For the first time in more than a decade, Brampton has overhauled its ride-sharing bylaws, granting city enforcement officers new powers to ticket and suspend drivers directly for vehicle and licensing violations. The changes are part of a broader update to the city’s Mobile Licensing Bylaw, which hadn’t been revised since 2014.
Under the revised bylaw, all private transportation companies (PTCs) must now confirm that every affiliated driver has a valid driver’s licence and is operating a fit, roadworthy vehicle. The city said the goal is to enhance road safety and ensure greater accountability across the ride-share sector.
The new measures give Brampton bylaw officers authority to issue tickets on the spot for infractions like operating without a licence, using a vehicle that doesn’t meet city standards, or violating other licensing conditions. Non-compliant drivers will also be removed from ride-share platforms until the issues are resolved.
Vehicle standards include requirements that cars be no more than seven years old, have four doors, accommodate no more than seven passengers including the driver, and be clean and in good working order, both inside and out. Heating and air conditioning must function properly, and all seatbelts must be operational.
Additionally, vehicles must have a valid Ontario Ministry of Transportation Safety Standards Certificate and undergo re-certification if they accumulate more than 50,000 kilometres in a single year.
Ride-sharing companies are also required to issue identification cards for each driver, including the driver’s name and photo, vehicle details, and insurance information. They must conduct criminal background and driving record checks before onboarding any new driver and must repeat the checks annually.
The new bylaw changes extend beyond ride-sharing services, introducing adjustments to licensing rules for taxis, limousines, food trucks, and roadside vendors. City officials say these reforms are aimed at improving public safety and modernizing Brampton’s approach to mobile businesses.