CAN you spot the difference between the valid license plate and the forgery? When it comes to insuring your vehicle, Mounties are urging you to avoid getting creative.

Coquitlam RCMP seized this altered license plate off a van in June, and then towed the vehicle from Port Coquitlam, after an alert citizen called to report the vehicle as suspicious.

“We’re used to hearing creative excuses for people trying to get out of a ticket, but I’d love to have heard this driver’s explanation,” says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “This particular van was unoccupied when we found it and had multiple drivers associated to the vehicle. Had we stopped it while it was moving the driver would have faced some serious consequences.”

Here are some of the legal headaches that can come with a forged license plate decal:

– No insurance (or expired insurance): Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) 24(3)(b) with a fine of $598.
– Alteration and use of fictitious number plates or documents: MVA 74(1) and a court date
– Forgery: Criminal Code section 366(1) and a court date
“I’ve often been asked about the best way to avoid getting pulled over by police,” says McLaughlin. “There’s a simple answer: you’ll never have to worry about getting pulled over for fines or court dates if you insure your vehicle properly, display your plates correctly, and obey the law.”