METRO VANCOUVER — A lookalike driver designation sticker being sold in Richmond, denoting a Chinese driver, is getting a red light from some community leaders.

The magnetic sticker — which is similar in size, shape and letter design to those ICBC requires for drivers in the graduated licence program — features a yellow background with a capital "C" with the words "Chinese driver" spelled out underneath.

The stickers are being sold at Super Garage in Aberdeen Centre, a store which specializes in after-market accessories for vehicles.

Richmond City Coun. Chak Au said he could see the potential humour behind the signs, but cautioned it may send a negative message of ethnic stereotyping.

The item could be particularly troublesome, added Au, in a community currently entrenched in a public debate over the exclusion of English in some advertising signs.

"I don't think whoever produced them meant to be racist or mean-spirited," Au said.

"But they are strengthening certain stereotypes."

Au said the popular stereotype he is aware of characterizes Chinese drivers as aggressive and sometimes unsafe.

And that sweeping judgement is incorrect, he added.

"I am Chinese-Canadian culturally, but I have a really good driving record," he said.

Au was also concerned about the close resemblance the signs have to ICBC's version.

"They look pretty official and can give people the impression ICBC is giving out licences according to nationality or cultural background," Au said.

"This is also not the best time to promote decals with this type of humour because we are trying to foster greater cultural harmony and integration. And to classify people according to categories is divisive."

The decals are nothing new, said Adam Grossman, an ICBC spokesman.

He said ICBC had "seen these signs before and when they’ve used our logo we’ve sent out cease and desist notices."

Henry Beh, executive director of Richmond Chinese Community Society, said he does not like the negative implication they create.

"I think they are stupid," Beh said. "It's an insult those people. It's not just Chinese people who drive badly.

"I am Chinese and I don't think I am a bad driver."

Beh said he understands the business selling the signs is trying to make money, but thinks they could have chosen a more tasteful product.

Calling the signs inappropriate and harmful to the community was Balwant Sanghera, vice president of Richmond Multicultural Community Services.

"To identify a specific group like that is completely out of character for a country that values multiculturalism," Sanghera said.

"It's not right and I hope they get rid of them (signs).

"We should be very respectful for every community and cultural group."

Sanghera added he fails to see the humour in the signs.

"Whatever message they were trying to convey, it was the wrong way to do it," he said. "I don't think that's acceptable in our community.

"We are all working together to promote cultural harmony, especially in Richmond, and when something like this happens it really pushes those efforts back."

When the News contacted staff at Super Garage they said the signs were out of stock and unsure if sales were going to be continued.

However, when the News reporter entered the store earlier the same day, a staff member happily showed off a number of the signs.

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