The laws regarding the renewal fees for license plate stickers in Ontario ended on March 13, and the government is now preparing to send refunds to thousands of drivers.

As of March 13, the Ontario government canceled the renewal fees for license plates and the corresponding stickers for passenger vehicles, light trucks, motorcycles, and scooters.

This measure will save many Ontario drivers about $120 annually.

Most drivers who paid their license plate renewal fees between March 1, 2020, and March 12, 2022, are eligible for a refund.

How do you get your money back?

The Ontario government will mail the refund checks.

According to the government, people should expect to start receiving their checks by the end of March and throughout April.

To recover your refunded money, drivers must update their addresses and pay any outstanding fines, fees, or charges before March 7.

The government said if you do not do so before March 7, your refund check may not arrive until summer or fall.

The police reminded residents that the Ontario service does not send refunds via text messages. Authorities said any text message offering you a refund is a scam.

How much is the amount?

The government stated that the amount you will be refunded depends on the last time you renewed and the amount you paid.

License plate stickers in Northern Ontario were previously $60 for one year, while they were $120 in Southern Ontario.

Heavy vehicles and snowmobiles are not eligible for refunds.

Ontario residents can only refund the sticker value for snowmobiles if the sticker has never been used.

These refunds will be issued by check within four to six weeks.

To recover these funds, you must go to a ServiceOntario center with your snowmobile registration and the original vehicle permit (the green permit).

Removing these fees in Ontario is expected to cost the government more than one billion dollars annually.