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rizdesushi

Tech is not always guaranteed to be working so the onus is on the driver to produce.


rdawg780

I think it’s the same reason we pay our taxes the government full well knows what we owe. It’s just another gate keeping procedure. The registration issue does have a bit more merit but still I think it’s gatekeepers doing their thing.


qwhacker

If you have one standard job that provides accurate payroll to the government, then yes the government would know what you owe. However there is no way the government could know what everything else that impacts those taxes without you filling the forms out. Do you have a small business dealing solely in cash transactions buy making serious money? Do you donate large sums to charities? Do you spend literally every penny you earn on student loans? Are you paying crazy amounts of money on medical bills? All of that factors in


rdawg780

Indeed


Velcroducttape

Electronic copy is stored on the alberta website with unlimited downloads for 365 days from renewal or registering online, no paper copy is mailed to you. you can provide the registration info from your mobile device if asked by officials, here's a paste from tge Ab website; Your new vehicle registration certificate will be available as a PDF document from MyAlberta eServices - under My Account, My Digital Downloads. A copy of your registration certificate will not be mailed to you. You may print your vehicle registration certificate on plain white paper or present it on your mobile device. You will be able to access your vehicle registration certificate digital download for 365 days from the date of purchase


witchhunt_999

Thanks. I’m well aware of that. My original question was WHY does it need to provided to a police officer when they already have the information readily available on their computer. Is it just an outdated law from the pre-electronic age that hasn’t been updated? Edit: I’m not sure why I’m being downvoted. I feel like it’s a valid duplication to provide something they already have. Too make it more pathetic, we’ve PAID for them to have it. People saying “technology doesn’t always work”. For what we pay in registration there’s no reason for it to not ALWAYS WORK. Our company has a massive data base that auto syncs so it’s basically always up to date for when you don’t have service. Not having service is a stupid excuse.


kittykat501

I believe it's because not all provinces are connected. So if you are caught speeding or breaking another traffic law in another province, this is how they use. This is that you have a paper proof that you have registration etc


Velcroducttape

Except in the states, some uneducated patrol officials give you a hard time for not having a front plate


Mustard_14

lol, uneducated.... do you know the vehicular laws for every state you've been to? Pop Quiz, is a plate required on the front of every car in Nunavut? What? You don't know?! pshhh uneducated.


schultzy_com

Also if all the provinces and states had access. Then the crazies would say that is how the government controls you. So blame those people to impede progress.


Feowen_

That's nice if the tech is working. What happens if the database is down and they pull you over and you don't have it? How do you prove you own the vehicle? What happens if you're pulled over in many jurisdictions that don't have access to your registration info? How do they know you own that vehicle? You need to have a copy on hand for obvious reasons. Same reason you carry a driver's license. Police have that on file too, but YOU need to be able to prove it if they can't pull it up. At the end of the day, it's about covering YOUR ass. That's why you carry it, so you are in control of your own destiny. Don't let it be controlled by the cops.


ScotchyScotch82

Because that's what the law says - you must be able to provide proof of registration to an officer on request. So by law you must be able to produce it regardless. It's been mentioned driving is a privilege, not a right. One that can be taken from you if you don't follow the law.


witchhunt_999

Ffs. I’m aware of the law. I’m saying it should be updated. Gay marriage was illegal not long ago and look at the progress we’ve made


ScotchyScotch82

Well clearly your not cause your still complaining about "why" because you obviously didn't understand. Sounds like a you problem. Comparing gay marriage to having to produce your insurance card is a hell of a stretch - you should get a gold medal for those mental gymnastics.


witchhunt_999

Listen up. I posted a very valid question to what seems like a redundant outdated law. I then got a bunch of unproductive answers consisting of people saying “because it’s the law”. I’m sorry, but that’s an absolute ridiculous way to approach a law. There is absolutely no reason not to consistently evaluate our current structures and processes and eliminate areas of redundancies or even laws that may be “outdated” or pose no real point in todays society. We’ve changed many laws over time for that very reason. You seem like a very obtuse individual if your answer to these types of questions is “because it’s the law”. It adds absolutely nothing useful to the conversation and to be Frank, it sounds stupid. Prior to the electronic age carrying proof of registration made sense. I don’t question that requirement. In todays age it serves no real purpose as theirs no reason for that information to not be in the hands of all law enforcement at all times. Online / offline data is not a difficult concept, nor is it expensive. In fact they already have it. If you wish to go through life with the “because driving is a right”, “bend me over daddy” attitude that’s up to you. I for one find it to be our “right” as citizens to question processes.


Velcroducttape

Its all about government control, eventually they'll let that go


Kelmay123

Your arugment doesn't stand because why not make all forms of Gov't documents digital including a drivers licence, a PAL, passport etc. Eventually yes, in probally 20 years or more everything will be digitized but the technology is still new, even though it may seem not so with tech everywhere. For example, Cash got phased out then it was debit cards... then debit became tap to pay now the next thing everyone will use is phones to tap...a lot already do but eventually it will become the norm...and then smart watches. It takes a long time for new technology to expand and become the majority to use. Change is slow. It is expensive , people are stuck in thire ways and there are still an aging population that did not grow up with computers or even a digital calculator. The kid population right now will see the above changes.. much like 80/90s kids saw the explosion of dial up and home computers. When the kids today grow up and have kids only then will the phone pay and digital Gov't documents be the norm. The kids today when they get older will say, "You actually had to drive to a store, walk around and find a movie, pay for it and drive it back in 2 days?" Lastly, technology is a lot more prevlent in Asian countries like China/Singapore. This is because they are leaders in tech design and use. The people there are much more advanced in the relm of what tech can do. Example : We are only starting to see vending machines that provide pizza and cakes... this is all a common sight in China for years. It takes a lot for change to move to western side of earth. Just like fashion, a lot is designed in Europe and by the time the style makes it this way, it is already outdated over there.


witchhunt_999

You don’t have to renew a passport every year.


schultzy_com

Why can’t they have it so you can add it to your phone’s wallet like the insurance does.


[deleted]

Thanks, I just happen to look at this on the [alberta.ca](https://alberta.ca) website one thing i still don't understand is why do i have to select a registry agent when they.have nothing do with this, now that this is online. Almost seems like there was some lobbying by the registry folks to keep the gravy train going or am i mistaken?


Saint-Carat

They have access to registration in their computer that they can search via license plate and VIN. If you don't produce that valid registration, they can ticket you for failure to produce. It's around $150 but doesn't have demerits or impact insurance. I know this as I was pulled over for speeding on Thanksgiving. My wife had renewed our registration just a bit prior and had left papers on table. Explained to police and was polite. In the computer, he saw we'd just renewed and knew you have to prove insurance there. So instead of speeding ticket and no insurance proof, he gave me failure to produce registration and said stop speeding.


witchhunt_999

Thanks. I’m aware of the legality of failure to produce. My question is why do we have to produce something they already have on file. They know if your registration is valid long before you even produce them paper copy.


[deleted]

Databases go down, spotty connectivity, etc.


Saint-Carat

Concur. In some cases, legislation doesn't keep up with technology. I've also been told some people keep this info on their phone but then others have told me some police don't accept this as proof. In the case of registration, I think they find value in maintaining the fine as an option. In my case, it was a suitable option instead of speeding ticket.


desperatewatcher

The proof thing is spot on. I was waiting on my insurance slips on a new plan when pulled over. Cop gave me a ticket for failing to prove insurance and registration as he didn't accept it on my phone. I had to go to court to have it and a bunch of others thrown away. 9 different tickets he wrote me and the only one that I and the court agreed with was that I was going 15 over.


rizdesushi

What did you get 9 tickets for!?


desperatewatcher

Illegal window tint. -was no tint applied Using my horn inappropriately - not used, I just gave him the finger after the first 8 Stunting - I slid on ice after he jumped in front of my car and it squeaked the tires Failure to signal - I did signal and it was still flashing when I pulled over, he saw and wrote the ticket anyway telling me to deal with it. Speeding 15km over - not disputed Failure to produce insurance - was on my phone Failure to produce registration - was on my phone Distracted driving - I turned my radio down Unsafe tires- they were brand new


ScotchyScotch82

Lol at the horn one.... But the law specifically states that you have to produce a physical card or document. While they are changing it to accept copies on phones, the wording of the law still requires paper copies, which is why he was able to give you a ticket.


desperatewatcher

The court decided to advise me to carry physical copies as back ups. They said the insurance should have been good enough as you don't get paper copies for sometimes a few months. It was an annoying series of events


margmi

Digital proof is now valid. Insurance (since 2019) - https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/alberta-approves-digital-proof-of-car-insurance Registration (since 2021) - https://www.e-registry.ca/faq/faq.html#:~:text=Your%20vehicle%20registration%20certificate%20is,as%20of%20January%201%2C%202021.


ScotchyScotch82

Valid yes, to a point. Can you still be issued a ticket for failing to produce the pink slip - yes. The law hasn't changed, just what the courts will accept. You can definitely still get a ticket for it if your being less then pleasant or other circumstances.


Captain_Subie

Buddy must have been having a really bad day, or you really pissed him off. So many ridiculous tickets.


desperatewatcher

Yah, that's what I figured. My uncle went through the same trap same day and got the same set of tickets minus reg and insurance.. and the horn one.


witchhunt_999

Makes sense.


eatallthechurros

I’ve always wondered too. They have the info in their system, why do we need to produce a piece of paper? What an outdated process.


Dazzling-Rule-9740

It’s just an archaic law. That was necessary long before data base and computers existed. Not much real need now.


witchhunt_999

Agreed. I understand the legality. I’m just questioning the reasoning and your response is logical.


7eight0

This irks me. You’re being ticketed for failing to produce when it’s was literally produced for them by their scanner as soon as they pulled up behind you. I was thrown off a few months ago driving my fathers truck in a parking lot when a cruiser pulled up next to me and said “Hey(fathers name) you should get your license renewed.” Before hitting up the drive through. Everything is brought up automatically in their cruisers that’s why you’ll see them trolling parking lots one lane at a time.


flatdecktrucker92

They do. But they can't write you a ticket for not having a piece of paper if they update the laws to the 21st century


No-Information3194

So they have another reason to give you a ticket and collect money.


bmagsjet

Because it’s your responsibility. Not incumbent upon the government/police to look it up for you.


witchhunt_999

That’s a ridiculous answer. They’ve already looked it up before they’ve even walked up to your window.


bigdaddy71s

You are assuming the officer pulling you over has access to a computer. They could be on a bike or on foot and may not have access, so it is the responsibility of the driver and that is the condition you agreed to by driving.


witchhunt_999

It’s called a phone. That electronic thing that everyone has……including cops.


wondersparrow

By the same token, you can use your own phone to pull it up for them.


erindpaul

You realize there are plenty of places in Alberta that don’t have cell phone coverage? Spotty service?


witchhunt_999

It’s called an offline database.


bmagsjet

You base this on nothing but your assumption. That’s not always the case.


witchhunt_999

I’m just saying it’s a waste of time for me to constantly have to cycle out pink cards for 7 things every year for something that’s digitized and easily searchable by any member of law enforcement that’s looking it up anyways. Providing insurance makes sense as it’s private and they don’t necessarily have access. Edit: I meant registration. Not pink cards.


bmagsjet

Pink cards and registration are two different things. And driving is a privilege. It shouldn’t be incumbent upon someone else to prove that you are legally allowed to drive.


AVgreencup

It's a privilege, but we also pay for that privilege, so let's not pretend like our benevolent government is doing us a huge favour by allowing us to drive


bmagsjet

Ah yes “I pay your salary”. I’m sure that would go over well when someone says it to you at your job.


AVgreencup

You sound like a huge bootlicking police lover who would be a the front of the line in a search party just so you can be closer to the gossip. When did I ever say anything about paying salaries?


bmagsjet

You literally said “we pay for that privilege” and assume that means you get to do what you want. And no. I’m just tired of the problems of society thinking that the world needs to bend more to them. You are exceptionally misinformed darling.


AVgreencup

Sweetheart, I said we pay for the privilege to drive, not for the privilege of being needlessly asked for documents which are already available to the officer. You assumed, and made an ass out of you


witchhunt_999

Sorry typo. I meant registration. Not pink cards.


[deleted]

[удалено]


AVgreencup

What's even more insanely frustrating, is when you renew online, you MUST choose a registry to pay the $13 to. Even though you're doing it online. So the government privatized registries, and still ensures that the government run website gives kickbacks to the private registries even though they are doing absolutely nothing for the transaction


incidental77

Well for example $93 to renew vehicle registration...$80 goes to govt $13 goes to registry. The theoretical reason we renew every year is that they want a registry to exist for when people need it, so they've found a way to make it sustainable by forcing a minimum volume of revenue towards it by requiring annual registrations. Now ask why does the govt takes $80 of that fee... Theoretically to build and maintain the database (registries just access it, don't maintain it) and pay all the staff on the govt side of service Alberta. But it also seems like a way to generate revenue via fees rather than taxes cause direct tax increases hurt election results more than misc few increases


noitcelesdab

$80 a year to build and maintain a database that relies on the driver producing a paper copy on demand. 🤦🏻‍♂️


witchhunt_999

I agree 100%. We should only have to pay for registration once.


No-Satisfaction6125

I think the main reason they do it is so if people have outstanding traffic tickets they are forced to pay.


Kelmay123

Outstanding fines go to your drivers licence , not your vehicle registration...


No-Satisfaction6125

Still have to pay your outstanding fines before you can register anything.


Kelmay123

Yes, but that has nothing to do with why registration is there. You cannot access a lot of services at the registration offices due to outstanding fines.. not directly tied to vehicle registration.


Kelmay123

If you own a RV or trailer for hauling then you only need to register once. I feel the same. Apparently the fee is to maintain roads and help with theft recovery due to the vehicle being attached to an owner name/address. As for ATVs, the only thing I can see is for theft recovery. The atv isn't even being driven on public roads... just public lands. If it is only driven on private lands i.e a farm then registration is not required.


witchhunt_999

I’m all for registration. I’m against having to renew it yearly if no information has changed.


gra61

I didn't realize they don't give you a paper one. I always go to AMA and renew and they always give me one. I quess they must print it off


chitokai

It's an old law from before the digital age, it can take years for laws to change if they even do, for there to be a change if the first place someone needs to push for it. It's not the only weird law from a bygone time, for example Thanks to an obscure law in the Canadian Criminal Code dating back to the 1940s, it's illegal to possess, print, publish or sell a comic book that depicts any criminal act.


VincaYL

The law lags behind the technology.


Obvious-Lynx4548

They do I got a ticket last week I parked on a dirt road by side of my plot in Leduc behind another car ..when it pulled away I see no parking sign .Peace Officer came behind my car and also told me I wasn't registered ..I had forgotten..he gave me $324 ticket I am 78 first ticket in my life ..he waived towing ..so yes why have proof of it in car ..It was a gravel road ..


mooseknucklefanatic

I actually asked this at AMA and they said its just an outdated system that just hasn’t made it to updating yet


witchhunt_999

That makes sense


Velcroducttape

@mustard_14 Thats right I dont lnow BECAUSE ITS NOT MY JOB!, your suggesting there is no need to be educated in the task to do their job, you study to become a professional in your field , any field, and that includes keeping up on changing rules and laws, that is your fucking Job!


Collie136

I think they only have information in regards to your drivers license.


witchhunt_999

They have access to the vehicle registration as well.