The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) is launching an educational campaign to remind motorists of licence plate laws under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

The social media campaign will run for one week and focus on obstructed licence plates and how they impact both motorists and officers.

Under Section 13 of the HTA, licence plates must be plainly visible at all times, so that officers, toll systems, and/or red-light and automated speed cameras can read them.

In 2024, there were 404 Obstruct Plate charges laid in Waterloo Region. While receiving this charge can result in a $110 fine for motorists, it can also result in traffic stops and investigations being negatively impacted. 

“When your plate is unreadable, we are unable to obtain information on the driver and vehicle before conducting a traffic stop,” said Staff Sergeant Scott Griffiths of the WRPS Traffic Services Unit. “An obstructed plate also reduces the chances of officers identifying and locating your vehicle if it’s stolen.”

Obstructing materials include, but are not limited to:

• Dirt and debris, such as snow
• Any devices, such as tinted licence plate covers
• Any vehicle attachments or modifications, such as bumper bars and spare tires

Defective plates that are peeling or faded are also considered to be unreadable. They can be replaced at Service Ontario at no charge within the five-year coverage period.

Although devices such as tinted licence plate covers can be purchased at stores or dealerships, it does not mean they are legal to use on the road – it is ultimately the responsibility of motorists to know the laws of the HTA.

To follow the educational campaign, visit our social media platforms: 

• Instagram: @officialwrps
• Facebook: @waterlooregionalpolice
• X: @wrpstoday

Road safety is a shared responsibility. It’s your community, your choice.