New Brunswick

Department of Public Safety
Registrar of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B5H1
(506) 453-3992 | www.gnb.ca/0276/vehicle/index-e.asp

New Brunswick Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B5H1
(506) 453-3939 | www.gnb.ca/0113/index-e.asp

Service New Brunswick
City Centre 432 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1998
Fredericton, NB E3B5G4
(506) 453-2834 | www.snb.ca/e/0001e.asp

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
“J” Division
1445 Regent St.
P.O. Box 3900
Fredericton, NB E3B 4Z8
(506) 452-3400 | www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/nb/index-eng.htm

(see Vehicle Registration)

When the owner of a registered vehicle transfers or assigns interest and the possession of a vehicle to another, the owner must sign the application for transfer and endorse the name and address of the transferee or assignee, and the date of transfer upon the reverse side of the registration certificate. This certificate must be forwarded to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (Registrar).

Before operating of a vehicle, the transferee or assignee must apply for a transfer of registration.

When the title or interest in a motor vehicle transfers from the owner to another, except for by voluntary transfer or death, the vehicle may only be operated as necessary to the residence or place of business of the person entitled to the vehicle, or to the garage, if it does not exceed a distance of 120 km, unless the person is entitled to the possession applies and obtains a new registration.

Every dealer or manufacturer upon transferring a vehicle by sale, lease, or otherwise to a person, except to another manufacturer or dealer, must give written notice to the Registrar of the transfer date, the name and address of the transferor and transferee, and a description of the vehicle.

(see Vehicle Registration)

The application must be made to the Registrar on the appropriate form, must bear the applicant’s signature, and must be written in ink.

The application must contain: (1) the name, bona fide residence and mailing addresses of the owner; (2) a description of the vehicle including the make, model, type of body, serial, or identification number; and (3) any other information reasonably required by the Registrar.

There is no period of grace for a late registration.

Upon vehicle registration, the Registrar shall issue a registration certificate to the owner of the vehicle.

The registration certificate shall contain: (1) the name and address of the owner; (2) the registration number assigned to the vehicle; (3) a description of the vehicle; and (4) on the reverse side of the certificate, an endorsement form for vehicle transfer.

A registration certificate for a vehicle leased for over 30 days must contain, in place of the name of the owner, the name of the owner together with the name and address of the lessee under the lease.

It is not permissible to operate a motor vehicle unless a registration certificate has been issued for the vehicle, and the original or photostatic copy of the registration certificate is carried in the vehicle or on the driver at all times.

A motor vehicle liability insurance card must be carried in the vehicle or on the driver when the vehicle is operated on the highway.

The Registrar may issue a permit to an applicant to operate the vehicle in New Brunswick on a temporary basis.

The owner of a motor-driven cycle must register the cycle. Upon registration, the owner shall be issued 1 registration plate. The age requirement for the registration of a motorcycle is 16 years of age or older.

The registration for vehicles expires on midnight of the same day 1 year after the day of initial vehicle registration, except for commercial vehicles with a weight in excess of 4,500 kg and vehicles engaged exclusively for the hauling of unprocessed farm products.

The registration, registration certificate, and registration plate are valid for a 1-year period.

A private passenger vehicle that is owned by a non-resident and registered in the owner’s home province or state may be operated on the highways without being registered in New Brunswick.

The registration of a vehicle is required for: (1) a non-resident who uses a vehicle to solicit business, remains for more than 30 days during any 1 year, and uses the vehicle to make deliveries; (2) a non-resident who resides or remains for more than 6 months in any year; (3) a non-resident who allows a vehicle to be operated for more than 30 days, except for a chauffeur, by a person who is a resident or ordinarily a resident in New Brunswick; or (4) a non-resident gainfully employed in the Province.

N/A.

No province-wide emissions inspection requirements.

An annual vehicle safety inspection is required prior to registration.

Upon registering a vehicle, the registrar shall issue to the owner 1 reflectorized registration plate for a motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer, or 2 reflectorized registration plates for every other motor vehicle.

A registration plate must display the registration number assigned; the name or abbreviation of the province; the number of the issuance year; and any other information required by the Minister of Public Safety. The letters and numbers on the registration plate must be visible from a distance of 30 meters in the daylight.

The registration plates issued remain at all times the property of the Crown.

When 2 registration plates are issued for a motor vehicle, except for a motorcycle, 1 must be displayed on the front and 1 on the rear. When only 1 registration plate is issued for a motorcycle or other vehicle required to be registered, the plate must be displayed on the rear except for a truck tractor, which must display the plate on the front.

The Registrar may issue, in lieu of registration plate or plates for 1 year, a device or sticker that may be attached to the registration plate, windshield, or other parts of the vehicle.

The color scheme for license plates is maroon and green on white.

The Registrar may issue to disabled persons identification plates, permits, or placards to be displayed on or in vehicles used for the transportation of disabled persons.

License plates may not be transferred.

The examinations for an original license include tests of the applicant’s eyesight; the ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic, and the knowledge of the traffic laws of the province; and, an actual demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control of the vehicle.

New Brunswick has a system of graduated licensing for teen drivers.

A stage 1 learner’s license may be obtained if a person is at least 16 years of age, has successfully passed a visual test and a road traffic knowledge examination, and pays all required fees.

A stage 1 learner’s license authorizes a driver to operate a vehicle if accompanied and supervised by a licensed driver who holds a valid license for the type of vehicle operated, other than a learner’s license with at least 3 years of driving experience. The passenger must occupy the seat beside the driver or if there is no seat beside the driver, a seat inside the motor vehicle. Stage 1 learner’s license holders are not permitted to drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

A driver is qualified to hold a stage 2 driver’s license when the driver has: (1) held a stage 1 learner’s license without interruption for the preceding 8 or more calendar months, has successfully passed a licensed driver training course during the previous 2 years, and has passed the required road test; or (2) held a stage 1 learner’s license without interruption for the preceding 12 or more calendar months and has passed the required road test.

Teens are eligible for a stage 2 license at 16 years and 8 months. For the first 12 months of licensure, stage 2 license holders under age 21 are prohibited from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. and are not permitted to carry more than 3 passengers, with only 1 in the front seat.

After 12 months of stage 2 licensure, drivers can apply for a full Class 5 license.

It is not permissible to operate a motor vehicle on the highways without a valid driver’s license.

Persons are exempt from the license requirement when operating or driving: (1) a motor vehicle in the service of the Army, Navy, or Air Force of Canada; (2) a vehicle designed for and used in the construction, maintenance, or repair of the highways, except for a truck, while the vehicle is being used at the actual site of construction; (3) an instrument of husbandry, other than a farm tractor, incidentally operated or moved on the highway; and (4) a motor vehicle at the time of, and in the course of a driving test.

A non-resident at least 16 years of age and with a valid driver’s license from the non-resident’s home province or country may operate a motor vehicle except for: (1) a resident of another province or country who resides and carries on business in New Brunswick for more than 6 consecutive months in a year; or (2) a non-resident driver who was formerly a resident of New Brunswick and whose license was revoked and driving privileges suspended.

Every application for a license must contain: (1) the full name, date of birth, sex, and residence address of the applicant; and (2) a brief description of the applicant. If the applicant is applying for the first time, the application must include the applicant’s birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or other proof of age. Photo is optional.

A person not previously licensed to operate a motor vehicle in New Brunswick is required to obtain a license before driving in New Brunswick. Upon applying for a new license, the applicant must surrender the license issued by the other jurisdiction.

License expires on the licensee’s birthday in the year of expiration.

Class 9 – motor driven cycle license

Class 7

Level 1 – learners license authorizes a person who is receiving instructions in the operation of a motor vehicle to drive a motor vehicle.

Level 2 – authorizes the holder to drive vehicles described in Class 5 with the exception of class 9 (motor driven cycles).

Class 6 authorizes the holder to drive a motorcycle or any of the vehicles described in Class 9.

Class 5 authorizes the holder to drive any motor vehicle including:

• Any vehicle from Class 9,
• Any two-axle motor vehicle except an ambulance, a taxicab or a bus, or
• To tow a towed vehicle which is registered up to and including 4,500 kg gross vehicle mass behind a motor vehicle or motor home referred to herein but not equipped with air brakes.

In addition to a class, a driver’s license may be endorsed with a letter to expand on the types of vehicles that can be driven by the holder of the license. The endorsements are as follows:

• A – valid for all motorcycles
• B – valid for school buses
• C – valid for motorcycle and school buses
• D – valid for motorcycles with engine size exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, but not exceeding 550 cubic centimeters
• E – valid for vehicles equipped with air brakes

The use of handheld cellular phones, text messaging, two-way radios, or any other kind of handheld electronic device is prohibited.

Citizen band radio channel 9 is not monitored for emergency calls.

No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

Drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle equipped with at least one flashing red light must slow down, proceed with caution, and move to a non-adjacent lane, if possible.

Every driver and passenger of a motor vehicle driven on the highway in which a seat belt assembly is provided must wear the complete seat belt assembly.

It is not permissible to operate a motor vehicle on a highway with a person in any portion of the motor vehicle not designed or used for carrying passengers, or to ride in a motor vehicle in the portion not designed for carrying passengers unless the motor vehicle is: (1) used in a parade approved by an appropriate government authority; (2) transporting persons who are working while being transported on the motor vehicle; or (3) transporting persons to or from a work site.

A person driving a motor vehicle on a highway with a passenger 9 – 16 years and more than 36 (79-80 lbs.) kg or more than 145 cm (4′ 9″) must ensure that the passenger: (1) is wearing the complete seat belt assembly in a properly adjusted and securely fastened manner, or (2) is occupying and properly secured in a child seating and restraint system.

A person driving a motor vehicle on a highway must ensure that passengers 18 kg (40 lbs.) or less occupy and are properly secured in an appropriate child seating and restraint system. Children who weigh 18-36 kg (40-80 lbs.) but under 9 years old or under 145 cm may be in a booster seat. Children who weigh less than 9 kg (20 lbs.) are required to be secured in either an infant carrier or convertible seat adjusted to the rear-facing position while riding in vehicles where there is an available seating position fitted with a seat belt.

The driver of a vehicle approaching a railroad crossing must stop the vehicle between 15 and 5 meters from the nearest rail of the railroad, when: (1) an electric or mechanical signal device is exhibiting a warning signal; (2) a crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach of a train; (3) a train is approaching within 500 meters of the crossing that emits an audible signal; and (4) an approaching train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing. The driver must not cross until the signal is no longer given or the train traffic ceases to exist.

The driver of a motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, of any bus, or any vehicle carrying explosive substances, or flammable liquid as cargo must stop between 15 and 5 meters from the nearest rail of the roadway. At a stop, the driver must listen and look in both directions for any visible or audible signals of an approaching train, and must not proceed until the driver can do so safely. The driver of these vehicles must not cross in gears that must be shifted when traversing and the driver must not shift gears while crossing.

The driver of a motor vehicle meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus on a highway when the bus is displaying flashing red lights must stop vehicle at not less than 5 meters from the bus and not pass until lights cease to flash. This does not apply to the driver of a motor vehicle meeting a bus on a highway divided by a median.

Modification of original bumper height is permitted.

Headlights are required to be used when visibility is 150m or less.

Hazard lights are permitted only when a vehicle is parked on the highway or any portion thereof due to an emergency or under circumstances beyond the control of the driver.

Tire chains may be used in snow and ice conditions.

Studded tires are permitted Oct. 15 – May 1.

It is not permissible to operate a motor vehicle with windshields or windows that have been treated, coated, or covered with a color spray, other colored material, or any opaque or reflective material that prevents more than 30% of any light from passing through the window in either direction when measured by a photometer.

No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a highway if a display screen in the motor vehicle is visible to the driver. Exempts built-in display screens that function as a global positioning system navigation device or provide information about the status of various systems of the motor vehicle.

Radar detectors are prohibited.

Except as otherwise specified, it is not permissible to operate a motor vehicle on the highway with a non-transparent material on the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows, or having on the exterior or interior an ornament that obstructs or is liable to obstruct the driver’s clear view of the highway.

N/A.

Every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle must be equipped with at least 1 but not more than 3 headlamps displaying white lights. The height of the headlamps must be not more than 140 cm and not less than 60 cm from the ground.

The driver and any passenger of a motorcycle and motor-driven cycle must wear a safety helmet.

Every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle must be equipped with a least 1 brake that may be operated by either hand or foot.

A person may not operate a motor-driven cycle on the highway unless the cycle weighs less than 55 kg, and is equipped with: (1) wheels having rims that measure 25 cm or more in diameter; (2) a seat or saddle being 70 cm above the level surface where the vehicle stands; (3) a motor not capable of propelling the motor-driven cycle at a speed in excess of 55 km/h; (4) at least 1 and not more than 3 headlamps displaying a white light; (5) at least 1 tail lamp that when lit emits a light visible to 150 meters; and (6) an automatic transmission.

The headlamp or headlamps of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle may be either a single-beam or multiple-beam type, but must be of a sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at a distance of not less than: (1) 30 meters when operated at any speed less than 40 km/h; (2) 60 meters when operated between the speeds of 40 and 60 km/h; and (3) 100 meters when operated at a speed of more than 60 km/h.

No person may operate a motor-driven cycle at night at a speed greater than 60 km/h unless the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a headlamp or lamps that reveal a person or a vehicle at a distance of 100 meters.

A person operating a motorcycle may only ride on the permanent and regular seat attached, and the driver may not carry any other person unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than 1 person, or a sidecar is attached.

It is not permissible to drive a motorcycle on the highway unless the person possesses an endorsed license that is either

The city of Bathurst has a law limiting motorcycle exhaust noise to 92 decibels.

Class 9 license required. Minimum age is 14. Helmets are required. Other required equipment: headlamp, tail lamp, stop lamp brakes (either hand or foot), mirror, horn, and muffler.

The maximum trailer dimensions are: (1) a width of 2.6 meters; (2) a height of 4.15 meters; and (3) a total length of 23 meters and trailer length of 12.5 meters. The exception to the length requirement is a box length of 23 meters for an A-Train Double, a B-Train Double, and a C-Train Double Trailer.

Every trailer or semitrailer with a gross mass of 1 1/2 tons or more must be equipped with brakes that may be applied by the driver of the towing motor vehicle, in the case of a trailer or semitrailer equipped with air brakes, and the brakes must be designed and connected so that in the case of an accidental breakaway, the brakes will automatically apply.

In a combination of motor-driven vehicles in which a trailer is equipped with brakes, the brakes must be designed so that the brakes of the rearmost trailer are applied in approximate synchronism with the brakes of the towing vehicle, and so that the brakes on the trailer exude the required braking effort on the rearmost wheels at the fastest rate; the braking effort applies first on the rearmost trailer equipped with brakes; or, must include both of the above systems so installed as to be used alternately.

Every combination of motor-drawn vehicles must be equipped with service foot brakes adequate and effective under all conditions of traveling: (1) to stop within 10 meters when all wheels are equipped with brakes, and 12 meters otherwise when traveling at a speed of 30 km/h; and (2) to decelerate the vehicle or combination thereof at a rate of 426 cm per second when all wheels are equipped with brakes; and, (3) otherwise at a sustained rate of 326 cm per second, as if on a dry, smooth, level roadway.

The drawbar or connection used to tow must not exceed 5 meters from 1 vehicle to another except for vehicles transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects that because of their structure cannot be dismembered.

When a vehicle is towing another and the connection consists of a chain, rope, or cable, a white flag or cloth not less than 30 cm must be displayed on the connection.

Every semitrailer, or trailer 2 meters or more in overall width must be equipped with: (1) 2 amber clearance lamps on the front mounted at each side; (2) 2 red clearance lamps on the rear mounted 1 at each side; and (3) on each side, an amber reflector at or near the front and a red reflector at or near the rear.

Every semitrailer, or trailer may be equipped with the following: (1) on the front, 3 amber identification lamps; and (2) on the back, 3 red identification lamps. The identification lamps must be mounted in a row either vertically or horizontally.

Clearance lamps must be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle to indicate its extreme width.

Must give unobstructed view 60 meters to rear.

80 km/h unless otherwise posted.

Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, and any other vehicle drawn at the end of a train of vehicles must be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps, mounted 1 on either side of the rear of the vehicle, that when lit emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of 150 meters.

Every vehicle towed must be equipped with a tail lamp or a separate lamp constructed and placed to illuminate a white light to the rear registration plate and render it visible from a distance of 15 meters.

N/A.

Crashes are required to be immediately reported when property damage exceeds C$1,000.

Contact your local AAA club about AAA Guaranteed Arrest Bond validity in Canada.

New Brunswick has future-proof law applicable to accidents resulting in death, bodily injury, or property damage of C$1,000 or more. Minimum financial responsibility limits: C$200,000 (exclusive of interests and costs) for private passenger vehicles. Proof is required at all times. Fine for noncompliance is C$287.50.

Province does not have non-resident service of process law; it has no guest suit law.

When directed by a traffic control device or sign on the highway, or when ordered by a peace officer, the operator of the specified vehicle must drive the vehicle to the location of the massing station or scales and submit the vehicle to a weighing.

All riders must wear bicycle helmets.

U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. from Canada by land or sea are required to present proper travel documents according to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Proof of citizenship is required for travel to Canada by land or sea. A U.S. passport is required for travel by air to Canada and to the U.S. Permanent U.S. residents who are not citizens should carry their Alien Registration Receipt Card.

All children must have their own travel documents. In lieu of a U.S. passport or passport card, U.S. children under 16 traveling to and from Canada by land or sea may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. If the parents are separated or divorced, the parent crossing the border should have proof of custody or a letter from the other parent. Persons under 18 years of age who are not accompanied by a parent should bring a letter from their parent or guardian giving them permission to cross the border.

A visitor is permitted to bring a reasonable amount of personal effects, a reasonable supply of food, and a full tank of gas. “Reasonable” means enough for personal use during the length of stay in Canada. A visitor must have a rabies vaccination certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian to bring dogs or cats into Canada.

New Brunswick has implied consent law. Presumptive BAC level is .08. It is not permissible for a driver with a learner’s permit while operating a vehicle to have consumed alcohol in the quantity that exceeds the concentration of more than 0 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood. The legal drinking age is 19.