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Peeling licence plates could lead to fines for motorists

March 3, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

It has been a problem in Ontario for several years.

You may notice your car or truck license plate has started peeling. The outer coat is peeling away and removing the colour that identifies the letters and numbers.

If this has started to happen, you should have the plates replaced to avoid being ticketed.

In Ontario, a licence plate must be unobstructed and easily read. Failure to have a plate that can be easily read could result in a fine.

Many Ontario plates have had an issue with peeling or bubbling laminate that distorts the numbers and letters. When this happens, you should replace those plates with brand-new ones.

To do this, you must visit a Service Ontario center.

When you request new plates, you must bring in both of your vehicle plates – even if only one has peeling or bubbling.

When you arrive at a Service Ontario centre, you will be required to produce identification, for example, your driver’s licence, proof of valid insurance from an insurance provider licenced in Ontario, and the original vehicle permit, including the plate and vehicle portions.

If you do not have the original vehicle permit, you can replace it at a Service Ontario centre at an additional charge.

The manufacturer guarantees Ontario licence plates for up to five years from the date of purchase.

Service Ontario will replace licence plates at no charge if deemed defective and returned to a Service Ontario centre within five years of the purchase date.

If your plates are over five years old, a $59 replacement fee will apply.

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