Vehicle Seizure and Impoundment

Newfoundland and Labrador's Vehicle Seizure and Impoundment Program is aimed at making our roads safer. Starting August 1, 2003, vehicles driven in Newfoundland and Labrador by persons apprehended for driving while their driver's licence is suspended or prohibited, will be impounded for a period of 30 days.

How does the Vehicle Impoundment Program Work?

A driver caught driving while his/her licence is suspended for any reason will be given an impound notice by the police officer. The vehicle will immediately be towed to an impound yard for 30 days. The vehicle owner must pay the towing and storage costs before the vehicle is released.

Who can have their vehicle impounded?

Any person caught driving while suspended in Newfoundland and Labrador will have the vehicle he/she is driving impounded. Regardless of whether the vehicle is borrowed from a friend or family member, used for business or employment purposes, rented or leased, the vehicle will be impounded.

This program applies to all motor vehicle types including passenger vehicles, motorcycles, trucks and buses.

What if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle?

Seizure and impoundment will apply to all vehicles, regardless if the registered owner is not the driver of the vehicle. Rentals, borrowed, or company vehicles are not exempt.

How much will it cost to get my vehicle back?

Vehicle owners are liable for all towing and storage costs for the 30 day impoundment period. In addition, suspended drivers may face additional fines and suspension upon conviction for driving while suspended.

Can I appeal the impoundment?

A vehicle owner can appeal on the following grounds:

vehicle was stolen at time of impoundment
driver was not under suspension
vehicle owner exercised all reasonable efforts to ensure the driver had a valid driver's licence
loss of the vehicle would result in an exceptional hardship

There is a $100 application fee to file an appeal. In the event of a successful appeal this fee will be refunded.

To Whom Can I appeal?

Appeals can be filed with Motor Registration Division. For further information contact:

LENORA TAYLOR
SUPERVISOR OF DRIVER RECORDS
MOTOR REGISTRATION DIVISION
GOVERNMENT SERVICES
PO BOX 8710
ST. JOHN'S NL  A1B 4J5

Telephone: (709) 729-2519
Facsimile: (709) 729-6955
E-mail: ltaylor@gov.nl.ca

What are my responsibilities as a vehicle owner?

You are responsible to taking all reasonable steps, to ensure every person who drives your vehicle has a valid driver's licence.

Can the vehicle plates or ownership be transferred while the vehicle is impounded?

No. A person cannot remove the licence plates from the vehicle or attempt to transfer the ownership or cancel the registration of a motor vehicle seized and impounded, without the approval of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

What if the vehicle is not claimed after the impoundment period expires?

The impoundment fees constitute a lien on the vehicle. If the vehicle is not claimed within 30 days after the impoundment expiry, the garage operator has the right to sell the vehicle to recoup seizure and impoundment and administrative expenses. Any surplus from the sale will be remitted to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. Monies owed to the government for outstanding fines, etc., will be deducted and the remainder will be returned to the registered owner.