Is this legal ?!

[MichaelKael]

Hi everyone,
I'd like to know if this License plate frame is legal in Canada

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/license-plate-guard-smoke-0377498p.html#.VagtYKR_Oko

my question might sound dumb, but I only got here last year so I'm not really familiar with all the laws yet; they dont seem very legal to me, but I've seen quite a lot of these, and they're being sold at Canadian Tire, so I'm not really sure, so that's why I'm relying on your experience, and if maybe there would be a law enforcement officer, I'd appreciate some feedback

Thanks !

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[ThatCanadianGuy]

I see them on cars everywhere but this is what I could find:

"The number plates shall not be obstructed by any device that prevents the entire number plates including the numbers from being accurately photographed using a photo-radar system. 1993, c. 31, s. 2 (5)."

Highway traffic act S13 subsection 3 "Obstruction prohibited".

EDIT: Found an article of a guy who got 3 tickets because of his tinted plate cover. I guess you should probably avoid it if possible,

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toron...ed-3-times-for-licence-plate-covers-1.3064957

 

[MichaelKael]

I see them on cars everywhere but this is what I could find:

"The number plates shall not be obstructed by any device that prevents the entire number plates including the numbers from being accurately photographed using a photo-radar system. 1993, c. 31, s. 2 (5)."

Highway traffic act S13 subsection 3 "Obstruction prohibited".

EDIT: Found an article of a guy who got 3 tickets because of his tinted plate cover. I guess you should probably avoid it if possible,

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toron...ed-3-times-for-licence-plate-covers-1.3064957

Yeah, like I said they seem kinda illegal to me, cause they might obstruct the proper view of the license plate... I kinda like the dark look that would match my Magnetic, but I dont want to get tickets for a 10$ piece of plastic, and/or draw attention and get pulled over and get tickets for anything else... (Tint or whatever...)

Thanks ;)

 

[ThatCanadianGuy]

Yeah, like I said they seem kinda illegal to me, cause they might obstruct the proper view of the license plate... I kinda like the dark look that would match my Magnetic, but I dont want to get tickets for a 10$ piece of plastic, and/or draw attention and get pulled over and get tickets for anything else... (Tint or whatever...)

Thanks ;)

I like the dark look too. You gotta be careful though, it looks like they're ammending the HTA to include new vehicles only having a max 30% tint on driver & passenger window. Freakin failed my safety test on my 08 cause of my 25% tint :frusty:. My fault though, took it to CT cause I get a discount :headbonk:

 

[Waylap1]

Even the clear covers are illegal. Imagine you're an officer behind a car with one installed. At night, your own headlights reflect off it like a mirror, making it impossible to read and check for random stolen cars, expired sticker etc.
instant ticket.
I used to write them. Don't hide or F with your license plate....ever.

 

[thumper]

no.

and how do i know this? because:

:(

 

[MichaelKael]

Even the clear covers are illegal. Imagine you're an officer behind a car with one installed. At night, your own headlights reflect off it like a mirror, making it impossible to read and check for random stolen cars, expired sticker etc.
instant ticket.
I used to write them. Don't hide or F with your license plate....ever.

No, I figured, which is why I asked, it seemed kinda "too dark to be legal", but I just keep seeing them everywhere (more in Ontario than in Quebec should I say, cause I live on the border). Have no intention to F with my license plate, especially for "looks" and a 1$ piece of plastic :headbonk:

Thanks for the feedback

 

[MichaelKael]

no.

and how do i know this? because:

:(

Ouch, this has got to hurt... How much did you end up paying ? For a similar license plate cover ?

 

[MichaelKael]

I like the dark look too. You gotta be careful though, it looks like they're ammending the HTA to include new vehicles only having a max 30% tint on driver & passenger window. Freakin failed my safety test on my 08 cause of my 25% tint :frusty:. My fault though, took it to CT cause I get a discount :headbonk:

Yeah no worry, I wanted to go 35-30% max in the front... Ad probaly like 20 for the back and rear windshield
I dont want nor like the whole gangsta/limo style... As an Army veteran I'm usually very respectful to LEO, and dont want em to feel like they're in an awkward position, been there somehow, so I dont want to have em feel potentially in danger, again, just for looks ;)

 

[thumper]

Ouch, this has got to hurt... How much did you end up paying ? For a similar license plate cover ?

exact same brand of cover from crappy tire, but the clear version not tinted.

had them on three different cars over a ten year span, and was pulled over for other infractions during that timeframe, but the covers never caused a fuss. finally last month we go through a roadside check and the rcmp constable decided we were enemy #1:rant:

did not pay anything. took the covers off and showed up at the detachment within 7 days and someone at the front counter came out to confirm that they were off the car, warned us not to put them back on, and then canceled the ticket. otherwise i think it would have been $135 in fines.

 

[MichaelKael]

exact same brand of cover from crappy tire, but the clear version not tinted.

had them on three different cars over a ten year span, and have been pulled over for other infractions during that timeframe, but the covers never caused a fuss. finally last month we go through a roadside check and the rcmp constable decided we were enemy #1:rant:

did not pay anything. took the covers off and showed up at the detachment within 7 days and someone at the front counter came out to confirm that they were off the car, warned us not to put them back on, and then canceled the ticket. otherwise i think it would have been $135 in fines.

Wow, that would be a lot for what it's worth lol
So I assume you took em off all of your cars ?!

 

[Waylap1]

The tinted or clear covers reflect light and although not a violent felony offense...they tend to irritate officers trying to do their job, like running random license plates and checking for suspended drivers licenses, warrants, stolen cars...you know...police stuff. And when a stupid shiny cover makes your plate really hard to read then some officers like to nip it in the bud with a ticket.
Because....of course you will tell all your friends what a doosh the officer was etc... And hey, maybe they won't buy those stupid things either. The "custom auto accessory aisle" at Walmart, tire zone, Kmart etc is full of crap that is legal to sell but sure isn't legal to drive with on your car.

 

[thumper]

Wow, that would be a lot for what it's worth lol
So I assume you took em off all of your cars ?!

hell no.

 

[GThunder]

I've had tinted plate covers on my vehicles for the past 4 years and haven't had any trouble with the cops. I've been pulled over a few times with my tinted covers on, but the cops never mentioned anything about them!

 

[MichaelKael]

I've had tinted plate covers on my vehicles for the past 4 years and haven't had any trouble with the cops. I've been pulled over a few times with my tinted covers on, but the cops never mentioned anything about them!

Ok thanks ;)
Well, I mean, if being pulled over for that, you get a warning and a few days to go in and show em you took it off, it isn't so bad... But if you directly get a ticket, that a whole other story...

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