[vaportrail]

About flippin' time, I say.

While a redesign is a given, should the phrase be the traditional "Wild Rose Country" or the provincial motto "Strong and Free?" Should there be a return to front plates? How many customized-plate options should there be and what should they be?

-------------------------------
Alberta to revamp licence plates
Jason Markusoff, edmontonjournal.com
Published: 2:07 pm
EDMONTON - Alberta's licences are getting a plate-lift.

The auto-sales boom means the provincial government will likely run out of variations of its six-character licence plates by May or June 2009, so it's looking to completely revamp the trusty old "Wild Rose Country" white-and-red plates while it rearranges the three-letter, three-number sequence.

Service Alberta Minister Lloyd Snelgrove will launch a three-month consultation Friday to ask Albertans how they would redesign one of Alberta's signature identity markers.

"I'm curious, personally, to know whether people feel that you're going to sell the province as 'Strong and Free,'" he said today, referring to the province's official motto.

"Is it the wild rose? Are they more interested in expressing themselves individually on licence plates? Is there a bigger attachment to their oilfield work or the Edmonton Eskimos?"

He noted that some U.S. states offer up to 51 different combinations. Alberta introduced a special red-poppy plate for war veterans in 2005.

But this will be the first wholesale revamp of Alberta's licence plates since 1983, when they still had a yellow background and black lettering. It's not decided whether plates will feature seven characters, or if they will put the numbers before the letters, government spokesman Cam Traynor said.

Snelgrove will make the announcement at a Catholic school in Sherwood Park, hoping to get children involved in the debate about Alberta's public symbols. He'll launch a website, www.licenceplates.alberta.ca, which will take submissions until late January.

Government will likely unveil a new design next spring, he said.

The province is also willing to consider bringing back front-of-car licence plates, after going to only one plate on a vehicle's rear in 1992.

"That's always going to be part of the discussion when you're talking about licence plates in Alberta," Snelgrove said.

jmarkusoff@thejournal.canwest.com




© Edmonton Journal 2007

[mersar]

Interesting to see that we're about to run out of usable combinations, although not entirely surprising. The actual number of combinations allowed is rather small once you drop out the half dozen plus combinations that aren't allowed.

In terms of design, I'd say stick with something similar to the current, and keep the current motto on it.

[Beltliner]

Front and rear number plates should have the same new motto to reflect the new reality of driving in Alberta:

"Horn Not Working. Watch for Fingers."

[newfangled]

I hope we don't go overboard with gradients like so many of the new US plates do. "Flood fill - blue to green to orange! Whoo!"

I actually really like our current plates. I think they're clear and easily readable. The red lettering also looks good on any car because it matches the taillights which are usually red.

[Innersoul1]

Wow I am so glad to see that new plates are on the way. I am SOOOOO bored with ours and I must admit that I am not enamoured with the current colour scheme.

That being said, I hope that they don't go to front license plates. I love the front end of my car soooooo much and I know that a plate would just kill the look.

I would love to see a plate with a background colour scheme. Maybe the mountains with wheatfields in the foreground Blue lettering/numbering.

Our Veterans plates show how badly we shit the bed. They look like ASS. BC did a top notch job with theirs, what is our issue?

http://www.geocities.com/bcvca/vetplate1.gif

[Bigtime]

Why can't we get "Alberta. Fuck yeah!"? :D

I vote for Strong and Free I guess, but no front plates!

[MichaelS]

No front plates. It would ruin the look of so many nice cars.

[newfangled]

Our Veterans plates show how badly we shit the bed. They look like ASS. BC did a top notch job with theirs, what is our issue?

http://www.geocities.com/bcvca/vetplate1.gif

See, I can't stand those pastely gradient backgrounds

They always look like the were made by a 5 year-old with photoshop, and they're going to look so dated so quickly.

That's just me though. :)

[Innersoul1]

See, I can't stand those pastely gradient backgrounds

They always look like the were made by a 5 year-old with photoshop, and they're going to look so dated so quickly.

That's just me though. :)

Fair enough but seriously, it's better than this. This looks like a 5 year-old cut and paste job. Throw in colour by numbers and you've got it.

http://www.abnwtlegion.com/images/vetplate.gif

[newfangled]

Fair enough but seriously, it's better than this. This looks like a 5 year-old cut and paste job. Throw in colour by numbers and you've got it.

http://www.abnwtlegion.com/images/vetplate.gif

It's all about fonts, man. Whatever skinny, little, early '70's font we're using has got to go.

[Beltliner]

Why can't we get "Alberta. Fuck yeah!"? :D

I vote for Strong and Free I guess, but no front plates!

Oh, you just had to bring that up, didn't you?

Would have preferred "Freedom costs a buck-oh-five" or "Montage!" myself, but I like your suggestion too. :D

[lubicon]

I'm fine with Wild Rose Country although I kind of the the 'Strong and Free' phrase too. And it's about time we revamped our plates, we should really have done it 2 years ago for our centennial though.

The veteran plates are pretty plain and uninspiring too. Both BC and Sask have done a nice job with theirs. It's a pitty we did not.

BC seems to have several different plates out there with the Olympic themed ones being the most recent I have seen.

[Riise]

I think they should differ for each part of the Province. I'd love it if I could get one that used the background image for our old Driver's License. Those where cool!!!

[Boris2k7]

I'm also fine with "Wild Rose Country." If we did go with the opposite, I hope that someone has the class to put "Fortis et Liber."

"Strong and Free" sounds so freaking cheesy, even if it is the English translation.

Front Plates are a no-no.

One thing that would be nice could be to actually use the Provincial Colours... sky blue and deep yellow. And maybe an off-white background, like a washed-out slate colour.

[skrish]

I hate overcrowded license plates, especially American style ones with images. Keep it simple and I'll be happy.

[Beltliner]

There must be some way of anticipating electronic tolling and integrating barcodes into the new, improved number plated--or RFID transceivers, for that matter.

[Boris2k7]

Based on my recommendations above, and newfangled comments about fonts, I've slapped together an altered plate...

V1
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3838/myplategu0.png

V2
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/1980/myplate2wf5.png

It's important to keep the poppy red. The Maple Leaf... not so much.

[skrish]

The font change makes such a difference (in a good way)

[Surrealplaces]

I'd like ours to have the mountains in the background, like the driver's licenses have/had

[CorporateWhore]

strong and free sounds like something texas would use. pass.

http://www.worldlicenseplates.com/jpglps/CN_AB_GI5_1950's.jpg

I wish we could go back to the old yellow/black ones. I loved those (1954). White on Black looks pretty bad-ass too.

[Grendel]

"Strong and Free"!? Why don't we just get it over with and make the background up in a star spangled banner motif? Yick!

[newfangled]

"Strong and Free"!? Why don't we just get it over with and make the background up in a star spangled banner motif? Yick!

Errr...it is actually part of the Canadian National anthem. "True North, Strong and Free..." and all that.

Although it does kindof make us sound like Montana...or maybe one of the Dakotas. Ewww.

But "Fortis et Liber" kindof makes us sound all pretentious like Quebec.

I just know that I'm not a fan of the old mustard yellow. :yuck:

[401_King]

I once saw a license plate in southwest calgary:

"Triple K"

no joke. but thats 7 characters

[freeweed]

Go with something nice like Manitoba did a few years back. Those are still some of the most distinctive, and nice looking, plates on the planet. Lots of colour without looking too tacky.

I'm personally amazed the cops haven't lobbied hard for front plates. Too many people here treat their cars as a fashion accessory though, so I doubt it would wash. And I don't wanna find a front plate holder for my new car. :haha:

[entheosfog]

Man, I've been waiting sooo long to have a change of license plates. The old ones have been around for so long and are getting stale. Having said that, the current ones are a lot nicer than most of the other provinces. And they do stick out in BC where everything is blue. Although they are the same colours as Arkansas...:rolleyes:
I do like the BC Olympic plate and maybe something along those lines (but totally different,obviously) would be nice.
And no front plate! Cars nowadays look better without.

[SunCoaster]

"Strong and Free" is a tad presumptious but, not nearly as bad as the new BC plates struck for the 2010 Olympics - the motto is - "The Best Place On Earth" ....

As for Alberta getting new plates - I agree with those who say about fricken time! I'm not big on the USA plates where each state seems to have about 20 different 'specialty' plates but I am for some color and design ... in my humble opinion MB, NS and NWT have the most attractive plates in Canada with AB, BC and ON at the bottom of the heap ... so, to be redundant, I'm all for a re-design/upgrade of the AB plates.

As for having/not having a front plate ... if the new plates are 'way cool' then yes have a front plate ... conversely, if the new plates are 'crap' then no front plate and if it were possible no back plate either ;) ...

In deference to my foregoing comments AB has to be careful that it doesn't fall into the trap that so many states do which is to create a plate which looks great for 2008 but looks laughable in years to come ...

[Calalb]

Don't you just love this states slogan. :haha: :haha:

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q148/cgyboomer/NH_LiveFree_388456.jpg

[Boris2k7]

"Strong and Free" is a tad presumptious but, not nearly as bad as the new BC plates struck for the 2010 Olympics - the motto is - "The Best Place On Earth" ....

Well, I don't know about BC, but at least Fortis et Liber is the provincial motto here...

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3456/coatofarmscolourca2.jpg

[SunCoaster]

:previous: Calalb, you're right tis a hoot for sure ;)

Speaking of license plates your personal AB plate does have a certain cachet ;)

[SunCoaster]

Well, I don't know about BC, but at least Fortis et Liber is the provincial motto here...

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3456/coatofarmscolourca2.jpg

:previous: Hum there's an idea put AB's new license plate motto in Latin (vs. the English translation) ... gosh that would give AB north america's only 'thinking man's' license plates :rolleyes:

As an aside, I'd be in favor of placing AB's Provincial Coat of Arms on the new plate and it would look a lot better than BC's Olympic plates which have the damn Olympic inookchook on them ...

[niwell]

"Strong and Free" reminds me far too much of "Live Free or Die" of New Hampshire.... kinda scary. What's wrong with "Wild Rose Country"? I always rather liked the slogan. I also like the design. Some of the new American ones come off as kitschy.

[Corndogger]

"Strong and Free" reminds me far too much of "Live Free or Die" of New Hampshire.... kinda scary. What's wrong with "Wild Rose Country"? I always rather liked the slogan. I also like the design. Some of the new American ones come off as kitschy.

"Live Free or Die" has historical significance and is better than some generic slogan. For example, just exactly what is "Land of Living Skies" supposed to mean? Are the skies in Alberta not alive? :rolleyes:

[niwell]

^I'm well aware of its historic significance. That doesn't mean that it isn't a ridiculous slogan.

[Boris2k7]

The alternative alternative...

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/6158/myplate3ox0.png

[brento79]

:previous: Hum there's an idea put AB's new license plate motto in Latin (vs. the English translation) ... gosh that would give AB north america's only 'thinking man's' license plates :rolleyes:

As an aside, I'd be in favor of placing AB's Provincial Coat of Arms on the new plate and it would look a lot better than BC's Olympic plates which have the damn Olympic inookchook on them ...

Agreed, we should put the arms on the plate. That would be original and look really kick ass.

[HomeInMyShoes]

I like the old Wild Rose moniker. Strong and Free makes me feel national and not provincial.

I'm a big fan of the old bold colour schemes and no tag line. Plates now are so fruity. I found this last week. It's what a plate should look like:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/1925944014_95af08d7a7.jpg

Much as it looks cool on the front here, I vote no front plate as well. Drilling holes in the front of my car in 1995 was very sad.

[harls]

But "Fortis et Liber" kindof makes us sound all pretentious like Quebec.



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/120/316019764_c2177cc0b1.jpg?v=0

[freeweed]

Don't you just love this states slogan. :haha: :haha:

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q148/cgyboomer/NH_LiveFree_388456.jpg

What's funny is the rock formation in the background actually collapsed a few years back.

I do love their motto though. Anyone who thinks it's just the usual redneck American banter doesn't know much about New Hampshire. I wish our country could aspire to such lofty ideals. (where's the sighing emoticon?)

[RWin]

How about something similar to this:

http://www.autoplates.com/Europlts/german%20license%20plate%204.JPG

[bigcanuck]

I once saw a license plate in southwest calgary:

"Triple K"

no joke. but thats 7 characters

7 char vanity plates are allowed - normal plates are actually 7 char - 3 letter, 1 space, 3 num.

[Innersoul1]

I like the colour scheme that you put together Boris.

Fortis et Liber is Class through and through. Latin comes across as much smoother than the English translation. Strong and Free just seems so brash.

There is nothing wrong with "Wild Rose Country" it just seems old to me. I would rather see a complete revamp than a partial one.

Riise, when I mentioned coloured background in my initial post I actually had the Alberta drivers license in mind with the mountains. I do think that would look sweet. Although with the coloring of the snow and mountains it would be tricky to come up with a colour scheme (other than blue-BC) that would look good.

[Innersoul1]

Licence plate overhaul in works
Tories consider first redesign since 1983
Jason Fekete, with files from Jason Markusoff, Legislature, Calgary Herald
Published: Friday, November 09, 2007
Albertans are being asked to seriously contemplate their licence plate.

The Stelmach government is looking to give a facelift to Alberta's licence plate -- for the first time since 1983 -- including introducing a new design, overhauled colour scheme and possibly even a new theme to replace Wild Rose Country.

And in a move that could irk many Albertans, the province is also considering reintroducing a front licence plate.

The initiative will be launched today through a three-month public consultation process that seeks Albertans' input on what their tags should look like.

"I'm curious, personally, to know whether people feel that you're going to sell the province as Strong and Free -- is that it? Is it the Wild Rose?" Service Alberta Minister Lloyd Snelgrove said Thursday.

"Are they more interested in expressing themselves individually in licence plates?" he added. "We just want to get a little bit proactive about how Albertans feel about their licence plates and what message they would like to send."

Alberta's three-letter, three-digit tags -- which include a white plate, red numbers, floral graphic and words Wild Rose Country -- feature one of the oldest plate designs in North America. It was released in 1983 and replaced the old yellow plate with black characters.

Beginning in mid-November, the province will launch a special licence plate website (accessed at www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca) that will include an online survey seeking Albertans' input.

Some of the new designs being considered by government include a visual theme of mountains, prairie and city landscapes, wildlife and oilfields.

Shades being contemplated for the plate's background, letters and numbers include blue, red, green, yellow and white.

Government officials said they're still deciding whether the new plates will feature seven characters or if they'll put the numbers before the letters.

The survey also asks Albertans whether the plate should convey information or promote Alberta through a message such as Wild Rose Country, Strong and Free (Alberta's official motto), or some other label.

The government also wants to know whether all licence plates should contain a single message or if individual Albertans should be able to pick from several options.

But the question that could generate the most debate is whether to reintroduce the front licence plate.

The province scrapped the front plate in 1991 to save money, but some people believe they improve public safety and are an important tool for police.

The only specialized tags available are the veterans' plates (about 15,750 in use) and personalized plates (the choice of nearly 50,000 Albertans), according to government officials.

Licence plates are undoubtedly a popular way for Albertans to express themselves, and people take them seriously.

In 2004, in the midst of the mad cow fallout, some 1,000 Alberta licence plates beginning with the letters BSE were manufactured and shipped out by the provincial government. Many vehicle owners refused to put them on their car and the province ended up recalling many of them.

"It's a material thing that people use to construct their identity," argued Tamara Palmer Seiler, a professor in the faculty of communication and culture at the University of Calgary. "Symbolic markers mean a lot to people."

With people so passionate about their plates, the issue will stir intense public debate in Alberta, said Palmer Seiler, who's authored a research paper on personalized licence plates.

"Alberta has become so urban. A lot of people might not have a sense of what a wild rose looks like or care less," she said. "It will be a search for some sort of unity in the province."

[lubicon]

Don't you just love this states slogan. :haha: :haha:

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q148/cgyboomer/NH_LiveFree_388456.jpg

Truly my favorite slogan / motto of all the states and provinces.

[Greco Roman]

I really don't give a rat's ass what they do with the plates, so long as I'm not charged any extra fees for all the extra effort.

[freeweed]

In 2004, in the midst of the mad cow fallout, some 1,000 Alberta licence plates beginning with the letters BSE were manufactured and shipped out by the provincial government. Many vehicle owners refused to put them on their car and the province ended up recalling many of them.

"It's a material thing that people use to construct their identity," argued Tamara Palmer Seiler, a professor in the faculty of communication and culture at the University of Calgary. "Symbolic markers mean a lot to people."

Couple of anecdotes from when I used to issue license plates back in MB:

1. Our old office manager was insanely superstitious. Any plate that came our way with "666" on it, she'd bend in half and return as "defective". "I just couldn't live with myself if we cursed one of our customers".

2. Many people have some pretty specific number issues. Asians in particular. The number 8 is incredibly lucky, so if you ever issued an 888 plate to an Asian customer, you made a friend and customer for life. Apparently the (Chinese?) word for "4" is the same as "death", so any license plate with a 4 on it was a no-go. They literally would walk out the door and take their business elsewhere if all we had was 4xx series plates. The irony here was when MPI (the insurance/vehicle registration entity) went to expiry dates throughout the month, based on birthday - 1/30th of our customers got a nice big "4" sticker on the corner of their plates. We had some people who refused to renew their plates for quite some time after that. It's hard to explain to someone that there is no legal way to change your birthdate, although some did actually try. :haha:

[HomeInMyShoes]

^Totally true freeweed. In Japan, when giving wedding gifts, monetary values with 8's are very much prized. I was invited to a wedding in Japan and was very careful to do my research on what would be considered appropriate and lucky to give. It's not much different from our fascination with 13 and not having a 13th floor labeled as such in buildings.

[newfangled]

Couple of anecdotes from when I used to issue license plates back in MB:

1. Our old office manager was insanely superstitious. Any plate that came our way with "666" on it, she'd bend in half and return as "defective". "I just couldn't live with myself if we cursed one of our customers".

2. Many people have some pretty specific number issues. Asians in particular. The number 8 is incredibly lucky, so if you ever issued an 888 plate to an Asian customer, you made a friend and customer for life. Apparently the (Chinese?) word for "4" is the same as "death", so any license plate with a 4 on it was a no-go. They literally would walk out the door and take their business elsewhere if all we had was 4xx series plates. The irony here was when MPI (the insurance/vehicle registration entity) went to expiry dates throughout the month, based on birthday - 1/30th of our customers got a nice big "4" sticker on the corner of their plates. We had some people who refused to renew their plates for quite some time after that. It's hard to explain to someone that there is no legal way to change your birthdate, although some did actually try. :haha:

I know people who assign phone numbers, and listening to some of the stories about which NXX codes (the 3 digits after the area code) can't be used in various locations in Greater Vancouver is really bizarre.

[RAFS]

How about something similar to this:

http://www.autoplates.com/Europlts/german%20license%20plate%204.JPG

I dream of the day we could use sexy European license plates! Keep dreaming, I know - it will never happen.

[Kevin_foster]

The alternative alternative...

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/6158/myplate3ox0.png

haha

[Tau1]

The thing about this is not about crazy fonts or crazy colors, but whatever font that ends up being used must be legible and clear from a law enforcement perspective. There are extensive studies done in terms of what colors are best seen in all weather conditions, as well as what fonts are most easily read and distinguishable.

But back to the question....
I do not like the idea of having a front plate, but if that ends up being what happens I do not have objections really of having it... in terms of Wild Rose Country, I like keeping that slogan as well... as someone on here has mentioned, our current issue of plates have served well and are actually pretty clear and concise. I personally am not a fan of gradient or background images on license plates as it obscures visibility and clarity.

How about the plates they have in HK?
haha... they're durable plastic and all they have are the number in bold in Cleartype font... the front issue is black letters on white background, and the back plate is black letters on a yellow background. I am totally for that...

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

I'm not Albertan and I've never been there, but I have an idea for your License Plates...


Same style as the old one with the stylized "Alberta" and wild rose. Bottom of plate reads "Wild Rose Country".

The plate is Alberta flag blue with yellow lettering/numbers. Between the two sets, will be the Alberta Coat of Arms.

No front plate. They can burn in hell. :hell:

[Canadian74]

There should be front plates and change the logo to something similar to Ontario's "Yours to Discover" or Victoria's "The Place to Be". "Wild Rose Country" sucks!

[freeweed]

There should be front plates and change the logo to something similar to Ontario's "Yours to Discover" or Victoria's "The Place to Be". "Wild Rose Country" sucks!

Victoria has its own license plates now? ;)

[e909]

I like Strong and Free or the latin term.

I think we should consider putting the province's coat of arms on them too, I've always liked the look.

[Mike K.]

There should be front plates and change the logo to something similar to Ontario's "Yours to Discover" or Victoria's "The Place to Be". "Wild Rose Country" sucks!

The new "mountain/2010 theme" BC plates are horrible. They look like a mishmash of shapes and colours with the flag/logo (whatever it is) dabbed into the middle as though it was an afterthought in the design and not a major requirement.

I honestly think California's plate is the nicest in North America. Nice text, simple design. That's all you need.

The worst, by far, is BC's mountain theme. Ugh.

[korzym]

There should be front plates and change the logo to something similar to Ontario's "Yours to Discover" or Victoria's "The Place to Be". "Wild Rose Country" sucks!

No there shouldn't, nor will the people of Alberta accept them.

[Canadian74]

The new "mountain/2010 theme" BC plates are horrible. They look like a mishmash of shapes and colours with the flag/logo (whatever it is) dabbed into the middle as though it was an afterthought in the design and not a major requirement.

I honestly think California's plate is the nicest in North America. Nice text, simple design. That's all you need.

The worst, by far, is BC's mountain theme. Ugh.

By Victoria I meant Victoria, Australia not Victoria, BC.

[Canadian74]

No there shouldn't, nor will the people of Alberta accept them.

What's the problem with front plates?

[onishenko]

It makes the car appear ugly from the front. IMO, Ontario has the best plates in Canada. Especially their latest run which is a dark, dark blue lettering on white. Clean and simple.

[entheosfog]

The new "mountain/2010 theme" BC plates are horrible. They look like a mishmash of shapes and colours with the flag/logo (whatever it is) dabbed into the middle as though it was an afterthought in the design and not a major requirement.

I honestly think California's plate is the nicest in North America. Nice text, simple design. That's all you need.

The worst, by far, is BC's mountain theme. Ugh.

I think the writing on those plates is hard to read and the 'Best Place on Earth' slogan sucks but I don't think they're that bad...the personalized BC plates are my least fave...

[entheosfog]

I'm not Albertan and I've never been there, but I have an idea for your License Plates...


Same style as the old one with the stylized "Alberta" and wild rose. Bottom of plate reads "Wild Rose Country".

The plate is Alberta flag blue with yellow lettering/numbers. Between the two sets, will be the Alberta Coat of Arms.

No front plate. They can burn in hell. :hell:

Reminds me of the old-school California plate :tup:

[freeweed]

What's the problem with front plates?

Oh boy. As one who just went through this debacle (bringing back front plates) about a decade ago, you really don't want to ask.

Basically, a lot of people seem to think they drive far nicer cars than they do. Considering the vast majority of us are in things like minivans, family sedans, cheap coupes, and those bizarrely ugly crossover vehicles... the "OMG it makes the front of my car look bad" arguments are rather priceless.

Dudes and dudettes, the front of your car already looks bad. Stop pretending you drive a fancy sports car whose lines are being ruined by an identification tag. :haha:

Note to the 2 Ferrari owners that might one day see this: you have a point; my apologies for grouping you in with everyone else.

That being said, I'd have to get a front holder and drill some holes in my bumper myself.

[entheosfog]

Oh boy. As one who just went through this debacle (bringing back front plates) about a decade ago, you really don't want to ask.

Basically, a lot of people seem to think they drive far nicer cars than they do. Considering the vast majority of us are in things like minivans, family sedans, cheap coupes, and those bizarrely ugly crossover vehicles... the "OMG it makes the front of my car look bad" arguments are rather priceless.

Dudes and dudettes, the front of your car already looks bad. Stop pretending you drive a fancy sports car whose lines are being ruined by an identification tag. :haha:

Note to the 2 Ferrari owners that might one day see this: you have a point; my apologies for grouping you in with everyone else.

That being said, I'd have to get a front holder and drill some holes in my bumper myself.

Ah I'll just throw the front one in the window on the dash and call it a day! :haha:

[korzym]

As drivers...theres no advantage to having front plates. You just shoot yourself in the foot by saying yes to front plates. Yeah it aesthetically its ugly, but consider this: you make it that much easier for the police to screw you. The back plate fills the police's needs, a front plate is overkill. I've seen police driving down a road, see a speeder go by in the opposite direction and nothing stops the police from pulling a u turn and driving over the median. Guess what they see, your rear plate. If the police want to get you they will.
Even if you want to report someone or take info down after an accident or some kind of legal violation, its not like cars drive away from you in reverse so you can't see their back plate.

Back plate is enough and completely serves its purpose

[Greco Roman]

So exactly how long will it be before we know our newfounded licence plate design?

[Jarrod]

Just hope that they're not as god-awful as the new ones in BC... yick... "The Best Place on Earth"

[mersar]

So exactly how long will it be before we know our newfounded licence plate design?

The original news story mentioned a 3 month consultation period, so assuming that that kicks off this month probably some time in the spring.

More then likely if they do change back to requiring two plates they'll grandfather existing vehicles that only have one, and you'll only get two if you buy a new car, or have to get a replacement plate for some other reason. One of the reasons they went to single plates was it was cheaper (of course they didn't pass that savings along when they did it either), so I'd also assume that if we do go back to two we'd also see an increase in the registration fees again.

[freeweed]

As drivers...theres no advantage to having front plates. You just shoot yourself in the foot by saying yes to front plates. Yeah it aesthetically its ugly, but consider this: you make it that much easier for the police to screw you.

Well, that depends heavily on your view of the police:

1. Asshats out to screw you
2. Paid public servants out to make the roads safer for you

:shrug:

[entheosfog]

My grandmother prides herself on the fact she still has her front Alberta plate on her 1990 Caprice from the days when there were 2 plates required. You still see the odd car from Alberta with 2. Mind you, the car probably dates to at least before 1991....

[401_King]

Well, that depends heavily on your view of the police:

1. Asshats out to screw you
2. Paid public servants out to make the roads safer for you

:shrug:

!

[governorgeneral]

Front plates make it easier for people to report dangerous drivers. Without fail, I'm cut off every day by a right-turning car on a red, that insists on entering the crosswalk without looking out for pedestrians coming crossways with the right of way. Same with drivers waiting to turn right, gunning it at the green before pedestrians going straight on (also with the right of way) make it through.

A quick glance down at the front bumper as you run to safety, tell the nearest cop, and voila! They won't get a ticket, but at least it's documented. I actually helped them find and catch a stolen car that way. (Memo to car thieves: not getting caught = not drawing attention to yourself, like cutting off pedestrians.)

I bought a new car in Saskatchewan and the dealer put in a plate holder in front even though you don't need one. They wouldn't fix it at first, so I was going to get a european holder to go on top and order a custom plate (from www.europeanplates.net):

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/ggphotographs/regina/front-marker.jpg

"SK" for Saskatchewan (to match how the first letters on German plates indicate district), the rest my actual licence number. Stickers I made myself: on top a wheat sheaf for Sask, where the German environment ministry approval would go on the real thing. Below, where the Germans would put town/district seals, a crown for Regina. I guess other possible stickers for a pseudo-Sask one would be a moose for Moose Jaw, berries for Saskatoon, crossed-flags for Lloydminister (flags = border, get it?), etc.

But in the end the dealer patched up the holes and refinished the bumper for free, so I left it alone.

The Manitoba (http://www.15q.net/cdn/mb04.jpg) ones are the funniest in Canada. I get a kick out of seeing fancy, aggressive and expensive cars (eg Hummers, Mercedes S-classes, Bimmer coupes, police cars) trying to be all tough and rich and all that... and then there's this silly multicoloured "Friendly Manitoba" landscape that shatters the pretense... even with my little hatchback it's enough to make me not want to move there. =)

Plates out east do a good job avoiding the American-style hokey slogans and overboard graphics: Quebec (http://www.15q.net/cdn/qcund5.jpg), New Brunswick (http://www.15q.net/cdn/nb05.jpg), Newfoundland (http://www.15q.net/cdn/nl05.jpg), etc. Just a provincial logo, and numbers in dark colours. Simple, classic, easy to read, goes with anything. I like this one off a Nova Scotia camper:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/ggphotographs/101-rockies%20and%20prairies/DSCF8124.jpg

Government ones are neat too:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/ggphotographs/48-M3d-elective/DSCF0984.jpg

(Photos: me)

[Greco Roman]

The Manitoba (http://www.15q.net/cdn/mb04.jpg) ones are the funniest in Canada. I get a kick out of seeing fancy, aggressive and expensive cars (eg Hummers, Mercedes S-classes, Bimmer coupes, police cars) trying to be all tough and rich and all that... and then there's this silly multicoloured "Friendly Manitoba" landscape that shatters the pretense... even with my little hatchback it's enough to make me not want to move there. =)


Sigh :rolleyes:

[DizzyEdge]

I'm not Albertan and I've never been there, but I have an idea for your License Plates...


Same style as the old one with the stylized "Alberta" and wild rose. Bottom of plate reads "Wild Rose Country".

The plate is Alberta flag blue with yellow lettering/numbers. Between the two sets, will be the Alberta Coat of Arms.

No front plate. They can burn in hell. :hell:

Something like this?

http://www.calgaryheritage.org/images/SSP/try1.jpg

Here's a few randoms

http://www.calgaryheritage.org/images/SSP/try2.jpg
http://www.calgaryheritage.org/images/SSP/try3.jpg
http://www.calgaryheritage.org/images/SSP/try4.jpg

[onishenko]

ugh.... that provincial font has to go...

[whyteknight]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c385/whyteknight1/alberta.png

[onishenko]

Hmmm.....now w/o the drop shadow and a bigger font size for the license numbers.

[SunCoaster]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c385/whyteknight1/alberta.png

:previous: The colors work for me ... especially gradation of the blue. I'm not overly keen on the fonts and would like to see the provincial crest a bit bigger with the numbers/letters spread somewhat wider ... other than that I'll give it the 'Ebert and Roeper' seal of approval :tup: :tup:

[Canasian]

Front plates make it easier for people to report dangerous drivers. Without fail, I'm cut off every day by a right-turning car on a red, that insists on entering the crosswalk without looking out for pedestrians coming crossways with the right of way. Same with drivers waiting to turn right, gunning it at the green before pedestrians going straight on (also with the right of way) make it through.

A quick glance down at the front bumper as you run to safety, tell the nearest cop, and voila! They won't get a ticket, but at least it's documented. I actually helped them find and catch a stolen car that way. (Memo to car thieves: not getting caught = not drawing attention to yourself, like cutting off pedestrians.)


(Photos: me)

I agree. I lived in NY where everyone had a front plate. No big deal. Better for id. If your not doing anything illegal, so what. Here in NL you see two plates on trucks, buses, EMT, and veteran cars, but no front plates on passenger cars. I left my NY plate on the front of my car!

Personally, my favourite plate in Canada is the BC plate- standard issue not the cheesy "Best place on Earth" series. I actually like the old blue and white non reflective Ontario plates, and the current QC plates. Nice and simple. The newer NL plates are blue and white with the Provincial branding on it.

http://www.15q.net/cdn/on87.jpg

[craner]

I'd like ours to have the mountains in the background, like the driver's licenses have/had

Riise
Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sprawlgary
Posts: 928


I think they should differ for each part of the Province. I'd love it if I could get one that used the background image for our old Driver's License. Those where cool!!!

I agree the "old" drivers licence was way cool - I was pissed when I had to get a new one. Throw that backround on the licence plates and bring it back for the drivers. :notacrook:

[onishenko]

Even better:
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2629/cdnon6746atei6.jpg

Here is the history of plates in AB:
http://www.canplates.com/alberta.html

[Doug]

I'd like to see a mountain scene similar to that from the Alberta Driver's Licenses from the mid to late 90's. "Strong and Free" is far better than "Wildrose Country". I'd also like to see wingding characters like California plates.

[big W]

I think what would be cool is almost use the Alberta Flag as the background. On the top continue to have the word Alberta and on the bottom have Fortis et Liber instead of Wild Rose Country. With the flag you have natural space for the letters and numbers on either side as the blue is empty. The only difference is that we can use the coat of arms on the flag instead. That would be an awesome plate.

[big W]

By the way I have got so many people who looked at my drivers licence when in the states who ask me about the mountains and if its real. Whats funny is some people have even told me that checking ID's and seeing the Alberta drivers caused them to want to come and actually come to Alberta to see the Canadian Rockies in real life.

[Canasian]

I like the AB license- it's cool, done in black and white. Why was that chosen instead of the normal colour driver's license?

[entheosfog]

I like the AB license- it's cool, done in black and white. Why was that chosen instead of the normal colour driver's license?

My mug looked way better on Alberta's black and white as opposed to BC's colour photo. Maybe that's why :rolleyes:

[Sir.Humphrey.Appleby]

I like the AB license- it's cool, done in black and white. Why was that chosen instead of the normal colour driver's license?

The reason given was that black and white apparently could be analyzed for more biometric data. That is also why they don't encourage you to smile anymore (just like on passports). (if my memory serves me well)

[Beltliner]

Last word on the number plate discussion--I promise! :D

http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/uncyclopedia/images/5/51/Number_Plate.png

[skrish]

Something like that would be great, but unfortunately it's going to look more American than European.

[Distill3d]

Something like that would be great, but unfortunately it's going to look more American than European.

that part sucks! Alberta should switch to that design!!

[yads]

Why are people so gaga over Euro plates? I like the NA designs, much more creative IMO.

[Innersoul1]

Why are people so gaga over Euro plates? I like the NA designs, much more creative IMO.


Euro plates are simply put CLASS. They aren't ostentatious just simple and reflect the country where they are from. Regions are simply shown with sticker. I like! :tup:

[noodlenoodle]

The reason given was that black and white apparently could be analyzed for more biometric data. That is also why they don't encourage you to smile anymore (just like on passports). (if my memory serves me well)

Also the picture isn't printed on an Alberta ID card, it's burnt in via a laser. Part of the anti-counterfeit measures, plus it won't wear off, fade, smear or discolor. It's also one of the reasons it has to come in the mail.

[entheosfog]

When I was in San Francisco just after the new license cards came out (2004??) a bouncer at a bar was quite impressed with the high level of security with them...

[onishenko]

in Ontario before I switched to get an Ontario license, they were shocked that it had a bar code on it, and that we used the bar code for some gov. agencies.

[yeeg]

In Ontario, you can get plates with the Sens or Leafs logo on it...If they allow Sask Rider logo's on Alberta plates, I am sure the government will make a tonne of cash...

[brento79]

I like simple, but the european thing is for europe. Canada should create its own way. I think American plates are like many american things...to gaudy or busy.

[RWin]

Is it my imagination or am I starting to see Alberta plates with 7 characters on them? 3 now and they all seemed to random to be vanity plates.

[Misterspiffy]

It was expected that Alberta would exhaust its three-letter combinations by last September; they later revised that to the end of the year. They bought a considerable amount of time by revisiting letter combinations to include letters excluded in earlier runs (i.e., vowels). So if you see a plate with three letters followed by a dash and four numbers, that's the new plate combination.

I haven't seen it yet, but I was in a registry office today and the rep told me they are still handing out old combination plates.

I am guessing the new plates will now use the new stylized Alberta wordmark. Can anyone verify this?

[newflyer]

Just hope that they're not as god-awful as the new ones in BC... yick... "The Best Place on Earth"

How about "We're better than you. Nah Nah Nah Nah Naaah Nah. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Thats were this all seems to be heading.