Take off that license plate cover or face a fine say OPP

OPP are cracking down on car owners who use license plate covers.

" We would like to remind motor vehicle owners that clear and tinted plate covers are illegal and drivers could face a charge of $110," says a news release.

The Highway Traffic Act of Ontario states that the number plate "shall be kept free from dirt and obstruction and shall be affixed so that the entire number plate is plainly visible".

Officers will focus on warning the motoring public until February 28, after this date, Provincial Offence Notices will be issued.

OPP say vehicle owners should check the law before buying items and installing them onto their cars.

Sgt. Carolle Dionne, Regional Media Relations Coordinator for the OPP explains it this way.

"Plates are made with a reflective paint and when covers are put over them it hinders their visibility, especially when an officer is attempting to stop a vehicle at night and you can't read their plate. It's an officer safety issue. We run plates before going to a vehicle to know who's in it and/or if it's a stolen vehicle, involved in a criminal offence, a wanted person, etc."