Business Licensing for Vehicle for Hire

Vehicle for hire businesses include:

  • Shuttle
  • Speciality
  • Caleche
  • Sightseeing

By-law No. 2021-58 licences, regulates and governs vehicles for hire that provide services to all persons within Niagara.

Caleche operations update

The sections of By-law No. 2021-58 related to caleche are under review. In the meantime, staff will use the following temperature guidelines for caleche operations:

  • Operations will stop if the outside temperature is -20 C or colder (excluding windchill)
  • Operations will stop if the outside temperature is 35 C or hotter (excluding humidex)

Licence application or renewal

Apply online for a business licence or renewal. Renewals must be submitted at least 30 days before the licence expires.

Apply or renew a licence

Requirements and fees

  • Business

    Licence requirements for owner

    • If the applicant is a corporation, all current articles of incorporation for the corporation
    • All current legal documents showing the registered business name of the applicant, if applicable
    • The full legal names and signatures of all persons having signing authority for the applicant corporation, if applicable. This includes a letter outlining the number of signatures required for financial and administrative functions.
    • Certificate of Commercial General Liability Insurance in the amount of $5 million and naming Niagara Region as insured
    • List of full legal names of all persons who hold a vehicle licence and driver's licence affiliated with the business
    • Current commercial vehicle operator's registration, if applicable

    Fee for vehicle for hire business

    • Initial, renewal and transfer of business - $160
  • Driver

    Licence requirements

    • Two pieces of government issued identification. One piece of ID must be photo identification.
    • Unrestricted Class G Ontario driver's licence or class of licence required to drive size of vehicle. Not required for caleche operators.
    • Ministry of Transportation three-year uncertified driver's abstract obtained within 30 days. Not required for caleche operators.
    • Criminal record and judicial matters check obtained within 60 days
    • Letter of employment with a licensed vehicle for hire company including confirmation of driver training
    • Colour photo similar to a passport photo requirement (headshot, blank background, no hats or glasses) taken within six months

    Fees for vehicle for hire driver

    Shuttle, sightseeing, specialty:

    • 12 month initial - $65
    • Six month initial - $35
    • One month initial - $15
    • 12 month renewal - $45
    • Six month renewal - $25
    • One month renewal - $15

    Caleche:

    • 12 month initial - $65
    • Six month initial - $35
    • One month initial - $15
    • 12 month renewal - $35
    • Six month renewal - $20
    • One month renewal - $15

    Renewal fee only applies if application is submitted 30 days before expiry for 12 month and 6 month licences, and 10 days before expiry for 1 month licence.

  • Vehicle

    Licence requirements

    Shuttle, sightseeing, specialty:

    • Certificate of Vehicle Liability Insurance in the amount of:
      • Up to seven passengers: $2 million liability
      • Eight to 12 passengers: $5 million liability
      • 13 or more passengers: $8 million liability
    • Evidence of O.E.F. 6A - Permission to carry passengers for compensation endorsement
    • Vehicle ownership
    • Motor vehicle safety check for under seven passengers. Not required if vehicle is less than three years old and less than 40,000 kilometres.
    • Annual or semi-annual Ontario Motor Vehicle Inspection Certificate for eight or more passengers
    • If propane or natural gas, inspection certificate within 30 days

    Caleche:

    • Photo of horse
    • Verification of affiliation with a licensed business
    • Vet inspection records for horse health

    Fees for vehicle or carriage

    Shuttle, sightseeing, specialty:

    • 12 month initial vehicle plate - $1,390
    • Six month initial vehicle plate - $695
    • One month initial vehicle plate - $320
    • 12 month renewal vehicle plate - $280
    • Six month renewal vehicle plate - $140
    • One month renewal vehicle plate - $55
    • 12 month extra vehicle plate - $280 (existing business)
    • Six month extra vehicle plate - $140 (existing business)
    • One month extra vehicle plate - $55 (existing business)
    • Initial spare plate - $670
    • Renewal spare plate - $320
    • Transfer vehicle plate - $1,390
    • Replacement vehicle plate - $15
    • Replacement vehicle - $110
    • Vehicle plate non-use status (relevant renewal rate will apply upon reactivation)

    Caleche:

    • 12 month licence - $35
    • Six month licence - $20
    • One month licence - $15
    • 12 month initial carriage plate - $385
    • Six month initial carriage plate - $190
    • One month initial carriage plate - $110
    • 12 month renewal carriage plate - $195
    • Six month renewal carriage plate - $100
    • One month renewal carriage plate - $55
    • Transfer carriage plate - $385
    • 12 month extra carriage plate - $195 (existing business)
    • Six month extra carriage plate - $100 (existing business)
    • One month extra carriage plate - $55 (existing business)
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