Petition calls for the removal of front license plates in B.C.

More than 3,000 people believe that there is no need for front licence plates in B.C.

A petition has been launched asking for the front license plates to be removed from vehicles in the province. The petition has a goal of 4,000 signatures and by the minute the number of signatures increases.

Tyler Fleury, the person who started the petition said these plates are distasteful.

“The front licence plates serve no purpose, look distasteful as well decrease the value of our vehicles. I would also like to point out that British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland, and Manitoba are the only provinces where it is law to have a front licence plate.”

According to the current British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act regulations front licence plates must be displayed at all times.

Lindsay Olsen, Senior Communications Specialist with ICBC said that the thought of single plates in B.C. has been considered in the past, but it was determined that the two plate model works best for several reasons.

“These include benefits to road safety, law enforcement, stolen vehicle recovery, insurance claims investigations, tolling authorities, Amber alert partners, municipalities, parking lot companies and the trucking industry.”

When asked if ICBC would ever look at a one plate concept again, an answer wasn’t provided.

Several people who have signed the petition said that they had to drill holes into their vehicle to install a front plate.

“Besides having holes drilled in my Tacoma bumper, the plate over time has dug into the bumper and has created these black grooves behind the top and bottom edge of the plate..we don't need front plates, please take them out.”

On the ICBC website it states that if your plate isn’t displayed in the correct place a fine could be handed out worth $230. If a plate is illegible that is also a $230 fine.