Summary#
Bill 17 would update New Brunswick’s Motor Vehicle Act, mainly by changing how vehicle registration is documented and identified. It would allow registration certificates to be provided in printable format and would remove references to annual registration stickers. It would also require more records to use both the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the licence plate number.
The bill was introduced at first reading. No adopted amendments or final version are provided.
- Registration certificates could be issued on paper or in a format the owner can print.
- Owners who receive a printable certificate would have to print it for legal purposes.
- Drivers would have to show proof that registration was renewed if a peace officer asks.
- References to issuing and displaying annual registration stickers would be removed.
- Several records would use the VIN and licence plate number instead of only a registration number.
- Licence plates would have to be readable from 30 metres in daylight.
What it means for you#
- Vehicle owners: You could receive your registration certificate electronically or in another printable format, rather than only on paper. If you receive it in printable format, you would have to print it.
- Drivers: You would no longer be required under these provisions to display an annual registration sticker on the vehicle. However, you would still have to produce proof of renewed registration if a peace officer asks.
- People renewing registration: The bill specifically says an existing registration rule would not apply to registration renewals. The available material does not explain the full practical effect of this change.
- Vehicle buyers and sellers: Registration certificates would include the issue date, the owner’s name and address, the VIN, the licence plate number, a vehicle description, and a form for notifying the Registrar when the vehicle is transferred.
- Rental vehicle businesses: Records for rented vehicles would identify both the VIN and the licence plate number.
- People involved in traffic or court matters: Various records, including some used in enforcement and court proceedings, would identify vehicles by both the VIN and licence plate number.
- Vehicle owners generally: Licence plates and their required letters and numbers would have to be large enough to be clearly read from 30 metres in daylight. The bill does not clearly state whether existing plates would need to be replaced.
Expenses#
No direct public cost is identified in the available material.
- Government administration: The government may need to change registration systems, forms, and records to use both VINs and licence plate numbers. No cost estimate is provided.
- Vehicle owners: Owners who receive a printable registration certificate may need access to a printer and paper.
- Licence plates: The bill could create costs if some plates must be replaced to meet the readability rule, but it does not say that existing plates must be replaced.
- Fees and fines: The bill does not create a new fee or penalty in the supplied text.
- Overall costs: No publicly available information.
Proponents' View#
- The bill appears intended to modernize vehicle registration documents by allowing certificates to be delivered in printable format.
- Removing the annual sticker requirement could simplify registration administration and reduce the need to produce and attach stickers.
- Using both the VIN and licence plate number could make vehicle records more precise, especially when plates change or are transferred.
- Requiring registration plates to be readable from 30 metres could help peace officers and other officials identify vehicles.
- Including transfer information on the registration certificate could make vehicle transfers easier to document.
Opponents' View#
- One concern is that people who receive a printable certificate would need access to a printer, paper, and a safe way to carry the document.
- The bill does not clearly explain how drivers would show proof of renewed registration after annual stickers are no longer used.
- It is unclear whether current licence plates would meet the 30-metre readability requirement or whether owners might have to replace them.
- Changing government systems and records to use both VINs and licence plate numbers may create administrative costs. No estimate is provided.
- The bill changes several record-keeping rules, but the available material does not explain how the changes would affect privacy, enforcement practices, or court procedures.
- The bill’s start date is not specified. It would take effect on dates set later by proclamation.