Not registering your vehicle is illegal in provinces across Canada. It’s one of the first things you must do when you buy a new car; after that, you must renew your vehicle registration certificate within a certain time frame. Not keeping your vehicle registration up-to-date has serious consequences. You can get a ticket or have your vehicle towed. Neither option is appealing, but most will opt for the ticket.
At BrokerLink, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle on the road. That’s why we have prepared a guide on what to do if you get pulled over for an expired vehicle registration. Outside of car insurance, your vehicle registration certificate is the most important document you can have in your vehicle. In Alberta, it’s called a passenger vehicle registration. First, we’re going to talk about the ticket you get for an expired vehicle registration certificate.
Getting pulled over for an expired passenger vehicle registration
If you don’t keep your vehicle registration certificate up-to-date, you may get pulled over by an official vehicle. If caught, you can suffer the consequences. However, you might wonder how they can find out if you have a valid registration. Let’s find out.
Automated licence plate readers can tell police a lot about your vehicle. For example, it can tell them if you have a valid registration, if it’s expired, if the vehicle is stolen or if the vehicle belongs to a wanted person. Once supplied with this information, the peace officer can choose to pull you over. Always follow police directions to avoid further legal consequences.
Consequences of violating the Motor Vehicle Act
Not keeping your vehicle registration certificate up-to-date directly violates the Motor Vehicle Act. It comes with one of two consequences. You can either have your car towed or pay for a ticket. Which one you choose is up to you.
The majority of people will pay for the ticket, but how much does it cost? The fine you will face for driving with an expired vehicle registration is a minimum of $230. It can go up from this price, though. It’s important to note that the cost of the ticket will vary depending on factors including the following:
While the motor vehicle act suggests not having a valid registration is illegal, the exact fine will vary. However, it’s important to keep your motor vehicle up-to-date. You have to register a car to drive it and have the proper documents to get car insurance. Next, we will discuss the connection between expired vehicle registration and car insurance.
Explaining a vehicle registration certificate
So, what is a vehicle registration certificate, and why do you need one? In basic terms, a vehicle registration certificate is a document that proves your vehicle is registered with your local government body. You can use it to register your car in Ontario or any other province. It’s also required for trucks, motorcycles, and motorhomes.
Difference between vehicle registration and title
It’s important not to confuse your vehicle registration with your vehicle title. Let’s compare vehicle registration vs. title. They are not the same as they correspond to different parts of the Motor Vehicle Act. Let’s find out more.
As mentioned earlier, your vehicle registration certificate is used to register your vehicle with your local government body. As the vehicle owner, it proves that you meet the requirements for driving your car on Canadian roads. This document shows you can drive safely on public roads while complying with local laws and regulations. You register your vehicle by visiting a registry office and speaking to a registry agent, or if you’re renewing, you can sometimes do so online.
What’s a vehicle title? A vehicle title demonstrates who legally owns the vehicle. It will include important details about the car, including its vehicle identification number (VIN), weight class, make, model, trim, and, sometimes, mileage. The document is an important part of buying and selling a vehicle because it is used for registration, insurance and selling the vehicle if you choose to in the future.
Note that you will need a temporary licence plate if you move to a new province. If your passenger vehicle registration is expired, you will get pulled over by a police officer. If caught, you will have to suffer the consequences. However, you might wonder how they know your registration is expired. We’ll get into that next.
Motor vehicle registration and car insurance
Across Canada, having valid insurance is the law. Even off-highway vehicles and commercial vehicles must be registered. Does a ticket for expired registration affect your insurance rates? No, it doesn’t directly impact your insurance rates. However, your car insurance can become more expensive over time if you don't pay for the ticket.
How much is car insurance per month in Ontario and other provinces? That will vary depending on various factors, including your age, driving history, commute, location, and the vehicle you drive. However, if you follow the rules by using your signal device and following road signs and the speed limit, your insurance rates will remain low.
Contact BrokerLink today!
Following the law, while driving is as simple as following the direction of a traffic control device or pulling over for an emergency vehicle. This rule applies to car insurance as well. Alongside knowing how to register your car in Ontario or your province, you should understand how to purchase car insurance.
Driving without car insurance isn’t just risky but also illegal. That’s why you need uninsured automobile coverage. If you get into a hit-and-run accident or an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your insurance company will compensate you. Whether you’re looking to register a boat in Alberta and wondering how long demerit points last in Ontario, BrokerLink has all the answers to your vehicle registration and insurance questions. Contact us today if you want to change lanes and find a new insurance company.
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