A change made at the Alberta Ministry of Transportation has resulted in a slew of tickets being handed out to drivers who weren't aware their licence plate or driver's licence had expired, Sgt. Phil Penny said.
Penny, the detachment commander in Stettler, said the ministry had stopped sending out renewal letters for driver's licences, licence plates and vehicle registration, instead switching to an opt-in digital reminder.
The change, which was announced in mid-March, went into effect in April. The change is expected to save the province about $3 million a year.
"During these tough economic times, it's particularly important for government to find smart ways to save taxpayers' money," Danielle Larivee, then-acting minister of Service Alberta, said in a news release in March.
Albertans with disabilities will continue to receive reminders in the mail. Seniors over the age of 70 will continue to receive mailed reminders until April 1, 2017, the press release noted.
There are three ways for Albertans to be reminded when it is time to renew:Visit your local registry agent and sign up for an email reminder.
Sign up online to receive a reminder from one of the following:
E-registry (Vehicle Registration and Driver's Licence)
Alberta Motor Association (Vehicle
Registration)
MyAlberta (Available April 1, 2016)
Motorists can also check their licence plates or vehicle registration and mark the date in their calendars.