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.

October 30, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents after receiving a report regarding a scam in which individuals are contacted by someone claiming to be from their cell service provider. The caller may offer a phone upgrade, loyalty discount, or other promotional deal.  Using personal or account information, the scammer then orders a device through a legitimate service provider. The scammer may already possess some of the victim's personal information before making contact. After the device arrives, the victim may receive another call from someone claiming to represent the service provider. In some cases, the scammers rely on the victim contacting them directly about the unexpected shipment. In some instances, multiple devices may be shipped to the victim's address. When victims inquire about the unexpected shipment, scammers may provide a fraudulent return address or send a prepaid shipping label. The package is then redirected to an address controlled by the scammer rather than the legitimate company. Prevention Tips: · Avoid purchasing products through unsolicited phone calls. Contact the company directly to verify any offers. · Do not use unexpected return labels without confirming they are legitimate. · Contact your provider directly regarding deals. Use the official phone number on the company’s website to verify any return request. · Check your account. Review your account through the provider’s official app or website for unfamiliar orders or changes. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
October 28, 2026
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