What Is a License Plate in Prince Edward Island?
A license plate in Prince Edward Island is an official alphanumeric identifier issued by the PEI Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for vehicles registered within the province. It serves as a unique identification mark for each vehicle, allowing law enforcement and other authorities to recognize it easily.
Prince Edward Island license plate design typically features the province's name, a slogan, and a combination of letters and numbers.
Are License Plates Considered Public Records In Prince Edward Island?
Yes, license plates are considered public records in Prince Edward Island. The PEI Department of Transportation and Infrastructure maintains information about a vehicle's registration, including the license plate number, and it is publicly accessible, subject to certain restrictions.
However, the Highway Traffic Act has provisions to protect individuals' privacy. Personal information like vehicle owners' names and addresses is not publicly disclosed. Law enforcement agencies can access more detailed information from license plate records when necessary for official purposes.
How Can I Obtain a License Plate In Prince Edward Island?
Individuals must first register their vehicle with the provincial government to obtain a license plate in Prince Edward Island. This process can be completed at any Access PEI location throughout the province. The following steps are typically required:
- Present proof of vehicle ownership (e.g., bill of sale, transfer documents)
- Provide valid identification
- Complete the necessary registration forms
- Pay the required fees
Once your registration is processed, your vehicle permit, license plate, and registration sticker will be issued.
How Much Does It Cost To Get a License Plate In Prince Edward Island?
The cost of getting a license plate in Prince Edward Island depends on the vehicle type and the registration duration. As of 2024, the fees are:
- Passenger vehicles: $100 annually
- Motorcycles: $40 annually
- Trailers: $20 to $75 annually, depending on weight
- Commercial vehicles have variable fees based on weight and use
Additional fees apply for specialty and personalized license plates. The provincial government sets the registration fees, which are subject to change.
How Long Does It Take To Receive a License Plate In Prince Edward Island?
In Prince Edward Island, license plates are issued immediately upon completing the vehicle registration process. When registering a vehicle at an Access PEI location, 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. In such cases, temporary permits may be issued to allow the vehicle to be legally operated while waiting for the custom plate to be produced. The exact timeframe for receiving specialty plates can vary, and applicants should inquire about estimated delivery times when placing their order at the Access PEI office.
Is It Illegal To Drive Without a License Plate In Prince Edward Island?
Yes, it is illegal to drive in Prince Edward Island without properly displaying a valid license plate on your vehicle. Section 21 of the Highway Traffic Act requires that number plates be kept securely fastened to the vehicle for which they are issued, one to the rear or the other to the front of the vehicle.
The only exceptions are for dealers moving unlicensed vehicles between locations and for newly purchased vehicles being driven directly from the place of purchase for registration, provided a temporary transit permit is obtained.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a License Plate In Prince Edward Island?
Driving without a license plate is punishable under the Prince Edward Island Highway Traffic Act. If you are caught driving an unregistered vehicle or one without license plates properly attached, you may face:
- Monetary fines $100-$200
- 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 Prince Edward Island License Plate to Another Province?
Yes, you can legally drive a vehicle with Prince Edward Island license plates in any other Canadian province or territory. Your Prince Edward Island vehicle registration remains valid when traveling interprovincially.
However, if you move to another province, you must register your vehicle there and obtain new plates from that jurisdiction.
Which Vehicles Are Required To Have License Plates In Prince Edward Island?
Most motorized vehicles driven on public roads in Prince Edward Island require license plates, including:
- Passenger cars and vans
- Trucks
- Buses
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds (unless explicitly exempted)
- Motorhomes and camping trailers
Does Prince Edward Island Require Front License Plates?
Prince Edward Island does not require front license plates. Vehicles in the province must only display a single license plate on the vehicle's rear. This simplifies the registration process and reduces the number of plates vehicle owners need to manage.
What Information Can Police Officers Access From License Plates In Prince Edward Island?
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:
- Make, model, year, and color of the vehicle
- Status of the vehicle's registration and insurance
- Name and address of the registered owner(s)
- Driver's license numbers of the owner(s)
- Any driving convictions or suspensions linked to the owner(s)
This information helps officers identify registration and insurance violations, stolen vehicles, unlicensed drivers, and those with active warrants. Additional personal information about the vehicle owners is restricted and only accessible for official police investigations, not routine traffic stops.
For more on how the Highway Safety Division uses and discloses vehicle information, see their Privacy Statement at: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/privacy-policy.