Vehicle Seizure and Impoundment Program

If a vehicle is operated on a highway, the owner must ensure:

  • the vehicle is registered and insured
  • the vehicle is roadworthy
  • that every person who drives their vehicle has a valid driver’s licence, and is medically eligible to drive
  • that no one driving the is impaired

How the Vehicle Seizure and Impoundment Program Works

All types of motor vehicle may be impounded (including recreational vehicles, passenger vehicles, motorcycles, trucks and buses). Vehicles that are borrowed, used for business or employment, rented or leased can be impounded.

Vehicles may be impounded at roadside when:

  • the driver’s licence is suspended or disqualified – impounded for 30 days
  • the driver is operating a vehicle with no insurance – impounded for minimum of 24 hours
  • the driver is operating a vehicle that is deemed unroadworthy – impounded for minimum of 24 hours.
  • the driver is operating at an excessive speed (51 km/h or more over the speed limit) – impounded for a period of seven days
  • the driver is performing stunts while driving – impounded for seven days
  • the driver is racing the vehicle with another vehicle or bicycle – impounded for seven days
  • the driver is under 22 years of age or a novice driver and has a blood alcohol level (BAC) greater than 0.00 but less than 0.08 – impounded for seven days
  • the accompanying driver has a blood alcohol level (BAC) of greater than 0.00 but less than 0.08 – impounded for seven days
  • the driver is 22 years or over (but not a novice or accompanying driver) and has blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.05 but less than 0.08 – impounded for seven days
  • the driver is 22 year or over (but not a novice or accompanying driver) and an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that driver is impaired – impounded for seven days
  • any driver or accompanying driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or greater – impounded for 30 days
  • any driver or accompanying driver who fails or refuses to comply with a demand made under Section 254 of the Criminal Code of Canada – impounded for 30 days

Cost of Vehicle Impoundment

All drivers are given an impoundment notice by the officer. The registered owner also receives an impound notice by mail. The vehicle will be immediately towed to an impoundment yard (included on the impoundment notice).

The registered vehicle owner is liable for all towing and storage costs for the impoundment period. These must be paid before the vehicle will be released.

In addition, drivers may face additional fines and fees.

Early Release Application Process

The Registrar may approve the early release of an impounded vehicle as per section 17 of the Vehicle Seizure and Impoundment Regulations.

  • An application for early release must be completed by the registered owner
  • There is a non-refundable fee as per the Fees Policy
  • Applications and payment information can be faxed to (709) 729-4360 or delivered to any office (mail or drop box)

Please allow up to seven business days for the review of the application. The registered owner will be advised of the outcome. Proof of valid insurance will be required to release the vehicle (otherwise it must be towed or floated from impound).

Vehicles Not Claimed

Impoundment fees constitute a lien on the vehicle. If the vehicle is impounded for 30 days or more after the expiry, the garage operator may sell the vehicle. For more information visit the Vehicle Seizure and Impoundment Regulations.