New Brunswick's License Plate Cover Laws

In the Canadian province of New Brunswick, tinted license plate covers are illegal. This has been confirmed by the RCMP, who claim that it is a finable offence. While some people in online forums claim that the police in New Brunswick are relaxed and unlikely to enforce this, others have reported being pulled over for this reason. Since July 15, 2019, only rear plates have been required on all vehicles in New Brunswick.

Are tinted license plate covers illegal in New Brunswick?

In the Canadian province of New Brunswick, tinted license plate covers are illegal. A Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer confirmed that having tinted license plate covers is a finable offense.

New Brunswick residents have been required to register their motor vehicles since 1905. Until 1911, registrants provided their own license plates for display, after which the province began to issue plates. Today, plates are issued by the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety through its Motor Vehicle Branch.

Since July 15, 2019, only rear plates have been required on all vehicles in New Brunswick, including passenger and light commercial vehicles. This change was implemented under the Motor Vehicle Act, with the exception of vehicles with a gross mass of 4,500 kg or more, which still require a front license plate.

While some people in New Brunswick believe that tinted license plate covers are illegal, others argue that as long as the plate numbers are visible, there should be no issue. However, it's important to note that the presence of any cover, even a clear one, could be considered illegal.

The fine for having a tinted license plate cover in New Brunswick is unclear, and enforcement may vary depending on the region and the discretion of the police officer. In some cases, a warning may be given, while in other instances, a fine may be imposed.

Are clear license plate covers illegal in New Brunswick?

In the Canadian province of New Brunswick, residents have been required to register their vehicles since 1905. Since 1911, the province has issued plates to motorists. As of 2024, the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety's Motor Vehicle Branch is responsible for issuing plates.

While there is no definitive answer to whether clear license plate covers are illegal in New Brunswick, some online sources suggest that they may be. One source states that even clear license plate covers are illegal in the province, while another mentions that tinted license plate covers are illegal and finable.

However, other sources indicate that the legality of license plate covers may be unclear among law enforcement in New Brunswick. One individual shares their experience of being pulled over by the RCMP due to a license plate cover, but only being asked to remove it without further consequences. Another person comments that they have seen cars with plate covers that they assume would be illegal and yet the owners have not been stopped by the police.

It is worth noting that the use of front license plates is no longer required in New Brunswick as of 2019, with the exception of vehicles with a gross mass of 4,500 kg or more. This change was made under the Motor Vehicle Act, and motorists now have the option to either continue displaying their front plate or remove it.

What is the penalty for having a license plate cover in New Brunswick?

In New Brunswick, tinted license plate covers are illegal and are considered a finable offence. However, there is no specific information on the penalty for having a license plate cover in New Brunswick.

In general, the penalty for license plate violations can vary depending on the state and the nature of the violation. In some states, a license plate violation is considered a "fix-it" ticket, meaning that the driver will not be charged a fee if they fix the issue promptly. In other states, a license plate violation may result in a fine, typically ranging from $100 to $200. Repeat offenses can lead to more severe consequences, such as increased fines or suspension of driving privileges.

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding license plates can vary by state, county, and city. Therefore, it is essential to be informed of the specific regulations in New Brunswick or the relevant local area. Consulting with a local traffic violation attorney or contacting the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can provide more specific information on the penalties for license plate violations in New Brunswick.

Why are license plate covers illegal in New Brunswick?

In the Canadian province of New Brunswick, tinted license plate covers are illegal. This has been confirmed by the RCMP, who have fined individuals for this offence. Even clear license plate covers are illegal in the province.

The illegality of license plate covers in New Brunswick is a cause for concern among law enforcement. The New Brunswick Chiefs of Police Association has stated that license plates are a valuable tool for police officers, aiding them in cases of amber alerts, stolen vehicles, and national security emergencies. For example, in the past, front license plates have helped solve many hit-and-run crashes. Additionally, license plates are useful in cases where drivers illegally pass school buses when their red lights are flashing. Without front license plates, bus drivers will have a harder time getting a description of the vehicle and the driver.

Despite these concerns, the New Brunswick government eliminated the requirement for front license plates on passenger and light commercial vehicles in 2019. This decision was made following consultations with law enforcement and in alignment with other provinces, who have also eliminated the need for front license plates. The government has stated that the change will not affect the effectiveness of law enforcement and will not result in any cost savings for motorists.

When did New Brunswick stop requiring front license plates?

New Brunswick stopped requiring front license plates on passenger and light commercial vehicles on July 15, 2019. The change was made under the Motor Vehicle Act, which removed the requirement to display two plates on vehicles weighing less than 4,500 kilograms.

The decision to eliminate front license plates was made by the New Brunswick government, following the lead of other provinces. The government called it a cost-saving measure, although there were no plans to reduce the cost of licensing a vehicle. The $50 fee for two plates would remain the same for one.

The change faced criticism from law enforcement officers and bus drivers, who argued that front license plates were a valuable tool for identifying lawbreakers and reporting drivers who failed to stop for school buses. Wayne Gallant, president of the New Brunswick Chiefs of Police Association, said that the decision to drop the front license plate would diminish public safety and make the job of police officers more difficult.

Despite the concerns raised, the government maintained that public safety risks were outweighed by the desire of New Brunswickers to remove the requirement for front license plates.

Frequently asked questions