Vancouver: Reporting Car With Washington Plates and Expired Decals

[inrush]

Hello,

There's a vehicle parked in my apartment parkade with Washington plates. Upon closer inspection, the decals show "2 / 2012". At first I thought the vehicle was just in storage but recently I've noticed the vehicle in and out of the parkade, so it's being driven. I suspect the vehicle is being driven without insurance, and likely registration too since it's got WA plates -- perhaps it wasn't registered in Canada or BC?

Does anyone have any advice on what to do? I've tried calling ICBC with no help -- the lady claims the owner could be getting temporary permits to drive, but I've never seen anything stuck to the back of the car -- and besides, how many people are so diligent they take the temporary permit off after every time they drive?

[AnotherCanuck]

Note down the VIN# and call the Police reporting center. Could be a stolen car.

[fillalph]

Interesting,

In my building we have someone with Washington plates too - I haven't checked what the decal dates. If they are at fault in an accident, will their US insurance cover them?

[pepper3245]

from: http://www.ehow.com/list_6807831_washington-state-license-plate-laws.html

Vehicle Tabs

The vehicle tabs---approximately 1-inch square--are the vehicle's registration validation stickers. Two are issued for each plate, displaying the month and the year of registration. The tabs must be affixed to the license plates in an area that doesn't visibly interfere with license plate identification. The tabs must be renewed annually with fees that correspond with the type and weight of the vehicle

As for expiry date of insurance. only way to find out is to get pulled over or get into an accident?

[fillalph]

Thanks pepper. I was thinking whether their Washington insurance would cover them in the same thought as if someone had their vehicle registered in Alberta (say at a friends place) but lived in BC.

[pepper3245]

from what I remember, when one moves to a new province/state/country there is grace period of a month or two before one has to register their vehicle at their new location.

Aha, from ICBC (moving to BC):

You must switch to a B.C. driver's licence within 90 days.
Most vehicles must be registered, licensed and insured within 30 days of arriving in B.C. Vehicles intended for commercial use must be registered, licensed and insured immediately.
Pass a provincial safety inspection at a designated inspection facility in B.C., and
Outside of country: pass a federal inspection to ensure it meets Canadian standards.

It's Only Illegal If You Get Caught - Homer