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.

September 23, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service and Thunder Bay Police Association invite members of the community to attend the Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service: Sunday, September 28, 2025 10:30 am Lakehead University Faculty Lounge Please join us in memory and in honour of all police and peace officers who have given their lives in service across Canada. Everyone is welcome. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made in line of duty by Thunder Bay Police Service Constable John Kusznier and the contributions and tragic loss of Constable Joe Prevett. We remember Constable Craig Town, who survived a serious gunshot injury sustained in the line of duty in 1991, and passed away in 2023. At the National Memorial Service in Ottawa, Constable Town will be honoured. Our service will include a livestream of the National Memorial Service in Ottawa so we may bear virtual witness as he is honoured. 10:30 am – Form Up 10:45 am – Local Service begins 11:00 am – Livestream of National Service begins Please note: Access parking from the Balmoral Street Entrance. Park in Lots G 14 and 13. Parking is free on Sunday. Follow signs to the Faculty Lounge.
September 23, 2025
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September 23, 2025
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