ONTARIO · OFFICIAL SOURCES
A plain-language summary of key Ontario requirements for ordinary car, van and light-truck trailer towing. Every rule below links back to Ontario's Ministry of Transportation or Highway Traffic Act. This is informational, not legal advice.
G1 AND G2 TRAILER TOWING
Yes. Ontario's MTO towing handbook includes valid G1, G2 and G licences in the same general trailer-weight rule, while graduated-licensing conditions continue to apply.
Yes. The MTO towing handbook says a valid G1 licence can tow a trailer with gross vehicle weight up to 4,600 kg. The driver must still follow all G1 conditions, including the accompanying-driver requirement.
G1 towing detailsYes. The same MTO towing guidance includes G2 for trailers up to 4,600 kg gross vehicle weight. Any G2 conditions that apply to the driver remain in force.
G2 towing detailsIt is not the tow vehicle's capacity. The vehicle's manufacturer trailer rating, payload, GCWR and equipment ratings can all be lower and remain binding.
Check vehicle ratingsDOUBLE TOWING IN ONTARIO
This is a different question from whether the tow vehicle has enough capacity. Ontario also regulates how many trailers a non-commercial vehicle may tow.
The Ontario MTO towing handbook states that towing more than one trailer behind a non-commercial vehicle is against the law. That means an ordinary non-commercial setup cannot tow a travel trailer and then a boat trailer behind it.
Official MTO sourceEven if the tow vehicle has sufficient manufacturer-rated capacity, that does not override Ontario's road-law restriction on towing more than one trailer behind a non-commercial vehicle.
Check vehicle ratingsThis page addresses ordinary non-commercial towing. Commercial combinations and special permits can be governed by different requirements, so confirm the current rules that apply to the exact vehicle and use.
Review Ontario guidanceBEFORE YOU TOW
The MTO handbook applies these requirements before the towing-capacity calculation even becomes relevant.
The MTO handbook says a valid G1, G2, G or higher licence can tow a trailer with gross vehicle weight up to 4,600 kg. Higher weights or oversize combinations can require a higher licence class or permit.
Ontario towing licence guideA trailer is a separate vehicle in Ontario. It must be registered before use on a public road, display its trailer plate and have the vehicle permit or a copy available.
Official MTO sourceThe handbook requires two separate ways of attaching the trailer so it remains connected if one fails. When safety chains are used, cross them under the tongue and use hooks that cannot accidentally detach.
Official MTO sourceROAD EQUIPMENT
These are legal road-equipment requirements; they do not increase the manufacturer's towing rating.
Ontario's Highway Traffic Act requires brakes adequate to stop and hold every trailer or semi-trailer with a gross weight of 1,360 kg or more.
Read brake detailsThe MTO handbook lists a white licence-plate light, red tail light and two rear red reflectors. Trailers wider than 2.05 m also need front yellow clearance lights and rear red clearance lights or reflectors.
Official MTO sourceThe trailer must be in safe operating condition and have guards, fenders, flaps or a design that prevents spray or splash toward traffic behind it.
Official MTO sourceIf the trailer or its load blocks your view to the rear, additional mirrors must provide a clear view of the road behind.
Official MTO sourceThe MTO handbook says no person may be carried in a trailer—including a house or boat trailer—while it is being towed.
Official MTO sourceThe MTO handbook states that towing more than one trailer behind a non-commercial vehicle is against the law.
Official MTO sourceHITCHING
The MTO handbook says hitch class depends on gross trailer weight and the hitch must be securely attached following the manufacturer's recommendations.
TowGauge hitch guideThe handbook says the hitch ball should be installed so the attached trailer is level rather than tilted.
Official MTO sourceAfter the legal equipment requirements, verify the tow vehicle, trailer, receiver, ball mount, ball and actual load against their applicable ratings.
Open TowGaugeSOURCE TRANSPARENCY
Plain-language guidance for licence, registration, attachment, brakes, lights, mirrors, passengers and trailer condition.
Section 64(5) contains the statutory 1,360 kg trailer-brake requirement.
Separately verify vehicle, trailer, hitch and component limits for the actual combination.
TOWGAUGE
Ontario road requirements are one layer. Build a configuration-specific TowGauge report for the vehicle and trailer.