Motor Vehicle Registration

[나경실]

Motor Vehicle Registration

Justice and Public Safety

• Description
• Fees
• Contacts

Overview

Motor vehicle registrations are required under the Motor Vehicle Act and serve as a unique identifier for a motor vehicle.

Eligibility

To obtain a motor vehicle registration, applicants must submit a description of the vehicle including: 
- the make and the model of vehicle, 
- type of body of the vehicle, 
- the serial or identification number of the vehicle, 
- whether such vehicle is new or used, and 
- if a new vehicle the date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the person intending to operate such vehicle. 

No original, renewal or replacement of a registration certificate, registration plate or permit for a motor vehicle will be issued unless the owner or operator of the motor vehicle provides with the application evidence of a policy of insurance. 

Description

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles upon registering a vehicle will issue a registration certificate. 

A registration certificate must contain: 
- the date issued, 
- the name and address of the owner, 
- the registration number assigned to the vehicle, 
- description of the vehicle as may be determined by the Registrar, and 
- upon the reverse side a form for endorsement of notice to the Registrar upon transfer of the vehicle. 

When two registration plates are issued for a motor vehicle, they must be displayed with one in the front and the other in the rear of the vehicle. When one registration plate is issued (examples:. Motorcycle, trailers, antique, seasonal, the registration plate must be attached on the rear of the vehicle with the only exception being when one plate is issued for a truck tractor, it must be attached to the front of the vehicle. 

Transfer of Ownership 

Transfer of ownership is by process of law. The signature of the registered owner is required on the certificate of registration. The purchaser's name, address and date of birth are required on the transfer document. The purchaser must surrender the registration certificate and have the vehicle transferred into their name at any issuing office. If the purchaser can not be present, they must provide written authorization to have someone act on their behalf. The collection of sales tax and motor vehicle fees are required at time of transfer. The vehicle cannot be driven or permitted to be driven until the registration certificate is recorded in the new purchaser's name. 

Renewal of Vehicle Registrations 

Registrations for passenger type vehicles and light commercial vehicles are staggered and expire on various days during the month. Plates for large commercial vehicles expire on the last day of any month. Commercial prorate plates are staggered and expire on the last day of a month. Off-Road vehicle plates expire December 31st. Seasonal plates are only valid from April 1st to October 31st. All other registrations expire March 31st. 

Transit Markers 

This is a temporary permit to move an unregistered vehicle from one place to another and is valid for twenty-four hours. This permit is also issued to move a vehicle, on which the inspection sticker has expired, to an inspection station. The applicant must show proof of insurance anytime the motor vehicle is being operated. 

Non-Residents 

A passenger vehicle owned by a visitor may be operated for personal, non-business purposes for a period of six months in New Brunswick without being registered in the Province. This six month period is determined from the date on which the passenger motor vehicle was first operated in New Brunswick in any registration year. A person who becomes a resident of New Brunswick must register his/her vehicle with Service New Brunswick immediately. 

Electric Motor Driven Cycle 

The Registrar will permit an electric motor driven cycle to be registered if it meets Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) as a Limited Speed Motorcycle, or Scooter. If the vehicle was manufactured after 1988 it will bear a compliance label stating that it meets these standards. The operator will be subject to all the requirements placed on operators of motor driven cycles. 
It is important to note that if a vehicle has an electric motor greater than 500 watts and is capable of powering the vehicle when travelling at a speed greater than 32 km/h and it does not have a CMVSS compliance label it cannot be registered unless the owner can prove, by having the vehicle certified by an engineer, that it is safe for operation on NB highways. Also, not all vehicles are suitable for operation on NB highways and it could be that the vehicle in question may not be a motor driven cycle or a bicycle and cannot be operated on a highway. If the vehicle is able to powered by human force and has a motor equal to or less than 500W, and the motor is not capable of assisting when the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than 32km/h then it can be considered a bicycle and all the requirements placed on bicyclists are applicable.