Nova Scotia takes back 1,500 peeling licence plates

Thousands of peeling Nova Scotia licence plates are being reported from around the province.So if the reflective paint is starting to fall off yours, then you're not alone.

The province says it's identified the problem with a batch of plates manufactured in 2008, between the sequence of ENG001 to ETA499.

During that period,90,000 plates were produced. But so far, the province says only 1,500 of themhave been returned because reflective sheeting is separating from the metal plate.

Truro residentCarolyn Irving says her plateis peeling,but she had no idea there was a problem with the manufacturing process.

"I noticed it about twomonths ago," she said.

"I thought it was from my husband washing my car too much and the particular type of cleaner, but it wasn't happening to his license plate."

Conditional free replacement

Service Nova Scotia spokesperson Tracy Barronsaid the government doesn't believe that all the plates within that manufacturing period are experiencing the same issue, but they've seen a spike indefective plates more recently.

"The plates are manufactured by Waldale Manufacturing Limited, while the sheeting is provided to Waldale by 3M," Barron told CBC News.

"We have used Waldale Manufacturing for over 40 years through the tendering process. Waldale has also been using 3M for over 40 years," she said.

Even though the plates have a five year warranty, thegovernment says the peeling is extremely unusual.

"As a result, Service Nova Scotia will replace any plates with such a defect at no cost," according to spokesman Toby Koffman.

"If the plate is within the identified range ENG001 to ETA499 for standard platesthe client does not need to present the plate upon replacement.Normally, clients would have to present the defective plate in order to waive the fee."

Barron saiddefective plates have been sent for analysis. The government will wait for results before determining who is responsible for the cost of replacement plates.

She said there are no safety concerns with the plates and law enforcement hasnot expressed any concern about being able to read the plates.

If a plate is not readable, police can ticket the car's owner under the Motor Vehicle Act. The fine is $233.95.