Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recently stopped a driver using a dealer plate as part of a “plate week” initiative. The OPP’s Automated Licence Plate Recognition Camera flagged a vehicle driving along an Ottawa highway with a dealer plate reported as “missing”.

Police learned that the driver was using a dealer plate on their personal vehicle. Despite purchasing white plates for the vehicle, which were found in the trunk, the driver was apparently improperly using dealer plates because “they did not have insurance for their car”. It’s unclear how the driver got the dealer plates to begin with.

Dealer plates can be used on passenger-class vehicles for the sale of the vehicle or for personal use by dealer-authorized persons— as long as the vehicle is owned as part of the dealer’s inventory.

Unfortunately, this driver was not following any of those rules. The OPP have charged the driver for operating a vehicle without a licence, along with several other charges.

Members are encouraged to review the rules surrounding dealer plates and to keep track of the whereabouts of their dealer plates and dealer-plated vehicles. It’s important that dealers report any missing dealer plates to their insurer and authorities as soon as possible. Not only will this help to avoid unforeseen issues, it also makes the lives of police officers easier. 

Members with questions about the use of dealer plates can contact the legal services department at (416) 231-2600 or 1-800-268-2598.

Members can also access the UCDA’s frequently asked questions (FAQs) page by following this link: https://www.ucda.org/dealer-faqs/dealer-plate/

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