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.

Update: Thunder Bay Police Service Toy Drive delivers 13 full vehicles of toys, books, games, and more to families displaced by forest fires

July 21, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) congratulate the community for supporting a toy drive for children and families displaced by wildfires across the region. Thanks to the generosity of residents, families, local businesses and TBPS members, the Service has now delivered 13 fully packed vehicles of toys, books, games and comfort items to evacuees. These donations will help bring moments of joy to children and families experiencing significant disruption and uncertainty. “The kindness demonstrated by the people of Thunder Bay has been extraordinary,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “These contributions reflect a community that consistently steps forward to support others during difficult times.” In addition to individual donations, multiple local businesses made meaningful contributions. Local Tim Hortons locations, Tbaytel and Best Buy provided substantial support, and Gold X2 assisted with loading and delivering the donated items . The Thunder Bay Police Service extends its sincere appreciation to every person, family, business and organization that contributed to this effort. Your support has made a significant difference for families affected by the wildfires.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to second degree murder charges

July 20, 2026
TB26028209 A Thunder Bay Police Service Major Crime Unit investigation has resulted in second-degree murder charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to a call for service regarding an assault in the Cumming Street area on the evening of July 18, 2026, around 11:00 PM. On scene a deceased individual was located. Further investigation led to two suspects being identified and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 29-year-old Steven RAFFERTY of Thunder Bay and 61-year-old Warnock RAFFERTY of Thunder Bay have both been charged with Second Degree Murder. Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. 

Thunder Bay Police Service Toy Drive now closed

July 20, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is once again expressing sincere gratitude to the community after a second surge of toy donations for children and families displaced by wildfires. Following the initial drop-off, residents, families, and TBPS members continued to bring in toys, games and books. The volume of items received over the past couple of days has grown substantially, exceeding expectations and TBPS is no longer accepting additional donations. The continued generosity shown by the people of Thunder Bay has been remarkable. These contributions will help bring comfort and moments of joy to families experiencing disruption and uncertainty. The Thunder Bay Police Service thanks every person, family, business and organization that contributed to this effort.