Supplied photo/Manitoba Public Insurance
Manitoba Public Insurance is reminding drivers across the province that peeling licence plates are more than just an eyesore—they’re a growing safety concern.
Tara Seel, media and public relations lead for MPI, says deteriorating plates make it harder for both technology and law enforcement to monitor unsafe driving.
“When plates are unreadable, then dangerous driving behaviours can go unchecked,” says Seel. “Automatic licence plate readers are not able to capture the plate and check that driver for the dangerous behaviour, meaning that most likely the dangerous behaviour is going to continue.”
Unreadable plates also increase the danger for law enforcement officers during roadside stops.
“If they can’t read a licence plate, that puts them at even more risk,” says Seel. “If they don’t know who owns the vehicle, who’s driving the vehicle, who they’re approaching, that just makes the risk that much more.”
Seel explains that the reflective coating on plates plays a vital role in visibility.
“The reflective coating on the plate does help drivers see better at night. It helps you see vehicles that you may be coming up on in the dark. It helps you notice parked cars on the side of the road a lot easier.”
Weather and wear a major factor
While some may suspect intentional neglect, MPI attributes most plate damage to Manitoba’s severe weather and road conditions.
“I honestly think that Manitoba weather and our road conditions have a lot to do with the damage that we see to plates,” says Seel. “The extreme variations in temperature in the winter, the salt and sand on the roads... can chip pieces of the reflective coating or the paint.”
Plates issued within the last five years are covered under warranty and can be replaced at no charge. After five years, replacement costs $15 for both plates.
“We do have a five-year warranty on plates, so if there is damage to your plate within that time period, you can get those replaced for free,” says Seel.
Under the Drivers and Vehicles Act, a plate must remain fully visible and unobstructed. Drivers caught with a poorly maintained plate may face a $113 fine.
DIY repairs not effective
Seel says some Manitobans have tried to fix the issue themselves using household items.
“We’ve seen people use blue nail polish or paint and even Sharpie pens to try and draw the numbers and the letters back on their plates,” says Seel. “While we certainly appreciate those efforts... unfortunately, those methods don’t work. They need to have the proper reflectivity and readability.”
Campaign focuses on public awareness
Although MPI hasn’t tracked the total number of peeling plates on Manitoba roads, the trend has become impossible to ignore.
“We don’t have stats,” says Seel. “We’re road users at MPI as well, and we noticed that there was a lot of them on the road.”
The campaign is about informing the public, not handing out fines.
“This really is an education piece,” adds Seel. “Just to say hey, I don’t know if you knew this, but this is a road safety issue and it’s pretty easy to resolve.”
Maria Campos, Vice President and Chief Customer and Product Officer at MPI, echoes that message.
“Keeping your licence plate in good repair keeps our roadways safe, and helps you identify other vehicles if you are in a collision or need to report them to a necessary agency,” says Campos.
Campos adds that any Manitoba Autopac broker or MPI service centre can assist with plate replacement.
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