New Rules Introduced for Suspended Drivers and Vehicle Impoundment

Amendments to the Highway Traffic Act introduced today in the House of Assembly will assist law enforcement officials in dealing with those driving while suspended and will allow garage operators to dispose of low value vehicles more easily.

“These changes will clarify sections of the act dealing with driving while suspended which will help our law enforcement officials in their work to keep our roadways safe,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Service NL. “In addition, we are making changes to streamline the disposal processes for low value and unfit vehicles seized and left unclaimed.”

The amendments to the Vehicle Seizure and Impoundment Regulations will assist garage operators by reducing the administrative requirements in relation to the disposal of low value vehicles, where the value of the vehicle is less than the costs of towing, impoundment and legal work. The regulations continue to protect the owner by ensuring that appropriate notice of impoundment is given by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, and will provide time for owners to pay outstanding charges and reclaim their vehicles if they desire.

The amendments introduced today will also merge two separate sections of the act dealing with driving without a proper licence or driving while suspended, to reduce duplication and uncertainty for the police when laying charges. Penalties for these offences will be retained in the new section. As a result, law enforcement officials will be able to apply the act in a more clear and concise manner and the deterrent against driving without a valid licence will be strengthened.

“These amendments are a step in the right direction, and will make the act and regulations more effective as law enforcement tools,” said Minister Davis. “As a result of these changes, we will be able to reduce red tape, simplify processes and deliver better services to the people of the province.”

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Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca 

2012 05 31             4:20 p.m.