Crashed car in Port Coquitlam had Alberta plates made of paper

Coquitlam RCMP would like to speak to a man and woman who were involved in a single-vehicle collision on January 8, 2020, at about 8:20 p.m. on the Mary Hill Bypass near Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam. Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BCRCMP

February 24, 2020 - 1:27 PM

Wanted: Unknown couple in Port Coquitlam. May have access to a colour photocopier. Last seen driving a grey 2005 Nissan Altima with a paper Alberta licence plate.

Coquitlam RCMP would like to speak to a man and woman who were involved in a single-vehicle collision on Jan. 8, at about 8:20 p.m. on the Mary Hill Bypass near Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam.

The couple’s car had crashed because it lost a wheel. When police officers arrived on scene, they found one of the worst licence plate forgeries they had ever seen hidden under a licence plate cover.

"One reason that licence plate covers are illegal in B.C. is that they are often used to obscure what’s underneath," Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said in a press release.

"At first blush this licence plate is terribly funny, but there are serious consequences."

People with forged plates are often driving with no insurance or their vehicles are not roadworthy, or both. That’s both unsafe and unfair to other road users who follow the rules and pay their premiums.

The couple involved in the collision quickly left the scene when police arrived. The car has been seized for disposal.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.