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Ottawa police warn they’re out with plate-scanning tech

Ottawa police warns that officers will be out doing enforcement using automated license plate reader technology over the next few weeks.

The reader can scan up to 5,000 plates an hour — which are then compared to a provincial database — capturing suspended, prohibited and unlicensed drivers, the Ottawa Police Service said on social media Tuesday.

Ottawa police say they’ve been using ALPR since 2016 with funding from the Safer Roads Ottawa program and tout it as a tool to help identify drivers who shouldn’t be on the road and vehicles linked to crimes.

The tech can also turn up expired validation.

“Motorists are encouraged to renew their plates, as always,” an Ottawa police spokesperson said in an email Tuesday.

“Failure to renew a license plate is subject to enforcement. If they are stopped on the road without a valid plate they are liable to a fine of $110.”

As of last March, Ontario eliminated license plate renewal fees and license plate stickers for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds.

But license plate renewal is still mandatory, the Hawkesbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police reminded local motorists last month.

Renewal is free and can be done online through Service Ontario.