Property of the Crown

Every number plate is the property of the Crown and shall be returned to the Ministry when required by the Ministry. 1999, c. 12, Sched. R, s. 5.

Number plates, further violations

No other numbers to be exposed

No number other than that upon the number plate furnished by the Ministry shall be exposed on any part of a motor vehicle or trailer in such a position or manner as to confuse the identity of the number plate. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 13.

Number plate to be kept clean

Every number plate shall be kept free from dirt and obstruction and shall be affixed so that the entire number plate, including the numbers, is plainly visible at all times, and the view of the number plate shall not be obscured or obstructed by spare tires, bumper bars, any part of the vehicle, any attachments to the vehicle or the load carried. 1994, c. 27, s. 138.

Obstruction prohibited

The number plates shall not be obstructed by any device that prevents the entire number plates including the numbers from being accurately photographed using a photo-radar system. 1993, c. 31, s. 2.

Where a police officer or an officer appointed under this Act has reason to believe that:

• a number plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer,
  • has not been authorized under this Act for use on that vehicle,
  • was obtained by false pretences, or
  • has been defaced or altered;
• evidence of validation of a permit displayed on a motor vehicle,
  • was not furnished under this Act in respect of that motor vehicle,
  • was obtained by false pretences, or
  • has been defaced or altered; or
• a permit carried by a driver of a motor vehicle,
  • was not authorized under this Act in respect of that motor vehicle,
  • was obtained by false pretences, or
  • has been defaced or altered,

The officer may take possession of the number plate, evidence of validation or permit and retain it until the facts have been determined. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 14 (1).