May 4, 2004

SASKATCHEWAN MOVES TO A SINGLE LICENCE PLATE

Amendments to the Vehicle Administration Act were introduced in the legislature today allowing SGI to follow the lead of five other provinces and all three territories by adopting a single licence plate system.

"The move to a single licence plate is a major cost-saving initiative," Minister responsible for SGI Maynard Sonntag said. "The change will save Saskatchewan motorists about $370,000 a year, which will help SGI maintain among the lowest auto insurance rates in the country."

The existing dual licence plate system has been in place since 1977. The change to require only a single licence plate on the back of the vehicle takes effect on August 1st, 2004. After this date, SGI will issue a single plate only on transactions requiring a new plate. On existing registrations, customers will have the choice to remove their existing front plate.

"Vehicle owners and manufacturers have lobbied SGI to move to a single licence plate as new vehicles are often not equipped to carry a front plate," said Sonntag. "We’re responding to that request, while at the same time reducing administration costs to keep auto insurance rates among the lowest in the country."

Alberta, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and the three territories use single licence plates.

For media inquiries only, contact:

Juliane Jack
SGI Communications – Regina
(306) 775-6907