many of the thefts involve connections to organized crime.

These are early days yet, but any kind of positive news on this front is a rare and welcome development. We hope to see further action on several fronts over the coming months.

The UCDA will continue its actions in this area. For more information on that, please visit https://tinyurl.com/4mssn34k.

See the full news article here: https://tinyurl.com/tyxycyrh.

Fraud in Auto Finance

Most of this article is based on information from a webinar put on by our Partner, National Bank, back in June.

Auto financing fraud is a growing concern, with fraud rates climbing and the tactics of con artists becoming increasingly sophisticated. The rise in fraud is not limited to the auto industry; it’s a trend that’s been observed across various sectors, including credit cards, deposit accounts, and telecommunications.

Higher fraud rates for auto financing have been noted in Western Canada, specifically in Vancouver and Calgary, as well as in Southern Ontario. The used car market specifically is experiencing higher rates of financial fraud, with some institutions reporting fraud rates of just over 1%.

Millennials, being credit active and more engaged online, are particularly vulnerable to fraud. Their high volume of credit activity and the sharing of personal information online make them prime targets.

To reduce the risk of fraud during vehicle sales, it is worthwhile for dealers to consider the following suggestions:

  • Be consistent with your process.
  • Verify the buyer’s identity using their driver’s license along with at least one other form of valid identification (preferably more).
  • Confirm that the id is valid, not expired.
  • Match the photo on the id to the individual.
  • Driver’s license should sound like metal when it’s dropped on a desk.
  • Train staff on how to carefully examine id ensuring it hasn’t been altered.
  • Watch for multiple fonts (Fraudulent identity will often have multiple)
  • Verify employment income by contacting the employers directly.
  • Approach transactions with new and out of town customers who demand immediate delivery with a heightened level of caution.

The battle against financing fraud requires awareness from both dealers and lending institutions. By understanding the trends, recognizing the red flags, and taking proactive steps for prevention, dealers can decrease the risks.

Dealer Plates

We still get complaints from members from time to time about incorrect enforcement by police in some areas with respect to the proper use of dealer plates, but these complaints are much more rare than they once were.

Personal Use

Personal use of dealer-owned “passenger-class” vehicles with dealer plates is absolutely legal but not on “commercial vehicles” (ie. cargo vans, ambulances etc.) where the cargo area is separate from the passenger compartment.

Dealer Plates may also be used on dealer-owned vehicles for all purposes related to the sale of the vehicle and this includes commercial vehicles.

Documents Needed!

The dealer plate is not restricted to use by the owner of the dealership. It may be used by anyone that has the permission of the dealership; that would include staff and potential buyers who have the vehicle for testing purposes.

Three documents must be with the vehicle whenever a dealer plate is used … not just when used for private purposes:

  1. a true copy (meaning a clear copy of the front and back) of the permit for the dealer plate
  2. the Insurance certificate (pink slip)
  3. * a true copy of the vehicle permit.

* If the vehicle has recently been purchased, a copy of the Bill of Sale may be accepted by the police.

Please call the UCDA if you would like a handy wallet card you can show the police if you are stopped and asked about your use of the Dealer Plate.

Newer Developments

As of January 1, 2021:

  • Dealer plates can be used on a light-duty commercial vehicle (ie. Pickup Trucks), that is part of a dealer’s inventory of motor vehicles and that is “loaded with goods” of a private nature, for private use, provided the manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the pickup truck does not exceed 3,400 kg (Reg 628). Pickup trucks displaying Dealer plates while being operated for private use may not tow another vehicle.

The MTO has also issued communications to the enforcement community to clarify that the current Dealer plate regulations support using a Dealer plate in the following situations:

  • On a used motor vehicle being transported from auction with no vehicle registration permit, and
  • While transporting a new unregistered motor vehicle where only the New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) is present.

As always, if you are charged in circumstances you do not believe to be fair or accurate just give us a call at 416-231-2600 or 1-800-268- 2598. We have helpful documents you can show the crown prosecutor or the judge.