Snowbird must have car registered in Ontario

Eric Lai

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Q: I'm a snowbird with a home in Florida. Can I buy a car for use down there and then drive it with Florida plates while I'm in Ontario?

A: Ontario Transportation Ministry spokesperson Bob Nichols replies:

Because you're an Ontario resident, the vehicle may not be driven here with Florida plates. Once the vehicle enters Ontario (the owner's home jurisdiction), it should be registered with Ontario licence plates.

Eric Lai adds:

Section 15(4) of the provincial Highway Traffic Act provides vehicle registration exemptions for visiting non-residents.

Residents of another province who don't reside or carry on business in Ontario for more than six consecutive months in each year may drive here with valid plates from their home province.

Residents of a foreign country, including the U.S., who don't reside or carry on business in Ontario for more than three months in any one year may use their valid home jurisdiction plates here.

Beyond those time limits, the vehicle owner must get Ontario plates. Upon becoming an Ontario resident, you have 30 days to get Ontario plates.

Basically, if a vehicle is based and operated in Ontario, it must be registered in Ontario.

Q: What are the laws regarding carrying a kayak on a vehicle roof rack? Are permits required? Is tie-strap placement and number mandated?

A: Ontario Transportation Ministry spokesperson Bob Nichols replies:

An oversize permit is only required if the vehicle and load exceeds 12.5 metres in length or 2.6 metres in width. There isn't a law specific to kayaks, but this does fall under the general provisions of the provincial Highway Traffic Act for the security of loads.

Under Section 111(1) of the HTA, if a load overhangs the rear of the vehicle by 1.5 metres or more, a red flag or marker must be affixed to the extreme rear of the load. In poor visibility, a red light in place of the flag or marker is necessary.

The number and placement of tie-straps also isn't specifically addressed for kayaks, but Section 111(2) of the act requires that any load carried on a vehicle or trailer must be "loaded, bound, secured, contained or covered so that no portion of the load may become dislodged or fall, leak, spill or blow from the vehicle."

The number of straps needed in any instance would be dependent on the weight of the cargo and the strength of the tie-downs. (If in doubt, more is better.)

Additional front and rear straps are recommended to reduce movement that may occur during acceleration or braking, and also to prevent the boat from being twisted sideways in transport.

Tie-downs should be in good condition with no nicks, tears or other damage and, ideally, be capable of being tightened while in transit. The driver should stop regularly and inspect the tie-downs to ensure that they are taut and fastened properly.

Eric Lai adds:

Ultimately, how you secure the load is up to you, but if anything falls off, the driver will be accountable. (For commercial loads, specific securement procedures are detailed in HTA Regulation 614.)

A ticket for "insecure load" carries a set fine of $160, or $390 for commercial vehicles. However, if a collision or other serious incident occurs, police may opt to issue a summons – where a court appearance is mandatory – rather than a ticket.

For an "insecure load" conviction, the HTA allows a fine of up to $200, or $20,000 for commercial carriers. The courts may also impose a licence suspension of up to 60-days.

If injury or fatality occurs, additional criminal charges may apply.

Email your non-mechanical questions

to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

More videos from Wheels.ca and our partners