Y.O.M. Plates

Jordan Baker · #1 24-12-07, 00:06

HI everyone

My question is in regards to Year of Manufature licesense plates for Ontario. I found out in the barn today 2 license plates from 1942. Unfourtunatly they have different number/letter combinations and are not a set.

I know with the Provincial MTO, you can use YOM plates for your vehicle if you have a set and your vehicle is from the same year. I was thinking this would be neat to do for my Willys MB. However when I was speaking to my grandparents about using the plates, they said that during the war people were only given one plate due to rationing.

Has anyone ever heard of the Ontario government only using one vehicle plate during the war?

Lynn Eades · #2 24-12-07, 04:21

I understand that thats what happened here in N.Z.

Grant Bowker · #3 24-12-07, 16:07

Last year at the Barrie Auto Flea Market I several pairs of 1942 Ontario plates (and earlier) but only saw singles for 1943. I suspect that the change to single plates happened about that time. I also saw few if any 1944 and 1945 plates. I have been told that later in the war they switched to masonite for the plates instead of steel, if this is so it explains why there are few remaining. I think that trucks were only issued one plate in that era, so pairs would all be for cars. I don't know if MTO cares about that now. Rob Clarke looked into it for his HUP and I think he came to the conclusion that he couldn't have a completely accurate setup (1945 truck plates (2) on a 1945 HUP) and that MTO wanted far too much money for this anyway.

Paul Singleton · #4 24-12-07, 20:32

I would take the plates to the ministry and have them check the numbers first. Many older numbers were recycled and used on motorcycles and trailers. If the number is in use you can't register the plate. As for only having one plate you will need documentation that only one was issued. I doubt that anybody at the ministry would know that today.

Paul

Barry Churcher · #5 25-12-07, 01:53

I do a lot of appraisals and safetys for antique vehicles and I find many people are disappointed when they find out their insurance company does not recognize YOM plates as antique vehicle suitable. Check with your particular company before buying the plates, having them authorized and then spending money for a sticker.
Barry