How to Get CVOR Compliant — Ontario Truck Lettering Requirements

Every commercial motor vehicle operating in Ontario under a CVOR certificate must display specific identification on both sides. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) enforces these requirements at roadside inspections, and non-compliance can mean out-of-service orders, fines, and CVOR demerit points.

This guide explains exactly what lettering your trucks need, where to place it, and how to pass MTO inspection every time. All requirements reference the Highway Traffic Act and O. Reg. 424/97.

What Must Be Displayed on CVOR Vehicles

Under O. Reg. 424/97, every CVOR vehicle must display three pieces of information on both sides:

1. Legal Operating Name: The name exactly as it appears on your CVOR certificate. Not a trade name, not a DBA — the legal name.

2. CVOR Number: Your unique certificate number issued by MTO, in the format XX-XXX-XXX.

3. Unit Number: Your internal fleet identifier for each vehicle.

All three must be permanently affixed, clearly visible, and in contrasting colour to the vehicle body.

Size and Placement Requirements

Minimum Letter Height: 50mm (2 inches) for the legal name and CVOR number. Unit numbers have no specified minimum but should be clearly readable.

Placement: On both sides of the power unit (not the trailer). Must be visible from a reasonable distance during daylight.

Contrast: Must contrast with the vehicle colour. Black lettering on a white truck, or white on a dark vehicle. Avoid colours that blend with the body.

Material: Permanent vinyl lettering is industry standard. Magnetic signs are NOT acceptable — MTO considers them temporary and can cite you.

Condition: Lettering must be maintained in legible condition. Faded, peeling, or damaged lettering is grounds for non-compliance.

Cross-Border Requirements: USDOT Numbers

If your CVOR vehicles cross into the United States, you need USDOT number display in addition to Ontario CVOR requirements.

USDOT Numbers: Minimum 2 inches tall, contrasting colour, on both sides. Required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

MC Number: If you carry freight for hire across state lines, an MC (Motor Carrier) number is also required.

Placement: USDOT and MC numbers can be displayed alongside or below your CVOR information. Many carriers group all regulatory numbers together on the cab door.

Having both CVOR and USDOT ready on your trucks avoids delays at border crossings and during U.S. DOT inspections.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Display

Ontario requires vehicles over 3,000 kg registered gross weight to display their GVW rating on both sides of the vehicle.

Format: "GVW XXXX kg" or "PNBV XXXX kg" (French equivalent).

Height: Minimum 50mm (2 inches).

Location: On both sides, typically on the cab door or body side.

This requirement is separate from CVOR but typically applied at the same time. Getting all lettering done in one order saves installation time and ensures consistent appearance.

Common MTO Inspection Failures

These are the most frequent lettering-related failures we see from Ontario carriers:

Trade name instead of legal name: If your CVOR says "123456 Ontario Inc." but your truck says "Bob's Trucking," you fail.

Magnetic signs: MTO officers peel them off to check. Magnetic = temporary = non-compliant.

Faded lettering: Ontario winters destroy cheap vinyl. If letters are peeling or faded below readable contrast, it's a deficiency.

Missing unit number: Often overlooked on owner-operator single trucks, but still required.

Wrong CVOR number format: Must match your certificate exactly, including the dashes (XX-XXX-XXX).

Getting Your Fleet Lettered in Ontario

Professional CVOR lettering typically costs $150-400 per truck depending on information density, material quality, and quantity.

Standard Vinyl: 7-year outdoor durability, available in any colour. Most economical for fleets.

Reflective Vinyl: 3M Diamond Grade or Engineer Grade. Visible at night. Required by some carriers for safety policy.

Fleet Discounts: Multiple vehicles? Ask about fleet pricing. We letter trucks for carriers across the Golden Horseshoe, from Port Colborne to Mississauga.

Our CVOR lettering is manufactured in Port Colborne, Ontario using 3M vinyl with a 7-year guarantee. We can ship pre-cut lettering for self-application or arrange installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my trade name (DBA) instead of my legal corporate name on trucks?

No. O. Reg. 424/97 requires the name exactly as it appears on your CVOR certificate. If your CVOR says '1234567 Ontario Inc.,' that's what must appear on the truck.

Do trailers need CVOR lettering too?

No. CVOR identification is required on the power unit (truck/tractor) only. However, trailer serial numbers and licence plate registration must be current.

How quickly can I get CVOR lettering?

We typically produce CVOR lettering within 2-3 business days. Rush orders available for same-day or next-day. Shipped from Port Colborne, Ontario.

What happens if I fail an MTO inspection for lettering?

A deficiency is recorded against your CVOR. Repeated violations result in demerit points, facility audits, and potentially CVOR suspension. It's one of the easiest things to fix — don't risk your certificate over $200 in lettering.

Do pickup trucks need CVOR lettering?

If the pickup is registered to a CVOR holder and used for commercial purposes, yes. The vehicle class doesn't matter — the CVOR registration status does.

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