When someone chooses to dispose of a vehicle, attention typically focuses on collection, funds transfer, and documentation. Meanwhile, remove license plates before scrapping a car tends to slip under the radar. Seemingly minor, these metal registration tags are frequently abandoned atop the chassis with little consideration. Eventually, such an overlooked act may spark complications.
Ontario links license plates to individuals, never the automobile itself. Should the vehicle disappear, responsibility remains fixed upon the registered person. When plates vanish, get misused, or linger in official files, consequences arrive – notifications appear, fees apply, policies react unpredictably. A brief effort today avoids drawn-out complications down the road. This outline outlines how discarded license plates must be handled in Ontario, ensuring closure occurs in a timely and quiet manner, without unresolved matters trailing behind.
Should License Plates Be Removed Before Scrapping?
Yes, you should always take the plates off before the car goes to the scrap yard.
Scrap buyers do not need them. The plates are your responsibility, and they stay under your name until you return or transfer them. If they remain on the vehicle and something happens to them, the issue may come back to you.
It only takes a screwdriver and a few minutes. Most people do it while waiting for the tow truck. It is a simple step, but it gives peace of mind.
Legal Reasons License Plates Must Be Removed in Ontario
- The plate number remains active in government records until you address it. If the plates are still out there and someone uses them, you may receive parking tickets, toll charges, or other notices. Sorting that out later can be frustrating. Ontario keeps license plates active until officially returned or transferred at a ServiceOntario centre.
- There is another reason. The province expects you to complete the plate return in Ontario after a vehicle is permanently off the road. This tells the system that you no longer operate that vehicle.
- Removing the plates before scraping is really about closing your responsibility. Once you do that, the vehicle is entirely out of your name.
Step by Step: How to Remove License Plates from a Scrap Car
- Keep the right tool ready: Use a basic screwdriver that fits the plate screws. Most vehicles use standard screws, so no special tools are needed.
- Remove the rear plate first: Loosen the screws slowly, then remove the plate. Keep the screws safe if they are still in good condition.
- Take off the front plate: Follow the same process for the front plate. If the screws feel tight or rusty, turn them gently to avoid damage.
- Check that both plates are with you: Make sure nothing is left behind or inside the vehicle. Even damaged or faded plates should be kept.
- Store the plates safely at home: Keep them in a secure place until you return, transfer, or use them later if needed.
Tip: Do this before pickup so nothing gets misplaced during the removal process.
What to Do with License Plates After Scrapping a Car
After removal, you have a couple of choices:
- If you do not plan to use the plates again, return them to a ServiceOntario center. This is the safest option because it clears your record right away.
- If you are planning to buy another car soon, you can transfer the plates instead of getting new ones. Many people do this to save time and avoid extra fees.
- Some owners hold the plates for a short period while deciding. That works too, but it is better not to delay for long. Returning them early keeps things clean and simple.
Can You Get a Plate Refund After Scrapping a Car?
If extra time was paid beyond actual use, eligibility for a refund may apply. Determined by how much remains in the registration period, along with active regulations set by the province. Refunds are granted only when the conditions outlined in these terms are met.
If eligibility applies, a plate return is required at a ServiceOntario location. Following review of the cancellation, confirmation may come regarding reimbursement for unexpired portions.
Some individuals meet the criteria, yet verification remains useful. Several property holders remain unaware that they may be required to repay.
Why Must Insurance Be Cancelled After Removing Plates?
Once the car is scrapped, the insurance policy should no longer be active.
Some people forget this step and continue paying for months without noticing. That is money wasted on a vehicle that no longer exists.
After you remove the license plates and the car is gone, contact your insurance company and cancel the policy. They may ask for a scrap receipt or confirmation from the buyer.
Penalties for Leaving Plates on a Scrap Vehicle
If someone uses those plates, any violation will come under your name. That could be a parking ticket, a traffic fine, or a toll charge. Fixing these issues later takes time and effort.
There can also be record problems if the system still shows your vehicle as active.
These plate penalties are entirely avoidable. Removing the plates before the car leaves your driveway reduces unnecessary stress.
Temporary Plates and Custom Plates
Temporary permits should still be cancelled once the vehicle is scrapped. Do not assume they expire on their own.
If you have personalized plates, never leave them on the car. These plates are linked to you and can be used on another vehicle. If you want to keep them, inform ServiceOntario so they remain active under your name.
Scrap Car License Plate FAQs
Q1: Do scrap yards need my license plates?
No, scrap yards do not require your plates to process the vehicle. They only need ownership documents and identification to complete the transaction.
Q2: Should I remove plates even if the car is not running?
Yes, the vehicle’s condition does not change your responsibility. Plates remain under your name until you return or transfer them.
Q3: When should I return the plates after scraping the car?
It is best to return them as soon as the vehicle is scrapped. An early return helps update government records and prevents future confusion.
Q4: How to detach license plates from a vehicle for scrapping?
Use a screwdriver to remove screws from front and rear plates. Start with the rear, loosen gently, and store plates safely until returning to ServiceOntario.
Q5: Where can I recycle a number plate after removing it from a scrap car?
Return license plates to any ServiceOntario centre. This officially deactivates them and may qualify you for a refund on unused registration. Recycling at metal facilities is optional but not required.
Q6: What tools are required to take off car registration plates?
A screwdriver (flathead or Phillips) that fits your plate screws. Spray WD-40 on rusty screws if needed. No special tools required.
Q7: Can someone else return my plates for me?
Yes, another person can return them on your behalf. They should carry proper identification and any required documents from you.
Q8: Is it okay to remove the plates before the tow truck arrives?
Yes, this is actually the best time to do it. Removing them before pickup ensures they are not lost or left behind by mistake.
Conclusion
Scrapping a car is not just about getting it picked up. You also need to close everything connected to it. Taking off your plates, returning or transferring them, and updating your insurance will save you from problems later. It only takes a little time, but it completes the whole process. When you book scrap car removal with Scrap Car Buyer Toronto, this reliable service provider handles pickup and guides you through every step for a smooth process
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