Mobile Business Licensing

The Licensing division makes sure that vehicles, owners and drivers meet strict qualifications under the City’s Mobile Licensing By-Law before a licence is issued. These include health and safety inspections, criminal/MTO checks and insurance.

Issuing a mobile licence

The City of Brampton issues or renews licenses for approximately 1,000 vehicles each year including taxis, limousines, tow trucks, driving schools, refreshment vehicles, etc.

Mobile licenses are issued by an Enforcement Clerk at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division following inspection of the vehicle by a licence inspector to ensure compliance with the applicable schedule within the Mobile Licensing By-law 67-2014.

Mobile businesses that require a licence

The following mobile businesses currently require a licence in order to operate in the City of Brampton. Select a topic below to learn about the mobile licensing and inspection requirements, process and how to book and arrange an inspection by a licensing enforcement officer.

Limousine Tow Trucks Driving School Vehicles Taxi Personal Transportation Companies Refreshment Vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria do you use in determining whether or not a taxi will pass an inspection?
The Licensing Inspectors examine over 50 items during each taxi inspection. To pass the inspection, strict standards must be met relating to:
- Safety for the rider, e.g., operational seatbelts, mechanical safety certification, operational doors (handles and locks), etc.
- Consumer protection, e.g., meters fully operational, legal tariff card, displaying rates, etc.
- Comfort for rider, e.g., clean interior, etc.
What criteria do you use in determining whether or not a tow truck will pass an inspection?
Licensing Inspectors examine over 50 items during each tow truck inspection. To pass the inspection, strict standards must be met relating to:
- Safety for the riders, e.g., operational seat belts, operational door locks, secure bumpers, etc.
- Safety at an accident scene, e.g., flares, first aid kit, absorbent material for cleaning spills on roads, etc.
- Safety during towing and hoisting, e.g., flares, two large tow safety chains, one large wheel lift, flashing amber lights, etc.
- Comfort for rider, e.g., clean interior, proper armrests, etc.
- Ensuring the job can be performed properly, e.g., all necessary equipment is present, etc.
- If a tow truck does not pass inspection, the vehicle will not be licensed and therefore cannot operate in the City of Brampton.
I have a criminal record or driving infractions can I still be licensed as a driver?
The City of Brampton utilizes a threshold policy by law to determine the eligibility of all applicants. This policy deals with Applicants or Licensees who must submit a Criminal Record Search or Driver’s Abstract as part of their Licence Application.
When one these checks reveals a prior conviction for a serious offence, the Licence Issuer must conclude that it is not in the public interest for the person to be licensed and refuse or suspend the licence. Certain circumstances may result in the applicant being issued a conditional license.
My licence application was denied what can I do?
The recommendation of the Licence Issuer may be appealed to the Brampton Appeal Tribunal by filing written notice and reason in support to the City Clerk, (by 15 days after receipt of notice), accompanied by the appeal fee.
Should you choose to appeal this decision, a hearing will be scheduled before the Brampton Appeal Tribunal, which is composed of five citizen members. You will receive notice of the hearing by registered mail. At the hearing, you have the right to representation, or you may represent yourself if you choose. The issue before the Tribunal is whether the rules set out in the Licensing Threshold Policy have been applied correctly. The hearing will be public.
If no written request for an appeal hearing has been received, the decision of the Licence Issuer shall be final and binding.
Your written request to appeal must be submitted to:
City Clerk
City of Brampton
2 Wellington St.
Brampton, ON
L6Y 4R2
*Appeal Does Not Suspend Decision*
The filing of an appeal does not suspend the Licence Issuer’s decision.
Is there a list of licensed Driving Schools in Brampton?
The list of currently licensed Driving Schools can be found here.