What Is a License Plate in New Brunswick?
A license plate in New Brunswick is an official alphanumeric identifier issued by Service New Brunswick for vehicles registered in the province. These plates serve as a unique visual identifier for each vehicle, allowing for easy recognition by law enforcement, parking authorities, and other relevant parties.
License plates in New Brunswick typically consist of a combination of letters and numbers, with specific formats designated for different types of vehicles. The standard passenger vehicle plate follows a format of three letters followed by three numbers (e.g., ABC 123).
Are License Plates Considered Public Records In New Brunswick?
Yes, license plates are considered public records in New Brunswick. Service New Brunswick maintains information about a vehicle's registration, including the license plate number, and it is publicly accessible, subject to certain restrictions.
However, the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act has provisions to protect individuals' privacy. Personal information like vehicle owners' names and addresses is not publicly disclosed. Law enforcement agencies can access more detailed information from license plate records when necessary for official purposes.
How Can I Obtain a License Plate In New Brunswick?
You must first register your vehicle with Service New Brunswick to obtain a license plate in New Brunswick. You will need to provide:
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Proof of vehicle ownership (e.g., bill of sale, transfer of ownership document)
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Proof of valid automobile insurance
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A passed vehicle inspection report (if applicable)
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Payment for registration fees
Once your registration is processed, you will be issued your registration sticker and license plate:
- One registration plate
- For a motorcycle, an antique vehicle, a trailer or a semi-trailer, and
- For a vehicle that has a gross mass of less than 4,500 kg.
- Two registration plates for a vehicle with a 4,500 kg or more gross mass.
How Much Does It Cost To Get a License Plate In New Brunswick?
The cost of obtaining a license plate In New Brunswick varies depending on the type of vehicle and the specific type of plate required. Standard passenger vehicle plates are typically included in the cost of vehicle registration. Additional fees for specialty plates, such as personalized or conservation plates, may apply.
- Standard Motor Vehicle Registration: Fees vary by vehicle weight and range from $61 to $189 for annual registration.
- Standard Plate: $50.00
- Personalized License Plate: $175.00.
- Conservation License Plate: $57.00.
- Special Plate Issued to a Dealer or Manufacturer: $70.00.
- Off-Road Vehicle Registration Plate $25.00
How Long Does It Take To Receive a License Plate In New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, the process of receiving a standard license plate is typically immediate. When registering a vehicle and purchasing insurance through Service New Brunswick, the license plate is usually issued on the spot, allowing for immediate use.
The process may take longer for specialty plates, such as personalized or conservation plates. Personalized plates, for instance, require an application and approval process that can take several weeks.
Is It Illegal To Drive Without a License Plate In New Brunswick?
Yes, driving without properly displaying a valid license plate on your vehicle in New Brunswick is illegal. Section 30(1) of the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act requires that "A registration plate issued under paragraph 29(1)(a) shall be attached to the vehicle in the rear and registration plates issued under paragraph 29(1)(b) shall be attached to the vehicle, one in the front and the other in the rear.."
The only exceptions are for dealers moving unlicensed vehicles between locations and for newly purchased vehicles being driven directly from the place of purchase to a Service New Brunswick office for registration, provided a temporary transit permit is obtained.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a License Plate In New Brunswick?
Driving without a license plate is a punishable offense under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act. If you are caught driving an unregistered vehicle or one without license plates properly attached, you may face:
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A fine
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Demerit points added to your driver's record
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Possible impoundment of your vehicle
Police officers routinely run license plates to check for valid registration, so displaying your plates correctly is essential. Unregistered vehicles also risk being denied insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
Can I Drive With a New Brunswick License Plate to Another Province?
Yes, you can drive with a New Brunswick license plate to another province in Canada. The registration and license plates issued in New Brunswick are recognized across Canada, allowing you to travel or move to other provinces using the same plates. However, if you relocate to another province, you typically have a specified period (often 30 to 90 days, depending on the province) to register your vehicle and switch to local plates according to that province's regulations.
Which Vehicles Are Required To Have License Plates In New Brunswick?
Most motorized vehicles driven on public roads in New Brunswick require license plates, including:
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Passenger cars and vans
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Trucks
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Buses
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Motorcycles
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Mopeds (unless explicitly exempted)
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Motorhomes and camping trailers
Trailers and towed equipment also need to be registered but often only require a rear license plate. Off-road vehicles like ATVs and snowmobiles must be registered, but special off-road vehicle plates must be used rather than regular passenger plates.
Does New Brunswick Require Front License Plates?
As of July 15, 2019, New Brunswick no longer requires front license plates for passenger and light commercial vehicles. However, certain types of vehicles, including tractors, trailers, buses, school buses, fire trucks, dump trucks, and bucket trucks, are still required to display a front plate.
What Information Can Police Officers Access From License Plates In New Brunswick?
When a police officer runs a license plate number through their database, they can access key details about that vehicle and its registered owner, including:
- Make, model, year, and color of the vehicle
- Status of the vehicle's registration and insurance
- Name and address of the registered owner(s)
- Driver's license numbers of the owner(s)
- Any driving convictions or suspensions linked to the owner(s)
This information helps officers identify registration and insurance violations, stolen vehicles, unlicensed drivers, and those with active warrants. Additional personal information about the vehicle owners is restricted and only accessible for official police investigations, not routine traffic stops.