CMP/MV Licensing

[maple_leaf_eh]

I'm in the middle of getting my M38A1 legal, so your question is timely.

I have been led to believe that to use old plates you need a matched pair with numbers that are not already issued to a current vehicle. So, having one old plate on your truck is the same as having no plates.

There was a well known story about a fellow who was stopped by a lady cop here in Ottawa. She told him his plate was not properly 'affixed'. He got out and saw it was screwed on. He then got mouthy, uncooperative and demanded to speak to her supervisor. When that cop arrived and asked him to step out of the car to talk. He refused, and was eventually dragged forcefully through the broken car window. His plate was not properly 'affixed' which didn't mean attached but improperly stickered. After being charged and convicted and sentenced, he played used the race card. He was still guilty looking like a spiteful idiot. The lesson is, proper plates at all times.

My situation is chicken or egg. Do I need insurance to register my vehicle, not as a runner, just to put it in my name? The licence bureau lady said I need insurance before I can register it, but the one insurance company that sells antique vehicle coverage wants it registered before they will insure. The value is not a problem, because I had a qualified appraiser put a $$$$ on it last fall. Hmm, didn't know about a Historic Vehicle plate?

What do I need to do?