The Manitoba RCMP plans to issue warning letters to drivers with peeling or missing plates.
In Manitoba, you are required to have a plate on the front and back of the vehicle. They must both be legible.
Barry Kirby is a constable with the Dauphin RCMP.
"The license plate needs to be fully readable by the naked eye or license plate scanner," said Kirby. "It can't be obstructed by dirt or snow. It also can't be peeling."
If you are missing a license plate or it isn't legible, under the Highway Traffic Act, you could be ticketed at any time. That is the officer's discretion.
"What most of us do here locally is if we see your vehicle has either of those defects, we will give you a warning," said Kirby. "If we see the same vehicle a week or more later, and the issues aren't rectified, you're likely to get a ticket for it."
With it being December, the holiday season is nearly here. Christmas parties are in full swing, and you may have plans to go out and enjoy some drinks and or cannabis with friends.
While that can make for a great time, you should never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It affects your ability to drive and your reaction time. You may have a different perception of what's happening around you.
Kirby says it could involve a minor collision or something serious that ends up fatal.
"At the end of the day, your license could be suspended anywhere from 24 hours to 90 days. Those suspensions could increase if you have past impaired suspensions," continued Kirby. "Your vehicle can also be impounded anywhere from three days to 60. Those can also be extended if you have past suspensions."
Kirby and the entire staff at the Dauphin RCMP Detachment wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. But when you're out and about planning to have a few cold ones, he says, plan ahead. Don't get behind the wheel impaired.
"Here locally, we're blessed with quite a few options. We have two Taxi companies that are available and are both very active," commented Kirby. "Friends or family. The Christmas safe ride program is starting up soon. They're always a fantastic option that is staffed by some amazing volunteers."
The Dauphin RIDE program is set to return this weekend. The program will run this year on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and on New Year's Eve. The RIDE program, which runs out of the Dauphin Friendship Centre, is fully endorsed and supported by the Parkland Detachment of the RCMP.
The program gets you and your vehicle home safely after a night out.
"At the end of the day, when you're driving impaired, you're putting lives at risk," ended Kirby. "The Dauphin RIDE program is saving lives. It's an amazing thing. The RCMP here in Dauphin loves it, and we hope it can continue for many years to come."
Stay safe and have a great month.
