Yes, it is generally considered best practice to remove old IFTA stickers before applying new ones each year. While not always explicitly mandated as a legal requirement to remove expired decals in all jurisdictions, it is strongly recommended to ensure clear visibility and compliance.
Why Removing Old IFTA Decals is Best Practice
Maintaining clear and current IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) decals is crucial for commercial vehicles operating across state and provincial lines. Enforcement officers need to quickly verify that a vehicle is properly registered for fuel tax purposes.
- Clarity and Compliance: Having multiple or expired decals displayed can lead to confusion for enforcement personnel. It is widely recommended to remove the expired IFTA decals and then place the new ones directly onto the body of the truck in the same designated locations. This ensures that only the current, valid decals are visible, reducing the likelihood of being pulled over for inspection.
- Preventing Misinterpretation: Overlapping decals or an accumulation of old stickers can obscure the current year's decal, making it difficult to read and potentially leading to compliance issues or delays during roadside inspections.
- Professional Appearance: A truck displaying only current and properly applied decals presents a professional image, reflecting diligence in compliance with regulations.
The Annual IFTA Decal Renewal Process
IFTA decals are issued annually, and they are designed to be distinct from year to year, often featuring different colors or slight design variations.
- Annual Issuance: New IFTA decals are typically issued at the beginning of each calendar year after a carrier renews their IFTA license. These decals are valid for the entire year, usually expiring on December 31st.
- Transition Period: Some jurisdictions may offer a grace period into the new year (e.g., until February or March) during which both the old and new decals might be accepted while carriers await the arrival of their new stickers. However, once the new decals are received, they should be applied promptly.
Practical Tips for IFTA Decal Management
Proper management of your IFTA decals goes beyond just application; it involves careful planning and display.
- Surface Preparation: Before applying new decals, ensure the surface of the truck is clean, dry, and free of any residue from old adhesives. This promotes optimal adhesion and longevity of the new stickers.
- Strategic Placement: IFTA decals must be affixed to the exterior of both sides of the power unit, typically on the cab door or directly behind the cab, in a location that is clearly visible from the ground. Avoid placing them on windows or any part of the vehicle that might be easily removed or obscured.
- Record Keeping: Always keep a copy of your IFTA license and a record of your decal numbers with your vehicle documents.
Best Practices for IFTA Decal Display
Ensuring your IFTA decals are properly displayed can save you time and potential fines.
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Do Remove Old Decals | Ensures compliance and clear visibility of current year's decals. |
| Do Clean Surface | Prepare the application area for optimal adhesion of new decals. |
| Do Place Directly on Truck | Apply new decals directly onto the truck body, not over old ones or on removable parts. |
| Don't Obscure View | Ensure decals are clearly visible from outside the vehicle without obstruction. |
| Don't Forget Renewals | IFTA decals are renewed annually, typically with an effective date of January 1st. |
For more comprehensive information on IFTA regulations and requirements, you can visit the official IFTA website. Adhering to these best practices will help ensure your fleet remains compliant and operates smoothly across jurisdictions.
