Vehicles for Hire

Clarington’s Vehicle-for-Hire By-law regulates the operation of private transportation services, including:

Taxicabs - vehicles-for-hire with a metering device and seating for no more than seven people hired through a broker or by a street hail.
Transportation Network Vehicles (TNV) - vehicles-for-hire that accept fares exclusively through an app.
Limousines - vehicles-for-hire that do not have a metering device and are not a TNV.

The Vehicle-for-Hire By-law 2019-069 was updated in December 2019 to reflect changes to the taxi industry and the emergence of TNVs in the community. It provides public safety and consumer protection while streamlining the administrative process by allowing licensed brokers to hire drivers based on criteria including a Criminal Reference Check, a Driver’s Abstract, and compliance with all federal, provincial and municipal laws. Brokers can now determine how many vehicles they need, and there is no cap on the number of plates issued. The By-law also promotes accessible vehicle services and reduces fees for brokers who provide proof of providing accessible services in the previous year.

Applying for a Broker Licence

Broker licences are valid for one year from the date of issue.

Broker Licence Fees

Item	Fee
Taxicab/Limousine broker licence	$1,500
TNV broker licence	$25,000
Replacement plate	$10
Broker information update (during the term of licence)	$25

Eligibility requirements:

At least 18 years of age.
If the applicant is an individual, a Criminal Information Record check dated no more than 30 days before the application date.
A Certificate of Insurance, naming the Municipality of Clarington as an additional insured, of at least $5,000,000 inclusive per occurrence, for injury, death and damage to property including loss of use.
TNV Broker – In addition to the insurance requirement above, proof of non-owned automobile insurance with limits of at least $2,000,000 per occurrence.

Apply for a Vehicle-For-Hire Broker Licence [LINK TO FORMBUILDER]

Driver Requirements

Only brokers licensed by the Municipality of Clarington may authorize a person to drive a vehicle for hire within Clarington.

Drivers must:

Be 18 years of age or older.
Have a valid G class driver’s licence in good standing issued by the Province of Ontario, permitting the operation of a vehicle-for-hire.
Have at least two years of driving experience.
Have a Driver’s Abstract clear of any Highway Traffic Act offences carrying more than four demerit points in the past three years, or have accumulated more than eight demerit points in total.
Have a clean and current police reference check or a reference check that is otherwise satisfactory to the Municipal Clerk.

Consumer Safety

If you are ordering a ride through an app, it’s important to verify that the vehicle plate and description match your verified ride. Make sure the driver’s photo on the app matches the driver of the vehicle you are entering.

Taxicabs licensed under a broker will have a plate attached to the rear right bumper, and the driver will have identification visible to every customer.

Brokers are responsible for all vehicles-for-hire as well as their drivers.

Reporting a concern

Report concerns about a vehicles-for-hire to the Municipal Law Enforcement Division at 905-623-3379 ext. 2150 or by filling out the report a problem form.