The RCMP is changing the look of its front line police vehicles for the first time in more than 30 years, and the new cars will eventually reach detachments across southern Alberta.
The national police force announced the redesign Monday from its headquarters in Ottawa, it says the goal is better visibility and a more modern look.
The new design uses white doors on a black base. It also uses reflective, high visibility graphics. The RCMP says the markings are meant to be easy to spot day or night, in cities or the country, and in all of Canada’s weather. The force says the black and white colour scheme is drawn from older RCMP cruiser designs.
“This new look prioritizes visibility and public safety,” RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said in a news release. “It ensures our vehicles are instantly recognizable as police, in any community and in any circumstance, while respecting the RCMP’s long-standing identity and proud history serving communities across the country.”
The first new vehicles are expected on Canadian roads later this summer. The RCMP says the switch will be slow. Older cars will stay in service until they meet the fleet’s replacement rules. During the changeover, both the old and new vehicles will be on the road at the same time.
Provinces, territories and municipalities are allowed to add local identifiers if they want to.
Medicine Hat itself is policed by the Medicine Hat Police Service, so city cruisers are not affected. However, neighbouring communities with RCMP detachments will be receiving the upgrades. Towns and cities such as Redcliff, Bow Island, Cypress County, Maple Creek and Brooks will all receive new cruisers.
The RCMP says public safety is the forces top priority and the new marking were built to stand out from non-police vehicles. It admits the change could raise worries about impersonation.
Phased out emergency and fleet vehicles frequently make their way into the hands of regular people through public surplus auctions and secondary markets, where buyers can legally purchase them. Anyone unsure about a vehicle can call their local detachment to check the car number, license plate, or an officer’s name or badge number, the RCMP says.
By Brook Wagner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jul 20, 2026 at 22:37
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