In October of 2023, uniform officers from the 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) office of the Niagara Regional Police Service began a six-month traffic campaign directed at obstructed and obscured licence plates.
Phase One of the campaign was directed towards educating the public regarding the importance of a clear and un – obstructed view of their licence plate. Licence plates are meant to be able to provide unique letters and numbers to be able to identify a specific vehicle. The ability to clearly see a licence plate can be of critical importance in the event of a collision, medical emergency, investigating crime, or ensuring accountability related to the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario.
S. 13(2) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) states:
“Every number plate shall be kept free from dirt and obstruction and shall be affixed so that the entire number plate, including the numbers, is plainly visible at all times, and the view of the number plate shall not be obscured or obstructed by spare tires, bumper bars, any part of the vehicle, any attachments to the vehicle or the load carried.”
In September of 2023, the Niagara Region launched the Automated Speed Enforcement program as part of the Vision Zero Road Safety Initiative for Niagara. Red light cameras identify motorists who fail to stop for a red traffic signal. They are being added to the Vision Zero Road Safety Initiative in January of 2024. Intentionally obstructing or obscuring the licence plate is a means to avoid the accountability of the Vision Zero Road Safety Initiative, and not increase the safety of Niagara’s roads. Speed and intersection related collision decrease road safety.
During Phase One, officers issued 34 warnings. 27 were for Obstruct Plate S. 13 (2) HTA. Seven others Provincial Offences were identified and resulted in warnings.
1 District officers have now entered Phase Two of the campaign, focusing on enforcement. Motorists found operating a vehicle with an obstructed or obscured licence plate are likely to be subject to enforcement of S. 13(2) of the Highway Traffic Act. Phase Two will continue until the end of March 2024.
The Niagara Regional Police Service remains committed to reducing collisions and improving road safety in Niagara.
