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Ontario Paint Services › CVOR Decal Replacement Ontario

CVOR Decal Replacement in Ontario — When and How to Update Your Markings

Five situations that require CVOR decal replacement on a commercial vehicle in Ontario, the O.Reg 424/97 requirements, and how to order pre-cut vinyl compliance kits that ship in 1–3 business days.

When Do CVOR Decals Need to Be Replaced?

These are the five most common triggers for CVOR decal replacement on an Ontario commercial vehicle:

Immediate

After a Cab Repaint

Any cab repaint removes all vinyl. O.Reg 424/97 requires compliance markings to be re-applied before the vehicle operates on an Ontario road. No grace period.

Immediate

Faded or Illegible Decals

Decals that cannot be clearly read from the roadside are non-compliant — even if the information is technically still there. MTO officers will cite illegible decals. Replace before inspection.

Required

New CVOR Number

If you've received a new CVOR number (new carrier registration, change of ownership), all vehicles in the fleet must be re-marked with the new number before operating under that CVOR.

Required

Company Name Change

If the registered MTO operator name has changed (merger, acquisition, rebranding), all vehicles must be updated to reflect the new registered name per O.Reg 424/97 s.6(2).

Required

Decal Damage or Loss

Collision damage, vandalism, or decals coming off due to age all require immediate replacement. A vehicle cannot operate without legible compliance markings.

CVOR Decal Kits — Ships 1–3 Business Days

Pre-cut premium vinyl kits with your exact CVOR number and company name. 76mm (3") standard height — compliant with O.Reg 424/97 s.6. Includes both sides of cab. Applies without an installer in under 30 minutes. Made and shipped from Niagara, Ontario.

O.Reg 424/97 · Ships Canada-wide · 5-year outdoor vinyl · Made in Ontario
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CVOR Decal Specifications — O.Reg 424/97

RequirementSpecificationSource
Minimum height76 mm (3 inches) — block lettersO.Reg 424/97 s.6(1)
ColourContrasting to cab exterior surface — white on dark cabs, black/dark on white/light cabsO.Reg 424/97 s.6
PlacementBoth sides of cab — typically on cab doors at a height clearly visible from the roadsideO.Reg 424/97 s.6(1)
ContentCVOR number, operator name, and municipalityO.Reg 424/97 s.6(1)–(3)
LegibilityMust be clearly readable from the roadside at typical inspection distancesO.Reg 424/97 s.6
MaterialNot specified — painted or vinyl are both acceptable as long as they are legible and durableO.Reg 424/97 s.6

Last Verified March 2026 · Source: ontario.ca/laws/regulation/970424

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do CVOR decals last on a commercial vehicle?
Premium outdoor vinyl rated for 5-7 years will typically last 3-5 years on a working commercial vehicle due to washing, road grime, and UV exposure. Decals applied to white or light-coloured cabs often last longer than those on dark cabs (heat absorption accelerates degradation on darker surfaces). Inspect your CVOR decals at each pre-trip inspection — replace when fading makes them difficult to read from arm's length.
Can I put new CVOR decals over old ones?
No — new decals should not be applied over old, faded, or damaged ones. The surface must be clean and adhesive-free. Remove old decals with a heat gun and adhesive remover, clean with isopropyl alcohol, then apply new decals to the clean surface. Layering decals creates an uneven surface and reduces adhesion of the new lettering.
Where exactly do CVOR decals go on a truck cab?
O.Reg 424/97 specifies "both sides of the cab" — the standard placement is on the driver's door and passenger's door exterior surface, at a height where they are clearly visible from the roadside. Typically centered on the lower or middle portion of the door. On cab-over trucks, the forward portion of the cab side panel is also common. Avoid placement on curved surfaces where decals may lift prematurely.

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Truck Lettering After Paint → Commercial Truck Painting → Ontario Paint Services → Order CVOR Kits →