I believe this is a much…

I believe this is a much needed change within the province. For many, it is simply a pain to get your plates renewed for passenger cars.

Theis does raise some concerns. Many groups of passenger car owners who enjoy modifying their vehicles, will almost instantly want to remove their catalytic converters after this change takes place on April 1st. I am an avid vehicle enthusiast myself, who modifies basically everything I own however it must be done within reason. Any vehicle meant for on road use needs to have catalytic converters if it had them as OEM. The drive clean program was effective at ensuring that car enthusiasts were not modifying their daily drivers to the extent that they are producing excessive pollution. Granted, this group of people will equate to a minority of passenger car owners as most ontario commuters simply drive to and from work. The point is that the government must recognize this WILL occur with a select group of vehicles and take steps to prevent it and actively prosecute offenders. Having a motor vehicle safety inspection implemented every 2 years would not only facilitate this, it would also ensure that vehicles within Ontario remain safe for the road.

Emphasis placed onto commercial vehicles?

Granted, a great number of commercial trucks have had their emissions equipment removed or bypassed. That needs to stop, but where is the cut off. Is the need based off of GVWR? Will pick up trucks with black plates still be considered "commercial", or will they be classed as a passenger vehicle? An annual Drive Clean test should be included under the vehicles MTO Safety Standards annual inspection. 2 birds at once, with the Valid Yellow Sticker being the validation of a Drive Clean test.

This is a step in the right direction for transportation in Ontario. However, the level of unsafe vehicles (brakes, tires, rotting frames and bodies) within this province astounds me. Sure, a peace officer can order a safety inspection when the deem necessary however this should not be needed. The province needs to be proactive by ensuring that all vehicles with Ontario plates are safe for the road. Not reactive through police enforcement.

Some other points I hope the transportation minister will look at:

Removing the front license plate requirement for "historical" registered vehicles. Let them have only a rear and keep the front end of their vehicles pure.

Implementing a seasonal vehicle registration for those who store their "show cars" or "toys" over the winter. Have a separate vehicle plate that is only valid for 6-8 month period. Much like "Historical" or "Trailer" plates, have "Seasonal" written down the side and only permit them on the road from 1 May to 30 Oct (example). Have these vehicles also have a rear plate only, and give them a slightly reduced registration fee.

I am extremely proud to finally see the provincial government focus on the REAL concerns of its constituents.