What Are Custom License Plates In Nova Scotia?
Custom license plates, also known as personalized or vanity plates, are specialty plates that allow vehicle owners in Nova Scotia to display a unique combination of letters, numbers, or both on their plates. These plates are issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), a division of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services responsible for vehicle registration and driver licensing in the province.
Custom plates can personalize a vehicle and express individuality, interests, or a sense of humor. They can feature a name, word, phrase, or other significant alphanumeric combination, subject to the RMV's policies and approval process.
Are Custom License Plates Legal In Nova Scotia?
Yes, custom license plates are legal in Nova Scotia when obtained through the proper RMV application process. The Motor Vehicle Act and its regulations allow for the issuance of personalized plates as long as they meet certain criteria.
To be approved, a custom plate must:
• Contain a unique combination of letters and numbers not already in use
• Not exceed seven characters for a passenger vehicle plate
• Not contain any prohibited words, phrases, or combinations
• Not infringe on any intellectual property rights
• Be in good taste and not offensive to the general public
The RMV reserves the right to refuse any custom plate application that does not meet these guidelines. Plates are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain compliant.
How Can I Get A Personalized License Plate In Nova Scotia?
To obtain a personalized license plate in Nova Scotia, you can follow these steps:
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Application Submission: Submit your application to any Registry of Motor Vehicles office throughout Nova Scotia or mail it to:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
P.O. BOX 1652
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2Z3
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Form Completion: Complete Form APP28, which is required for the application process.
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Pay the associated fees.
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Manufacturing and Delivery: Expect a manufacturing period of 6 to 8 weeks. If the plate is a gift, a confirmation letter will be sent to the purchaser, and the plate will be mailed directly to the giftee.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth way to obtain your personalized license plate in Nova Scotia.
How Much Does A Custom License Plate Cost In Nova Scotia?
The cost of a custom license plate in Nova Scotia consists of both an initial fee and ongoing annual renewal charges:
- Initial Payment: $107.35 (includes $14.00 HST).
- Annual Renewal Fee: $30.05 (includes $3.92 HST), plus the standard registration fee.
- Replacement Fee (if lost, destroyed, or stolen):
- $26.10 for personalized passenger plates.
- $19.85 for customized motorcycle plates.
These fees cover the manufacture and maintenance of a personalized license plate in Nova Scotia.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Custom Plate In Nova Scotia?
Once an application and payment for a custom license plate in Nova Scotia have been submitted, receiving the plates typically takes 6-8 weeks. This timeframe accounts for the RMV's review and approval process and the manufacturing and shipping of the physical plates.
What Is Required To Order A Custom License Plate In Nova Scotia?
Ordering a custom license plate in Nova Scotia requires meeting specific criteria and providing necessary documentation. The primary requirements include:
• Valid vehicle registration in Nova Scotia
• Current insurance coverage
• Completed personalized plate application form
• Payment of required fees
Additionally, applicants must ensure their proposed plate design complies with Service Nova Scotia guidelines regarding content and format. The plate must not conflict with existing plate series or contain prohibited content.
What Types Of Custom License Plates Are Available In Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia offers custom license plates for different vehicle categories, including passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what is available:
- Personalized Passenger Plates: These plates can have 2 to 7 characters (digits 0-9 or letters A-Z), including spaces.
- Personalized Motorcycle Plates: These are slightly smaller and can accommodate between 2 to 6 characters, including spaces.
These custom plates can reflect personal tastes, interests, nicknames, or any combination of letters and numbers that meet the regulations.
What Is Prohibited From Being Displayed On Custom License Plates In Nova Scotia?
The RMV has guidelines prohibiting certain content from being displayed on custom license plates in Nova Scotia. Prohibited items include:
- Socially Unacceptable or Offensive Language: Words or symbols considered offensive, inappropriate, or in poor taste are not allowed. This includes any language that can be deemed discriminatory or derogatory.
- Implications of Official Authority: Slogans or symbols that might imply an official authority or governmental affiliation are prohibited. This helps avoid confusion or the appearance of endorsement.
- Problematic Character Combinations: Combinations of characters that could cause identification problems are prohibited. For example, combinations that are difficult to differentiate, like 'O' and '0' or 'I' and '1' (e.g., OO1IUV or 8B2Z38), are prohibited.
- Special Symbols: Dots, dashes, and other punctuation marks or special symbols (e.g., ! @ # $% & * ( ) + = ? /:;,.) are not allowed, ensuring the plate number is unambiguous.
- Reserved Combinations: Combinations already assigned to other types of license plates or reserved for specific vehicle categories are not available for personalization.
The RMV reserves the right to refuse, cancel, or recall any plate that violates these guidelines. Plate eligibility can change over time based on periodic reviews.
Can I Sell My Personalized License Plate In Nova Scotia?
No, personalized license plates in Nova Scotia cannot be sold privately to another individual. The Motor Vehicle Act and its regulations prohibit the transfer of plates between vehicle owners. Custom plates remain the property of the RMV and are assigned to a specific vehicle and owner.
If a personalized plate is no longer wanted on a vehicle, it can be surrendered to the RMV for cancellation. After a holding period, the plate may become available for re-personalization by a new applicant.