What Is a License Plate in Northwest Territories?
A license plate in the Northwest Territories is an official alphanumeric identifier issued by the territorial government for vehicles registered within the territory. It serves as a unique identification mark for each vehicle, allowing law enforcement and other authorities to recognize it easily.
The design of Northwest Territories license plates typically features the territory's name, a slogan, and a combination of letters and numbers. The Department of Infrastructure issues these plates, which must be displayed on all registered vehicles operating on public roads within the territory.
Are License Plates Considered Public Records In Northwest Territories?
Yes, license plates are considered public records in the Northwest Territories. The Department of Infrastructure maintains information about a vehicle's registration, including the license plate number, and it is publicly accessible, subject to certain restrictions.
However, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act has provisions to protect individuals' privacy. Personal information like vehicle owners' names and addresses is not publicly disclosed.
How Can I Obtain a License Plate In Northwest Territories?
To obtain a license plate%20.) in the Northwest Territories, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services Office with the following documents:
- Photo Identification: A valid form of ID to verify your identity.
- Bill of Sale/Transfer of Ownership: Documentation proving the purchase or transfer of the vehicle.
- New Vehicle Information Statement: Required to register a brand new vehicle.
- Proof of Insurance: Your insurance must match the bill of sale and have a Northwest Territories address.
- Payment for registration fees
If you are transferring from another jurisdiction, you must also provide the previous registration.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you will receive a registration certificate and your license plate.
Any outstanding fines must be paid and processed before registering your vehicle, which may take 24 to 48 hours. All vehicles on public roads and highways in the Northwest Territories must have valid insurance and a vehicle registration certificate. Registrations are issued annually.
How Much Does It Cost To Get a License Plate In Northwest Territories?
The cost to get a license plate in the Northwest Territories depends on the vehicle type and the registration duration. As of 2024, the fees are:
- Seven months: $54.00 (seniors 60+: $28.00)
- Eight months: $60.00 (seniors 60+: $30.00)
- Nine months: $65.00 (seniors 60+: $33.00)
- Ten months: $72.00 (seniors 60+: $36.00)
- 11 months: $77.00 (seniors 60+: $39.00)
- 12 months: $83.00 (seniors 60+: $42.00)
- 13 months: $88.00 (seniors 60+: $44.00)
- 14 months: $95.00 (seniors 60+: $47.00)
- 15 months: $100.00 (seniors 60+: $51.00)
- 16 months: $106.00 (seniors 60+: $53.00)
- 17 months: $111.00 (seniors 60+: $56.00)
- 18 months: $118.00 (seniors 60+: $60.00)
- New Personalized License Plate: $249.90(seniors 60+: $126.00)
- Motorcycle: $36.00 for 7-12 months; $49.00 for 13-18 months (seniors 60+: $17.00)
- Veteran licence plate: $36.00 plus the cost of the registration.
How Long Does It Take To Receive a License Plate In Northwest Territories?
In the Northwest Territories, license plates are issued immediately upon successfully completing the vehicle registration process. When registering a vehicle at a Driver and Vehicle Service office, applicants can expect to receive their license plate on the same day, provided all required documentation is in order and fees are paid.
Due to manufacturing requirements, the process may take longer for specialty or personalized plates. The exact timeframe for receiving specialty plates can vary, and applicants should inquire about estimated delivery times when placing their order at the Driver and Vehicle Services Office.
Is It Illegal To Drive Without a License Plate In Northwest Territories?
Yes, driving without properly displaying a valid license plate on your vehicle in the Northwest Territories is illegal. Section 6(a) of the Motor Vehicles Act requires that "no person shall operate a motor vehicle on a highway unless a licence plate issued to the person named in the registration certificate is attached to the motor vehicle."
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a License Plate In Northwest Territories?
Driving without a license plate is a punishable offense under the Northwest Territories Motor Vehicles Act. If you are caught driving an unregistered vehicle or one without license plates properly attached, you may face:
- A fine of up to $100
- Demerit points added to your driver's record
- Possible impoundment of your vehicle
Police officers routinely run license plates to check for valid registration, so displaying your plates properly is essential. Unregistered vehicles also risk being denied insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
Can I Drive With a Northwest Territories License Plate to Another Province?
Yes, vehicles registered in the Northwest Territories and displaying valid Northwest Territories license plates can be driven to other provinces and territories within Canada. Under the Canadian Agreement on Vehicle Registration (CAVR), all provinces and territories recognize each other's vehicle registrations for personal travel and certain types of commercial operations.
If a person becomes a resident of another province or territory, they are typically required to register their vehicle in that jurisdiction within a specified timeframe.
Which Vehicles Are Required To Have License Plates In Northwest Territories?
Most motorized vehicles on public roads in the Northwest Territories require license plates, including:
- Cars, SUVs, and vans
- Trucks and buses
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Motorhomes and recreational vehicles
- Trailers and semi-trailers
License plates must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Having License Plates In Northwest Territories?
Very few vehicles are fully exempt from registration and license plate requirements in the Northwest Territories. The limited exceptions include:
- Bicycles (including e-bikes)
- Electronic bicycles
- Minibikes
- Small mopeds (49cc or less)
- Three or 4-wheeled miniature all-terrain vehicles
- Segways
- Golf carts
- Vehicles bought for parts
Does Northwest Territories Require Front License Plates?
No, the Northwest Territories does not require front license plates. Since June 1, 1993, only rear plates have been mandated for vehicles registered in the territory.
What Information Can Police Officers Access From License Plates In Northwest Territories?
When a police officer runs a license plate number through their database, they can access key details about that vehicle and its registered owner, including:
- Vehicle registration details
- Insurance status
- Outstanding fines or warrants associated with the vehicle
- Stolen vehicle reports
This information is accessed through secure law enforcement databases and is governed by privacy laws. Its use is strictly regulated and intended for law enforcement purposes only.