No More Plate Stickers, Print Registration

Summary#

This bill updates New Brunswick’s Motor Vehicle Act to modernize vehicle registration. It ends the use of annual stickers on licence plates and moves toward paper or printable registration certificates. It also standardizes records to use both the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the licence plate number.

• Ends plate stickers and replaces them with a requirement to show proof that your registration is renewed when police ask.
• Lets the Registrar issue your vehicle registration certificate on paper or in a printable digital format.
• If you get a digital certificate, you must print it yourself to use it.
• The certificate must show the issue date, owner’s name and address, the VIN, plate number, and a basic vehicle description, and include a transfer notice form.
• Updates many forms and reports to use VIN and plate number together (instead of a single “registration number”).
• Sets a clear standard that plate letters and numbers must be readable from 30 metres in daylight.
• Cleans up older wording (for example, saying “copy” instead of “photostatic copy”).
• Takes effect on a date set later by the government.

What it means for you#

• Drivers and vehicle owners

  • No more annual stickers on your licence plate.
  • You must be able to show proof that your registration is current when a police officer asks.
  • Your registration certificate may be sent as paper or as a printable file. If it’s digital, you must print it and carry it as required.
  • Your certificate will clearly list your VIN and plate number. This should match what police and Service NB have on file.
  • When you sell your vehicle, the certificate includes a section you can use to notify the Registrar about the transfer.
  • Make sure your plate is clean and readable from about 30 metres in daylight.

• People without easy access to a printer

  • If you receive a digital certificate, you will need to print it. You may need to use a public printer, ask someone to help, or request a paper copy from Service NB.

• Car rental companies, dealers, and insurers

  • Update forms and records to include both the VIN and the plate number (not just a registration number).
  • Be ready to show proof of current registration when asked.

• Police and enforcement

  • Will rely on VIN and plate number together for checks and reports.
  • Can ask drivers to show evidence of registration renewal rather than looking for a plate sticker.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Modernizes registration by allowing printable digital certificates and removing outdated stickers.
• Reduces hassle for drivers who no longer need to replace lost or damaged stickers.
• Using both VIN and plate number improves accuracy for records, enforcement, and tracking stolen or rented vehicles.
• Clear readability rules for plates support road safety and enforcement.
• Could lower administrative costs over time by ending sticker production and mailing.

Opponents' View#

• Without stickers, it may be harder for the public or parking staff to spot expired registrations at a glance.
• Requiring people to print digital certificates shifts time and small costs to drivers, and may be hard for those without printers or internet access.
• Drivers could face tickets if they forget to carry printed proof of renewal.
• The change may cause confusion during the transition as businesses and drivers update forms and habits.