Ontario is raising driver’s license and vehicle license fees to support road and bridge maintenance.
The cost of getting a new driver’s license or renewing one will rise to $80 in 2013, an increase of $5 from the current fee.
Vehicle license validation fee in Southern Ontario is up from last year’s $74 to $82 this year, and will go up to $90 in 2013 and $98 in 2014. In Northern Ontario, the fee is $41, up from $37 last year, and will increase to $45 in 2013 and $49 in 2014.
“By increasing some fees for the first time in almost 15 years, we are making the choice to keep Ontario’s families safe when they are on the road,” Minister of Transportation Bob Chiarelli said in a statement.
Other fees that are increasing include permit fees for truck and bus operators and farm and off-road/snow vehicles, as well as driver examination fees, among others.
The plan follows recommendations made by the Drummond Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services chaired by former TD chief economist Don Drummond.
However, the government will not be implementing the recommendation to charge parking fees at Go Transit parking lots.
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