In a move that signals the end of an era for New Brunswick motorists, the provincial government has announced it's eliminating vehicle registration stickers entirely. This significant change represents a major shift toward digital verification and modernized service delivery.
The Countdown Begins: When Stickers Disappear
Starting February 1, 2025, New Brunswick drivers will no longer receive those familiar registration stickers to place on their license plates. The transition begins even sooner for some vehicle owners—commercial vehicles and motorcycles will phase out stickers starting October 1, 2024.
Why the Change? Embracing Digital Efficiency
Service New Brunswick president and CEO Alan Roy explained the reasoning behind this modernization effort. "The primary motivation is convenience for New Brunswickers," Roy stated. "Police will use digital methods to verify registration status, eliminating the need for physical stickers."
The change also addresses practical concerns. Many drivers already struggle with applying stickers correctly, and the plastic materials contribute to environmental waste. By moving to digital verification, the province streamlines the process while reducing its environmental footprint.
What This Means for Drivers
While the sticker requirement disappears, the registration obligation remains unchanged. Vehicle owners must still renew their registrations annually or biennially. The key difference: no more sticker to display or worry about applying correctly.
Law enforcement agencies will access registration information through their existing digital systems, allowing officers to verify vehicle registration status instantly during traffic stops without relying on visual sticker checks.
A Growing Trend Across Canada
New Brunswick joins several other provinces that have already eliminated registration stickers, including Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. This move aligns New Brunswick with a national trend toward digitizing vehicle registration systems.
The transition represents another step in Service New Brunswick's ongoing digital transformation, following previous innovations like the province's enhanced digital driver's license system.
