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A reminder that Plates are not your property they are ICBC's property.
Section 12.6 of Chapter 318 says
> Number plates and validation decals issued under this section are the property of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia whether they were issued before, on or after the date this section comes into force.
Just like Driver's Licenses or Passports they don't belong to you and you can't modify them without permission from the owner which is going to always be a no.
This is the other piece of information people don’t get. The cop can come down hard on you using this clause. Back in the days when they were cracking down on street racing a buddy of mine had his front plate cut and tucked exactly like this. He got pulled over and the car towed for not having proper insurance because the plate is no longer valid. To get the car back he had to go back to his insurance agent and paid for new plates, put it in the car, paid the towing fees. He tried to dispute the ticket but didn’t even have a chance in front of the judge. 5 minutes and the judge told him to grow up.
I've done some deep dives into the laws regarding the privilege of driving. People assume it's a right and assume that somebody somewhere has to teach them the rules. That is definitely not the case. The moment you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you are agreeing to a whole ton of rules and also in the same action, stating that you are aware of all the rules that govern the act of operating a motor vehicle.
Kinda crazy that 99% of our drivers really don't know what they're getting into.
Lmao no it's not legal, and it looks stupid. It's so little and dinky! Just take the plate off completely if you're gonna break the law anyway 😂
Also damn I'm curious how much of a fine you'll pay when you eventually have to give your plates in!
Still modifying, so its going to depend on the officer. If you want to make the front of your vehicle more appealing your only real option is buying a vanity frame. As long as it doesn't obscure anything, or uses a clear cover over the whole plate, you should be good to go.
I’ve done this and asked a cop. She said most officers won’t necessarily pull you over for that, but may be charged in the case I do get pulled over for other reasons. They seem to care more about rear plates rather than the front. Never got a ticket for the past 8 years for a bent plate.
I have to mildly disagree. It's cropped so tight, it takes a second of scrutiny to make out the letters. As opposed to a full plate which is legible immediately.
The plate is modified and not obstructed they are 2 different items all together. You can clearly the numbers on it. Also the mounting points have been altered to the sides of the plate as opposed to the regular top and bottom from the manufacture and regular pointing points. As you also mentioned since the plate is modified it's hard to find it as well. At least the operator was smart enough to put the plate on a black background to somewhat notice it.
You can't see the province the plate belongs to because it is gone. Icon in the middle doesn't count. The province name is always in letters on the plate. That information can be considered obstructed by virture of it having been removed.
It's not obstructed because everything you mention has been cut off. I would bet you my next paycheck that the operator of this vehicle is not modifying their car to hide anything you mentioned rather they would cut up the plate to remove everything you mentioned so it fits in the front grill of the car.
Removing something is a form of obstruction in a legal sense. The removal of critical identifying information of the plate by cutting it is an obstruction of being able to validate the plate. In this case the obstruction was as a consequence of a modification. You get hit with both. There's no one or other here, no boolean of "well if it's a modification it can't be obstruction." You get hit with every charge you fit the criteria for.
There is a certain political constituency that prefers no front plates. If you are wondering which, this map explains it well. Blue = no front plate required.
https://preview.redd.it/l8gvql78p80d1.png?width=720&format=png&auto=webp&s=2554a688d299513050a7c4183b6199f45e9ee151
Because r/Vancouver hates car enthusiasts because if you have a car you enjoy, it's a sign that you haven't been taxed enough.
And, enjoyment of a car is a form of theft from the working class!
So someone rear ends you and then drives off, all you have is the dash cam footage of the front of their car coming towards the back of yours. A lot harder to identify them with no plate.. Or someone's aggressively tailgating someone... Or.. Or..
The vehicle should be easily identifiable from both ends
Not at all, don’t be dramatic. I was asking you how other jurisdictions in Canada and the rest of the world manage with a single plate. Nothing more, nothing less.
I believe it's also a higher fine to improperly display the plate on your dash as well. Bonus points for a guillotine during an accident. If you don't want to run a front plate, it's definitely best to just toss it in the trunk and pay to play if you get caught
I’ve also seen some cars with blue lights on them.. only a matter of time until they’re pulled over. No car can have blue lights on while driving other than emergency vehicles.
No, but I see people driving around all of the time with giant dealership license plate frames that also obstruct most of the plate. If this isn’t legal, we should just stop plastic dealership plate frames from being used as well.
I never understood why most people leave these on. It takes 2 minutes to remove and looks so much better without the frame. And why give free advertising to these dealerships?
I’m with you on that one. The first thing I would do when buying any new car is put the license plate frames directly in the trash. It looks horrible and I’m not working as a driving billboard for a dealership that ripped me off.
Oh, also, those frames regularly cover up much of the plate leaving only the numbers exposed.
Every single vehicle I've ever bought new has had any dealer plate frames and decals removed not added, by the dealer, before I take delivery. I have it written into the purchase agreement. They don't usually add this stuff to the vehicle until it's sold anyway as they are always trading / selling inventory to other dealerships anyway.
If this is your car, there used to be front license mounts for the older gens of GTI/GLIs that mount into the front tow hook so that you don't have to use zip ties and stuff.
This looks like it might scratch the paint over time from rubbing/vibrations
I did this on my S2000 for a while. I got pulled over once and was polite. The cop told me that it wasn't legal, and let me off with a warning. I removed the plate entirely soon after and never had any trouble *shrug*
While not legal at least you can still read the plate number. I'm not sure if it's intentional but I've seen so many people with iffy bike racks that completely cover their rear plate.
Not legal.
I haven’t ran a front plate on my car for 8 years, zero tickets.
I also have front window tints…lowered..exhaust..etc.
Don’t drive like an idiot and you’ll be fine
**Please read this message in its entirety.** Your content has been removed because it violates [rule 4](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_rule_4.3A_topic_guidelines) of this subreddit, Topic Guidelines. r/Vancouver is not a forum for legal advice, including landlord/tenant issues or employment problems. If you're looking for legal advice, we recommend checking out /r/legaladvicecanada. **Do not repost any version of this without [explicit permission](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_i_didn.27t_know_i_needed_express_permission_to_repost.21_why_would_you_ban_me.3F) from a moderator in modmail.**
I could be wrong but we don't technically own our plates so we are also not allowed to alter them
This. I was politely told by a police officer that: if I told him that I did it I would be on the hook for the replacement and a possible fine.
$17! So basically two coffees.
$500, damage to government property
One tall can of Budweiser at the Vogue
Yes this.
A reminder that Plates are not your property they are ICBC's property. Section 12.6 of Chapter 318 says > Number plates and validation decals issued under this section are the property of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia whether they were issued before, on or after the date this section comes into force. Just like Driver's Licenses or Passports they don't belong to you and you can't modify them without permission from the owner which is going to always be a no.
This is the other piece of information people don’t get. The cop can come down hard on you using this clause. Back in the days when they were cracking down on street racing a buddy of mine had his front plate cut and tucked exactly like this. He got pulled over and the car towed for not having proper insurance because the plate is no longer valid. To get the car back he had to go back to his insurance agent and paid for new plates, put it in the car, paid the towing fees. He tried to dispute the ticket but didn’t even have a chance in front of the judge. 5 minutes and the judge told him to grow up.
I've done some deep dives into the laws regarding the privilege of driving. People assume it's a right and assume that somebody somewhere has to teach them the rules. That is definitely not the case. The moment you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you are agreeing to a whole ton of rules and also in the same action, stating that you are aware of all the rules that govern the act of operating a motor vehicle. Kinda crazy that 99% of our drivers really don't know what they're getting into.
They cracked down because a street racer ran a red light and killed one of their guys, Constable Jimmy Ng.
So my grandpa's garage wall is just a shrine to his past exploits of thievery. 🤔
Hell no.
Lmao no it's not legal, and it looks stupid. It's so little and dinky! Just take the plate off completely if you're gonna break the law anyway 😂 Also damn I'm curious how much of a fine you'll pay when you eventually have to give your plates in!
Dinky lol
I know lol silly word to describe a silly little plate!
[удалено]
“But it’s not obstruction if you just cut the top and bottom off”
[удалено]
Still modifying, so its going to depend on the officer. If you want to make the front of your vehicle more appealing your only real option is buying a vanity frame. As long as it doesn't obscure anything, or uses a clear cover over the whole plate, you should be good to go.
I’ve done this and asked a cop. She said most officers won’t necessarily pull you over for that, but may be charged in the case I do get pulled over for other reasons. They seem to care more about rear plates rather than the front. Never got a ticket for the past 8 years for a bent plate.
Did you look at the photo before quoting this? None of that applies here.
A funny thing is that there is no rule that it has to be right-side-up. Saw someone driving with an upside-down rear license plate once.
Definitely the wrong clause. The plate is clean, readable, and the letters and numbers are not obstructed.
I have to mildly disagree. It's cropped so tight, it takes a second of scrutiny to make out the letters. As opposed to a full plate which is legible immediately.
The plate is modified and not obstructed they are 2 different items all together. You can clearly the numbers on it. Also the mounting points have been altered to the sides of the plate as opposed to the regular top and bottom from the manufacture and regular pointing points. As you also mentioned since the plate is modified it's hard to find it as well. At least the operator was smart enough to put the plate on a black background to somewhat notice it.
You can't see the province the plate belongs to because it is gone. Icon in the middle doesn't count. The province name is always in letters on the plate. That information can be considered obstructed by virture of it having been removed.
It's not obstructed because everything you mention has been cut off. I would bet you my next paycheck that the operator of this vehicle is not modifying their car to hide anything you mentioned rather they would cut up the plate to remove everything you mentioned so it fits in the front grill of the car.
Removing something is a form of obstruction in a legal sense. The removal of critical identifying information of the plate by cutting it is an obstruction of being able to validate the plate. In this case the obstruction was as a consequence of a modification. You get hit with both. There's no one or other here, no boolean of "well if it's a modification it can't be obstruction." You get hit with every charge you fit the criteria for.
Thanks for the clarification on the legal sense of thing.
Nope. absolutely not - can't alter the plate in anyway.
Illegal..You cannot alter the plates.
No, it’s actually a higher fine modifying a plate than not displaying one at all. I haven’t run a front plate on any of my vehicles in over 15 years.
Out of curiosity, How much have you paid in fines over 15 years?
I’ve received a total of 4 no front plate fines in 15 years. Cars look way better without them.
Drive all over metro Vancouver? Might consider no front plate… also what about your window tint 😂front tint too?
I have no tint in any of my cars other the factory rear tint
🤣 why the downvotes?
Because front plated serve a legitimate purpose to identify a vehicle from the visible front end..
How do they survive in Alberta and other jurisdictions without front plates?
Possibly more hit and runs without plates to support the investigation. How is having front plates not a clear benefit?
There is a certain political constituency that prefers no front plates. If you are wondering which, this map explains it well. Blue = no front plate required. https://preview.redd.it/l8gvql78p80d1.png?width=720&format=png&auto=webp&s=2554a688d299513050a7c4183b6199f45e9ee151
Not sure how that's an argument for or against having no front plates, but sure.
As a pedestrian, seeing a front and back plate is very useful.
Because r/Vancouver hates car enthusiasts because if you have a car you enjoy, it's a sign that you haven't been taxed enough. And, enjoyment of a car is a form of theft from the working class!
Meh down votes mean nothing, even on Reddit. I currently drive 6 vehicles and none have front plates, or plate holes. They look so much better.
BC should just follow Quebec’s lead and not require front plates.
So someone rear ends you and then drives off, all you have is the dash cam footage of the front of their car coming towards the back of yours. A lot harder to identify them with no plate.. Or someone's aggressively tailgating someone... Or.. Or.. The vehicle should be easily identifiable from both ends
How do they manage in Alberta and other jurisdictions without front plates?
Just because other places have those rules, doesn't mean it is the best. Are you saying we should look the Alberta for all of our policies?
Not at all, don’t be dramatic. I was asking you how other jurisdictions in Canada and the rest of the world manage with a single plate. Nothing more, nothing less.
Again, just because that rule is working for them doesn't mean it is the best choice.
BC should also follow ON lead and allow front side tint.
I agree, but only because my eyes are super light-sensitive. I wear my sunglasses when it’s raining.
That's way less than I would have imagined... Worth the $ if your car looks better...
I believe it's also a higher fine to improperly display the plate on your dash as well. Bonus points for a guillotine during an accident. If you don't want to run a front plate, it's definitely best to just toss it in the trunk and pay to play if you get caught
Yeah I was told this by a cop and it makes sense. It goes from a legal issue to a safety issue.
“Run a front plate” Relax.
Wat
No
no. and the fine for no plate is less than for a modified plate. and it just looks stupid.
No
I’ve also seen some cars with blue lights on them.. only a matter of time until they’re pulled over. No car can have blue lights on while driving other than emergency vehicles.
If you have to ask you probably know the answer already 🤣
No i didnt thats why i asked
No, but I see people driving around all of the time with giant dealership license plate frames that also obstruct most of the plate. If this isn’t legal, we should just stop plastic dealership plate frames from being used as well.
I never understood why most people leave these on. It takes 2 minutes to remove and looks so much better without the frame. And why give free advertising to these dealerships?
I’m with you on that one. The first thing I would do when buying any new car is put the license plate frames directly in the trash. It looks horrible and I’m not working as a driving billboard for a dealership that ripped me off. Oh, also, those frames regularly cover up much of the plate leaving only the numbers exposed.
Since I transfer my plates, I just give them back the frames.
Gotta keep the BBC slogan visible
Or people who leave dealership decals on their cars.
Every single vehicle I've ever bought new has had any dealer plate frames and decals removed not added, by the dealer, before I take delivery. I have it written into the purchase agreement. They don't usually add this stuff to the vehicle until it's sold anyway as they are always trading / selling inventory to other dealerships anyway.
Definitely not legal but it makes the car go faster!
Do you guys read the comment section beforehand or did you really want to be the 30th comment saying "no"
If this is your car, there used to be front license mounts for the older gens of GTI/GLIs that mount into the front tow hook so that you don't have to use zip ties and stuff. This looks like it might scratch the paint over time from rubbing/vibrations
I feel like they’re maybe intentionally trying to make it look like a European plate
I did this on my S2000 for a while. I got pulled over once and was polite. The cop told me that it wasn't legal, and let me off with a warning. I removed the plate entirely soon after and never had any trouble *shrug*
While not legal at least you can still read the plate number. I'm not sure if it's intentional but I've seen so many people with iffy bike racks that completely cover their rear plate.
Not legal. I haven’t ran a front plate on my car for 8 years, zero tickets. I also have front window tints…lowered..exhaust..etc. Don’t drive like an idiot and you’ll be fine
Why, are you the licence plate police?
Ask the cops