It's been more than 10 months since ICBC ended using its colourful decals to validate insured vehicles on the road.
While leaving the most recent sticker on a licence plate is still OK, RCMP are alerting Tri-Cities drivers that officers are keeping a watchful eye on those potentially looking to cheat the system.
Case in point, one driver was hit with almost $900 in fines after they were caught operating an uninsured vehicle in Coquitlam earlier this week.
And, to make matters worse, police said the driver's licence was also expired.
This has prompted a firm reminder to all drivers that Mounties are searching for any and all road violations, even those that apply to the official paperwork in your glove compartment.
"By allowing these to expire, it can open up the driver or registered owner to liability concerns should the vehicle be involved in a collision," said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins told the Tri-City News.
In the publicly posted incident, Hodgins said a vehicle seen near the intersection of Pinetree Way and Lougheed Highway before 11 p.m. on Monday (March 27) was determined to be uninsured by responding police.
Officers pulled over the driver, who had an expired licence when asked to hand it over.
The vehicle was immediately towed as a result of both B.C. Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) infractions, and the driver received $874 in violation tickets:
- $598 = no insurance
- $276 = expired driver's license
- Three-point penalty
The driver could've been setback hundreds more if a collision or related accident had taken place.
ICBC stats showed, between 2017 and 2021, there were 579 crashes at Pinetree and Lougheed that resulted in property damage, injuries and fatalities.
"Police officers routinely check vehicle licence plates for various reasons, such as ensuring the licence plates match the vehicle, determine if a vehicle is stolen, or ensure the vehicle has valid insurance," said Hodgins.
"Police are reminding the public that it's their responsibility to ensure that their insurance and driver's licence are current and do not expire."
ICBC eliminated the distribution of plate decals in May 2022 as part of its launch of full online auto insurance renewals.
Since then, drivers across the province have either left their decal(s) displayed or attempted to remove them completely.
The corporation added residents have the option to renew vehicle insurance as early as 44 days prior to a policy's expiration.
For more information, and a demonstration video, you can visit ICBC's website.
