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December 02.2025

2 Minutes Read

B.C. Man's 'FIVE-0' License Plate Recall Sparks Sentimental Debate

Kamloops 'FIVE-0' license plate recall on blue vehicle with snowy bumper.

License Plate Dispute: A B.C. Man's Sentimental Attachment

A personalized license plate can tell a story, but for Jimmy Jay of Kamloops, B.C., his cherished 'FIVE-0' plate is turning into a contentious issue. After nearly a decade, ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) has decided to recall the plate due to its reference to law enforcement. The term 'Five-0,' popularized by the TV series Hawaii Five-0, generally refers to police and is against ICBC's guidelines for vanity plates.

A Shocking Notification

Jay was taken by surprise when he received a letter last week informing him of the recall, stating, "I was totally caught off-guard there, totally surprised." To him, the plate isn’t just a number; it has a personal connection, evoking memories of his previous career as a police officer and his fondness for the iconic TV show. Jay insists he should be exempted from this policy since the recall came a decade too late.

IPolicy and Meaning Behind Vanity Plates

Under ICBC's rules, personalized license plates cannot reference law enforcement, religion, politics, or public figures. ICBC representative, Lindsay Wilkins, explained that these guidelines are periodically reviewed and that the agency apologizes for any disappointment caused. Alternatives, such as 'FORK 50,' have been suggested as replacements, but Jay isn’t thrilled. He stated, “If I can’t have that [FIVE-0] plate, I just don’t want one, you know. I’ll just go with a regular plate.”

The Emotional Toll

It’s clear that for Jay, giving up his plate isn't just about losing a piece of metal; it means losing a part of his identity. He questions why there wasn't any action taken during the decade he held onto the plate. It raises a broader conversation about how policies can sometimes overlook the individual stories that lie behind these personal identifiers.

A Case for Grandfathering in Personalized Plates

This incident has sparked a debate about whether long-held personalized plates should be exempt from new regulations. Many believe that individuals who have maintained these identifiers for years should be 'grandfathered in,' allowing them to keep their cherished plates without fear of arbitrary recalls.

Looking Forward

As Jay prepares to return his plate, this story serves as a reminder of how significant personal belongings can be. It also prompts a discussion on the importance of allowing individuals to maintain their unique identities within community regulations. The situation is still evolving, and we may see advocacy from residents pushing for more lenient policies regarding personalized plates in the future.

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