Motor vehicles, driving and parking

On this page

For the purposes of these guidelines, the following apply: 

  • VCDR means the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
  • VCCR means the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. 

Importing, purchasing, selling and exporting motor vehicles

Diplomatic missions, consular posts (headed by a career consul), international organizations, and their accredited diplomatic, administrative, technical, or consular staff may import, purchase, and sell motor vehicles under privilege, subject to certain conditions. The Office of Protocol’s Privileges and Immunities Unit is the point of contact and at the disposal of foreign representatives to advise on matters in this regard.

Importing vehicles purchased abroad

Diplomatic missions, consular posts, international organizations, and their privileged personnel may import motor vehicles purchased abroad and for which they have obtained legal title before the vehicle’s entry into Canada as follows:

  • Missions, posts, and organizations can import a reasonable number of vehicles for official purposes exempt from customs duties and the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST), contingent on certain conditions.
  • Diplomatic agents (or persons with equivalent status) and consular officers may import, for their personal use, a reasonable number* of vehicles exempt from customs duties and the GST/HST.
  • Administrative and technical staff as well as consular employees can import a reasonable number* of vehicles in the same manner, though this can only be done during the first 6 months of their assignment.
  • Service staff, private domestic workers, honorary consular officers, and citizens and permanent residents of Canada, including dual nationals (holding Canadian nationality), employed at the mission, post, or other accredited office do not benefit from any vehicle importation privileges, or related duty or tax exemptions.

* In the case of personal motor vehicles, a reasonable number normally means 1 vehicle for an unaccompanied person and 2 for a couple, however, the Office of Protocol’s Privileges and Immunities Unit will consider requests for additional vehicles. It is also understood that Canada can institute a more restrictive approach based on reciprocity.

Importing motor vehicles ordered through a Canadian dealership will likely be subject to customs duties when the dealer considers itself as the importer of record.

Vehicles conforming to Canadian standards 

Diplomatic missions, consular posts, international organizations, and their privileged personnel can import a reasonable number of motor vehicles that conform to Canadian safety standards as determined by Transport Canada, unless there are reciprocal restrictions. Compliant imported vehicles are exempt from customs duties, as well as the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax.

Motor vehicles that meet Transport Canada’s standards may not be sold or otherwise disposed of in Canada by the importer for a minimum of two years (sometime three years based on reciprocity) from the date of importation.

Before importing a vehicle, consult the Registrar of imported vehicles and the “Motor Vehicles” section of the Memorandum D21-1-1: Customs Privileges for Diplomatic Missions, Consular Posts and Accredited International Organizations - Tariff Item No. 9808.00.00.

Vehicles not conforming to Canadian standards

Members of diplomatic missions, consular posts (headed by a career consul), and international organizations can, on a temporary basis, import customs duty-free and tax-free motor vehicles that do not conform to Transport Canada’s safety standards.

Motor vehicles that do not meet Transport Canada’s standards must be exported at the end of the importing mission/post’s use of it or destroyed under CBSA supervision.

Purchasing vehicles in Canada

Diplomatic missions, consular posts (headed by a career consul), diplomatic agents (or persons with equivalent status), administrative and technical staff, consular officers, and their accredited spouse or partner can purchase a reasonable number of new/unused vehicles locally.

The goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) must be paid to the dealership/supplier, however, if a reciprocal arrangement exists with the buyer’s country, the tax can be recovered by applying for a refund/rebate.

Second-hand/used vehicles may also be purchased locally from dealerships and are subject to tax, though where a reciprocal bilateral arrangement exists, the buyer may apply for a GST/HST rebate. Used vehicles can also be bought locally through a private sale, and these are not subject to the GST.

Service staff, private domestic workers, honorary consular officers, locally engaged staff, and citizens and permanent residents of Canada, (including dual nationals holding Canadian nationality), who are employed by an accredited mission, post, or organization, do not benefit from tax refunds/rebates on vehicles purchased in Canada.

Important link

Selling vehicles that conform to Canadian standards

Vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions, consular posts (headed by a career consul), diplomatic agents (or persons with equivalent status), members of the administrative and technical staff, consular officers and employees, and their accredited spouses/partners that were imported, and which meet Transport Canada specifications, may be sold free of customs duties and the GST/HST after a mandatory 2-year retention period. In instances where a country places restrictions on selling imported vehicles on Canadians working at Canadian missions and posts abroad, Canada will apply reciprocal treatment. This means that even if their imported vehicle meets Canadian standards, there is a mandatory 3-year retention period after which persons from these countries can sell their vehicles – free of customs duties and the GST/HST – subject to written authorization from the Office of Protocol.

If a privileged office or person wishes to sell their Canada-compliant vehicle before the retention period has lapsed, they are required to pay any customs duties and excise tax owing. However, missions, posts, international organizations and their accredited officials can seek a waiver of duty and taxes owing from the Office of Protocol when the person has been recalled by their headquarters or in the event of a privileged person’s death.

The mandatory period referred above does not apply to vehicles purchased in Canada. Second-hand/used vehicles that were bought locally may also be sold at any time.

When sold to a dealership, the dealer pays the GST/HST when it registers the vehicle as the new legal owner. Sales tax is not collected by the seller.

When sold privately, the vehicles are not subject to payment of the GST by the purchaser. The purchaser may, however, be required to pay the provincial retail sales tax.

Motorbikes/motorcycles, including motor tricycles and limited-speed motorcycles (such as mopeds and scooters) will likely be treated as motor vehicles, and some of these vehicles might be admissible under the Registrar of Imported Vehicles if they comply with the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. For additional information, see RIV - Registrar of Imported Vehicles and Memorandum D19-12-1: Importation of Vehicles.

Vehicles not conforming to Canadian standards

Unless a vehicle conforms to Canadian standards or has been modified to meet Transport Canada standards (consult the Registrar of imported vehicles to determine the vehicle’s admissibility for permanent importation and what modifications it may require), it cannot be sold in Canada. It must be exported from Canada or destroyed under CBSA supervision.

Vehicle exports

The Office of Protocol has no role with respect to vehicle exports. Diplomatic missions should seek information on the applicable “export regime” through their customs agents.

Vehicle insurance, registration, licence plates, and driving licences

To drive on Canadian roads, persons must carry a valid driver’s licence and their vehicles insured, registered, and licenced at all times. They must also practice safe driving, observe road rules and laws, and assume responsibility for any violations of traffic laws and regulations (refer to sub-section Traffic infractions, parking tickets, and unpaid fines).

In Canada, the provincial and territorial governments are responsible for motor vehicle registration, licence plates, and drivers’ licences. As each province/territory has its own road rules and vehicle guidelines for in their jurisdiction, drivers should consult the website of the relevant transportation ministry to ensure they are properly informed.

Insurance

Drivers need to be insured before registering and obtaining licence plates for a vehicle. Insurance can be bought from one of many private insurance companies.

By law, some provinces require more coverage than others and may decree that drivers purchase a compulsory amount of insurance. Foreign missions and representatives should refer to the appropriate provincial transportation ministry’s website to ensure they have accurate information about local laws pertaining to insurance.

It is recommended that foreign missions and personnel buy comprehensive insurance for all vehicles under privilege. Such insurance covers drivers in the event of an accident where a person is injured or killed, and the full market value of the insured vehicle (including customs duty and taxes) against theft or accident, as well as repairs to other damaged vehicles and property.

Vehicle registration and plating

All motor vehicles to be driven in Canada, including those owned by diplomatic missions, consular posts, and accredited staff and family members, including those assigned to international organizations, must be registered and plated. Vehicle registration must be periodically renewed, usually every 12 months; missions, posts and privileged persons are exempt from registration fees to the extent specified in provincial laws and regulations. Registration must be done in person at the appropriate provincial licencing authority. As vehicle registration falls within the remit of provinces, the Office of Protocol of Canada is not involved.

Heads of missions are responsible for ensuring that all vehicles owned or leased in the name of their diplomatic missions or their country’s consular posts or owned/leased by accredited foreign staff and their family members are properly registered and plated at all times.

As the issuance of licence plates falls exclusively within provincial jurisdiction, the types or categories of plates and the information affixed to them differs from one province to another, without prejudice to the holder’s immunity.

In most Canadian provinces, foreign personnel and their accredited family members residing in that jurisdiction must register their vehicles and obtain licence plates from 30 to 60 calendar days of taking up residence there. Contact the relevant provincial protocol office or consult the provincial ministry of transport website for their requirements.

About vehicle registration and other services in Ontario

The Office of Protocol of Canada does not have any legal or policy mandate, nor any expertise, on matters of drivers’ licences and licence plates. These matters fall within the exclusive legislative jurisdiction of Canada’s provinces and territories. The information that follows is provided for persons who are residents in the province of Ontario only, as a courtesy.

Accredited officials and family members residing in Ontario, aged 16 and up, can obtain multiple services directly from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, when they present their Government of Canada identity card and meet the province’s normal requirements. These services include:

  • Switching a valid driver’s licence from another country/jurisdiction for an Ontario licence.
  • Obtaining a first-time driver’s licence (a beginner’s licence).
  • Getting a vehicle permit and red licence plates.
  • Renewing a vehicle permit and red licence plates.

Diplomatic missions, consular posts, international organizations, special representative offices and other accredited representative offices can obtain red licence plates for vehicles of their official fleet.

To obtain services related to drivers’ licences and red licence plates in the cities of Ottawa and Toronto, foreign representatives must apply in-person at one of the two Ontario government service centres (called ServiceOntario).

For representatives residing in Ottawa and the surrounding areas (in Ontario):

Government service centre (at Ottawa City Hall)
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1

Representatives residing in the greater Toronto area:

Government Service Centre
College Park, Market Level
777 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C8

Worth noting -- Ontario provincial officials who process drivers’ licence and plate requests may contact the Office of Protocol to validate a person’s status in order to complete the transaction. In such an instance, the processing of the application may be delayed.

Fees and exemptions

Ontario regulations grant an exemption from fees to certain foreign representatives and family members:

Foreign representatives and their family members not described in the regulations are not exempt from normal payable fees. For greater certainty, please contact ServiceOntario.

Exchanging a driver’s licence from another country/jurisdiction for an Ontario G class licence

Foreign representatives and their family members and domestic workers who have moved to Ontario and are eligible for accreditation may use a valid licence from another province, state, or country for 60 calendar days. After 60 days, they are required to to switch to an Ontario G class driver’s licence.

To apply in-person for a G class licence at one of the two services centres (in Ottawa or Toronto), persons need to:

  • Bring their Government of Canada identity card issued by the Office of Protocol of Canada, upon acceptance of accreditation to persons aged 16 years and over,
  • Pass an eyesight test,
  • Pass a road test (for service staff and domestic workers only),
  • Bring their original, valid, out-of-province or foreign driving licence, which displays a visible expiry date; if it is not in English or French, an official translation* that meets Ontario standards and dated within 6 months of the Ontario licence application date,
  • Bring any original supporting documents (in English or French -- official translations* accepted) that show proof of their driving experience,
  • Fill out an application form, and
  • Pay the applicable fees, unless eligible for an exemption.

Persons may be asked to take a knowledge or road test before being issued a full G class licence.

An Ontario driver’s licence is valid for 5 years. A renewal can be made either online or at the Ottawa or Toronto services centres.

* See Get a foreign driver’s licence translated. ServiceOntario may also accept a translation from the diplomatic mission, international organization or special representative. For greater certainty, please contact ServiceOntario.

Applying for a beginner’s driving licence

If an accredited person is at least 16 years old, they can apply for a driver’s licence in Ontario.

First, new drivers are issued with a G1 driver’s licence (beginner’s licence) under the province’s graduated licencing program, which is designed to improve road safety by exposing new drivers to incremental levels of risk as they gain more driving experience. Level 1 lasts 12 months, after which drivers must pass a knowledge and road test (as well as meet other requirements) to be issued a G2 licence. After 2 years, they are required to undergo further testing to obtain a full class G licence. See also Learning to drive: graduated licensing.

To apply for a G1/beginner’s licence in-person at one of the two services centres (in Ottawa or Toronto), privileged persons need to:

  • Bring their Government of Canada identity card issued by the Office of Protocol of Canada at age 16,
  • Pass an eyesight/vision test,
  • Pass a road test (for service staff and domestic workers only),
  • Pass a knowledge test about the rules of the road and traffic signs (ServiceOntario will provide guidance on the application process), and
  • Pay the applicable fees, unless eligible for an exemption.

Registering a personal motor vehicle with a regular white licence plate

Accredited foreign representatives and their family members residing in Ontario have the option to obtain regular (white) licence plates, (green) vehicle permits, and a licence plate sticker from any ServiceOntario services centre across the province. Normal fees and conditions apply for acquiring such plates and permits.

Officials wishing to register a vehicle in Ontario with regular plates (and obtain a wallet-size permit and annual plate sticker/label) should follow these instructions.

They can also learn about how to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged licence plate.

Registering a personal motor vehicle with a red licence plate

Foreign representatives and family members, including honorary consular officers, residing in Ontario may register their personal motor vehicle with red licence plates and obtain the corresponding vehicle permit and annual sticker. Persons residing in the province of Quebec are not authorized to obtain a red Ontario licence, even if their foreign mission is located in Ottawa.

Honorary consuls are entitled to obtain a set of red plates for one vehicle only – a set of plates for a second vehicle is not permitted and no exceptions are granted.

To apply in-person for red licence plates at one of the two services centres (in Ottawa or Toronto), persons need to:

  • Bring their Government of Canada identity card issued by the Office of Protocol of Canada (honorary consuls must bring their exequatur/definitive recognition identity card),
  • Present their original Ontario vehicle insurance policy,
  • Have with them the original bill of sale for all vehicles – whether purchased, new, or used,
  • Submit the original, signed transfer of ownership, if the vehicle was purchased from a private vendor,
  • Bring the Used vehicle information package, if the vehicle was purchased from a private vendor,
  • Show proof of the safety check, if the vehicle was registered under a previous owner or if the vehicle was previously registered in another jurisdiction,
  • Present the results of the applicable emissions tests completed through the Ontario government DriveON program,
  • Submit the Canada Border Services Agency’s Vehicle import form, if the vehicle was imported,
  • Bring the original documentation of the last registration translated in one of Canada’s official languages, if the vehicle was imported and the last registration is in another language, and
  • Pay the applicable fees, unless eligible for an exemption.

For a leased vehicle, indicate this to the Ontario government service representative (ServiceOntario) at application time, as there may be additional information requirements.

Diplomatic missions, consular posts, international organizations, special representative offices and other representative offices seeking to register a vehicle of their official fleet must follow these same steps. Authorized personnel presenting a request should either carry their valid Government of Canada identity card issued by the Office of Protocol (if they are accredited) or a letter signed by the head of mission, post, organization, special representative office or other person with signing authority designating them as the official representative for the purpose of the transaction.

Ontario’s red plate classification

In Ontario, there are 4 different series of special red plates:

Plate seriesIssued to the owner of a personal motor vehicle who holds one of the following Government of Canada identity cardsIssued to foreign missions, posts, international organizations, and special representative offices for motor vehicles of their official fleet

CD

  • D card
  • Diplomatic missions
  • International organizations

CC

  • C card
  • Honorary Consul’s definitive recognition card
  • Consulates general
  • Consulates
  • Vice-consulates
  • Consular agencies
  • Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office

XT

  • J card
  • Not applicable

XOR

  • SR card
  • Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
  • Palestinian General Delegation
  • Taipei Economic and Cultural Office

Renewing a red licence plate

Licence plate renewals must be done annually, and generally between November 15 and December 31.

To apply for an annual renewal in-person at one of the two services centres (in Ottawa or Toronto), persons need to:

  • Bring their Government of Canada identity card issued by the Office of Protocol of Canada (honorary consuls must bring their exequatur/definitive recognition identity card).
  • Present their original Ontario vehicle insurance policy.
  • Have on hand their original vehicle permit for a vehicle already registered in Ontario.
  • Submit their original licence renewal application form, completed by hand and signed by the registrant of the vehicle.
  • Provide an odometer reading for each vehicle, in kilometres.
  • Present the results of the applicable emissions tests completed through the Ontario government DriveON program.
  • Have paid in full any outstanding driver or vehicle fines, or highway tolls.
  • Pay the applicable annual fee, unless eligible for an exemption.

Diplomatic missions, consular posts, international organizations, and other representative offices seeking to register a vehicle of their official fleet must follow these same steps. Authorized personnel presenting a request should either carry their valid Government of Canada identity card issued by the Office of Protocol (if they are accredited) or a letter signed by the head of mission, post, organization, or office designating them as the official representative for the purpose of the transaction.

Returning licence plates

Accredited foreign representatives and their family members must return their licence plates at the end of the assignment and before leaving Canada.

However, provincial ministries of transport will generally accept that a person requiring vehicle plates to enter another country/jurisdiction may retain the plates for importation purposes and then return these at a later date. Such arrangements are to be made with transportation ministries well before the assignment in Canada ends.

Traffic infractions, parking tickets, and unpaid fines

In accordance with the VCDR and VCCR, all foreign representatives and their family members, including honorary consuls, are expected to familiarize themselves with and abide by Canada’s road rules. While the vast majority of foreign officials and their family members – who enjoy diplomatic, consular, or other official status in Canada – observe road rules and laws, any driving practices or breaches that endanger public safety are taken seriously by the Government of Canada.

Canada expects all persons enjoying privileges to comply with the rules of the road and practice safe driving, and whether entitled to full or functional immunity, to be responsible for any violations of traffic laws and regulations and pay the related fines. This includes violations that are assessed by traffic cameras and notified to the vehicle’s registered owner by mail.

Although traffic laws and regulations are consistent across Canada, there are some variations among provinces and territories; drivers should consult the websites of provincial and territorial transportation ministries to ensure they have accurate information about the laws in the jurisdiction in which they are driving.

Canadian representatives serving abroad are urged to conduct themselves with the foregoing expectations in mind and are expressly advised that any immunity they enjoy will not prevent local authorities from issuing infractions where appropriate and supported by evidence.

Minor infractions

Police and other traffic authorities in Canada are encouraged to issue fines for lesser driving, vehicle, and parking offences where the officer has evidence to support such an action.

Major infractions

Police services across Canada are encouraged to lay charges where appropriate and inform the Office of Protocol of Canada of instances of major road infractions, including criminal charges for impaired driving, criminal negligence, and dangerous driving, as well as for other serious infractions, such as excessive speeding and stunt driving.

It is the practice of the Office of Protocol to inform heads of mission, posts, organizations, and other accredited offices of all major driving infractions involving their staff or their staff’s accredited family members.

For all violations that normally require the alleged offender to appear in a Canadian court and where the alleged offender enjoys immunity from the court’s jurisdiction, the Office of Protocol of Canada will request a waiver of immunity from the sending country to compel the accused individual to appear in court and permit the court to impose a sentence if the person is found guilty. If the request for a waiver of immunity is declined, the Office of Protocol of Canada will seek appropriate, alternate remedies to ensure public safety, which may include considerations to seek the offender’s recall/withdrawal from Canada.

Important links

Parking tickets and unpaid fines

Police and other traffic services issue driving or parking tickets that can involve fines and may accrue driver’s licence demerit points. Such tickets indicate the recipient appears not to have complied with road regulations –they do not violate a privileged person’s immunity.

Unless they intend to contest the ticket with authorities, foreign missions, foreign representatives and their accredited family members are encouraged, in accordance with the VCDR and VCCR, to pay all fines promptly. The Office of Protocol of Canada does not intervene to request the cancellation of fines or licence demerit points.

Diplomatic missions should contact the Office of Protocol of Canada to formally advise of any limited waivers of immunity granted to allow accredited persons enjoying immunity from the jurisdiction of a court or tribunal to contest an infraction. Any concerns about immunity and a particular court’s jurisdiction should be raised directly with the Office of Protocol of Canada.

The Office of Protocol of Canada notifies heads of missions of all reports of repeat traffic and parking violations and unpaid fines associated with their representatives and their family members.

Diplomatic loading zones in Ottawa

There is no dedicated diplomatic parking in the City of Ottawa. However, diplomatic loading zones (DLZs) are facilities that may be afforded by the City of Ottawa for use by diplomatic missions as a courtesy and when allowed by municipal by-laws.

A DLZ is intended for allowing the active loading and unloading of passengers and goods for up to fifteen (15) minutes at a time. DLZs do not permit a vehicle to be legally parked for extended periods beyond the fifteen (15) minute limit. Only vehicles displaying diplomatic or official licence plates can use a DLZ, subject to the time limitation above.

All questions and service requests from diplomatic missions on DLZs must be addressed directly to the City of Ottawa. The Office of Protocol is not involved in the related process and cannot:

  • assist with DLZ applications.
  • respond to enquiries on the status of applications.
  • help with expediting the processing of applications or overcome a decision rendered by the City of Ottawa.
  • redirect any related enquires it receives to the City of Ottawa.

Parking at the Ottawa or Montreal airport

There is no rule of international law that prescribes free parking for accredited foreign representatives at Canadian airports. Please consult the airport authority at specific airports for information on courtesy parking services available to foreign representatives.

Important links