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Optional vs. mandatory: Getting vehicle fees and charges right

October 28, 2026
Selling

When advertising a vehicle, the price should reflect the products, services, and fees that a consumer is required to pay to make the purchase. All mandatory costs that a dealer intends to charge for a vehicle must be included in the all-in advertised price.  

Know the difference between optional and mandatory

An optional product, service or feature is something a consumer can reasonably choose to decline. When deciding whether something is optional, focus on what happens during the transaction. Ask: 

Can the consumer purchase the vehicle without it, and will the dealer sell the vehicle without it? 

If the answer is ‘no’, the item is mandatory and its cost should be included in the advertised all-in price. Simply labelling something as “optional” on a bill of sale does not make it optional if the consumer is required to purchase it. 

Optional  Mandatory 
Consumer can reasonably decline it  Required as part of purchasing the vehicle 
Dealer may sell the vehicle without it  Dealer will not sell the vehicle without it 
Consumer chooses whether to add the cost  Dealer chooses whether to add the cost 

Include mandatory fees in the advertised price

Mandatory charges can take many forms. Common examples include administration or documentation fees, the OMVIC transaction fee, safety certification fees, freight, PDI/PDE fees, fuel charges, and applicable government levies. 

The same principle applies to products and vehicle features. Rustproofing, anti-theft products, wheel and tire protection, key protection, wheel locks, appearance protection, warranties, accessories or upgrades should be included in the advertised price if the dealer requires the consumer to purchase them. 

If an accessory or product is already installed and the dealer will not sell the vehicle without charging the consumer for it, that cost is considered mandatory. 

Make sure “optional” really means optional

A consumer should be able to decline an optional product or service. 

For example, describing a protection package or warranty as optional while requiring the consumer to purchase it to complete the vehicle sale does not make it optional. Ask:  

Does the consumer have a choice to accept or decline a product, service, or fee?  

If the answer is ‘no’ that charge is considered mandatory. 

Advertise the price the consumer must pay

Before publishing an advertisement, review every product, feature service, and fee. If the consumer cannot buy the vehicle without paying for it, include the cost in the all-in advertised price. 

Before You Publish: Advertising Checklist

Check your advertising, social posts, and website listings before publishing to confirm:

  • Every mandatory fee is included.
  • Required products and features are included.
  • Optional products can actually be declined.
  • HST and licensing are clearly disclosed if excluded.
  • The vehicle can be purchased for the advertised price.

Clear and accurate pricing helps consumers understand what they will pay and supports a fair marketplace for dealers and salespeople. For more information about all-in pricing requirements, see OMVIC’s advertising and disclosures guidelines.