MTO Annual Safety Inspections in Hamilton: Get Your Yellow Sticker
Expert Commercial Inspections for Vehicles Up to 20,000lbs
Keeping your fleet compliant shouldn't be a headache. At Trinity Automotive, we specialize in the "in-between" sized vehicles that many shops turn away. Whether you operate a single dual-wheel pickup or a fleet of cube vans, we provide the mandatory Ontario Annual Safety Inspections (Yellow Stickers) to keep you legal and safe on the road.
Does Your Vehicle Require an Annual Safety Inspection?
In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) requires most commercial vehicles to undergo an annual safety inspection. You likely need a "Yellow Sticker" if:
- Weight Threshold: Your truck’s Gross Weight (or Registered Gross Weight) is more than 4,500 kg (approx. 9,920 lbs).
- Combined Weight: The total weight of your truck and trailer combined exceeds 4,500 kg.
- Tow Trucks: All tow trucks require an annual inspection, regardless of weight.
- Exemptions Note: Most personal-use pickups (under 6,500 kg GVWR with an unmodified box) are exempt, but if you use it for commercial work or carry tools/equipment, you likely need an inspection.
The Perfect Fit for Medium-Duty Fleets
Many heavy-duty truck shops are designed for 80,000lb tractor-trailers, leading to long wait times for smaller commercial vehicles. Conversely, many light-duty shops don't have the specialized equipment to lift a fully loaded work truck.
Trinity Automotive fills that gap. We have the facility and expertise to perform safety inspections on vehicles up to 20,000lbs, including:
- Dual-Wheel Pickups (Ram 3500, Ford F-350/450, etc.)
- Cube Vans & Delivery Trucks
- Box Trucks & Cabover Vehicles (Hino, Isuzu, etc.)
- Small Dump Trucks & Landscaping Trucks
- Bucket Trucks & Service Bodies
Why Choose Trinity Automotive for Your Fleet?
- Local Hamilton Convenience: Located at 789 Woodward Ave, we are easy to access for local businesses.
- DriveON Licensed: We are a certified inspection station following the latest Ontario safety standards.
- Fast Turnaround: We understand that when your truck is in the shop, it isn’t making you money. We prioritize efficient, thorough inspections to get you back to work.
- Maintenance Beyond the Sticker: If we find an issue, we can fix it right here, from brakes and suspension to engine diagnostics.
Book Your Fleet Inspection Today
Don't wait for a roadside inspection to find out your sticker is expired. Ensure your drivers stay safe and your business stays compliant.
Call Trinity Automotive at (905) 547-2874 or visit us at 789 Woodward Ave to schedule your Annual Safety Inspections.
Annual Safety Inspection: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often do I need a commercial safety inspection?
In Ontario, these inspections are required every 12 months. The "Yellow Sticker" is valid for one year from the month of the inspection. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the vehicle is re-inspected before the current sticker expires.
2. My truck is for personal use, but it’s heavy. Do I still need a sticker?
Generally, if your pickup truck has a GVWR of 6,500 kg or less and is used strictly for personal use (not carrying commercial tools or towing for work), you may be exempt. However, if that same truck is registered to a business or used for work, the 4,500 kg rule usually applies. If you're unsure, bring it by 789 Woodward Ave and we can check your door plate for you!
3. Does the trailer need its own inspection?
Yes. If the combined weight of your truck and trailer exceeds 4,500 kg, both the power unit (the truck) and the trailer must have their own valid inspection stickers.
4. What happens if I fail the inspection?
If a vehicle doesn't meet the MTO safety standards, we will provide you with a detailed report of the necessary repairs. At Trinity Automotive, we can perform those repairs on-site to get your vehicle up to code and back on the road as quickly as possible.
5. What do you check during the inspection?
The inspection is a comprehensive safety check mandated by the Ministry. It includes:
- Braking Systems: Pads, shoes, lines, and drums.
- Steering & Suspension: For wear and proper alignment.
- Lighting & Electrical: All signal, head, and brake lights.
- Tires & Wheels: Tread depth and structural integrity.
- Body & Frame: Checking for dangerous corrosion or structural damage.
- Coupling Devices: Ensuring hitches and fifth wheels are secure.