Police caution drivers to have proper, visible licence plates displayed

August 14, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding motorists of the requirement to have two clearly visible licence plates affixed to their vehicles.


The Thunder Bay Police Service utilizes Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, which alerts officers with notifications for vehicles being sought as part of an investigation, or for vehicles with a registered owner subject to a driving prohibition or driver's licence suspension.


Having licence plates with obstructed visibility, or not being properly displayed, interferes with both the effectiveness of this technology as well as the ability for officers to visually identify a vehicle of interest.


Under the Highway Traffic Act, a licence plate that is not plainly visible is a chargeable offence and carries a fine of up to $110. This includes having a licence plate where the view is blocked by equipment like a spare tire or bumper bar, a tinted cover, covered in dirt, or has missing or faded characters.


As well, most vehicles are required to display both front and rear licence plates. Failure to do is also a Highway Traffic Act infraction, with a set fine of $85.


Displaying an incorrect licence plate is also subject to a fine under the Highway Traffic Act.

Thunder Bay Police Service Gala Tickets set to go on sale

December 16, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is pleased to announce the launch of ticket sales for its Inaugural Gala. The Gala is taking place at the Italian Cultural Centre on February 28, 2026. “This special event honours heroes and empowers community by raising funds for two remarkable charities,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “The members of the Thunder Bay Police Service deserve to be celebrated. This community deserves to be celebrated. And these two vital organizations deserve our collective support.” The charity event will bring together community members in support of two valued local organizations: Special Olympics Thunder Bay and the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) Thunder Bay, while recognizing the dedication and work our officers perform in the community. Special Olympics Thunder Bay empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities through inclusive sport programming. BGC fosters a sense of belonging and growth for youth aged 4–18 through enriching activities and community engagement. Tickets for the event can be found by clicking here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/thunder-bay-police-services-gala-2026-tickets-1864559741379?aff=oddtdtcreator The event is still accepting sponsors and more information can be found by clicking here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/about-us/2026-tbps-gala

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Passing of former Chief J.P. Levesque

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The Thunder Bay Police Service joins our community in mourning the passing of former Chief J.P. Levesque. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and respected him. Chief Levesque dedicated more than three decades to policing in Thunder Bay, beginning his career with the TBPS and later stepping into the role of Chief in 2011. He served with integrity and a strong commitment to the people of this community. His retirement in 2018 marked the conclusion of a remarkable 31-year career. Throughout his service, Chief Levesque was known for his leadership, professionalism, and steady presence. His contributions to community safety will continue to be remembered.