Proposed Changes to the Highway Traffic Act Impose Stronger Penalties for Speeding Offenses

  • Digital Government and Service NL

October 20, 2022

Proposed legislative amendments to the Highway Traffic Act received second reading today in the House of Assembly, building on improvements to make our roads safer and help save lives.

The proposed amendments to the Act would see an increase in fines by $100 for exceeding the speed limit by between 11 and 20 km/hr, 21 and 30 km/hr, 31 and 50 km/hr, and 51 km/hr and over. This increase would also apply to fines for excessive speeding in construction and school zones. Fines for racing vehicles or bicycles on highways, and performing or engaging in stunt while driving are also increased by $100.

The amendments would be supplemented by regulatory changes that will increase the demerit point allocations from two or four points, to six points, for exceeding the speed limit by 51 km/hr and over. The number of days a vehicle will be impounded would increase from three days to seven days for racing vehicles on highways, or performing or engaging in stunting.

These fines are intended to come into force April 3, 2023.

Over the past several years, the Provincial Government has amended the Highway Traffic Act to strengthen penalties for driving violations, in an effort to deter dangerous and life-threatening behaviours. Public safety is a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Province will continue to work with law enforcement, safety partners and stakeholder groups seeking ways to raise awareness about road safety.

Quotes
“We understand that changing dangerous driving behaviour is not as simple as increasing fines. Speeding, stunting, street racing and other inappropriate driving habits are all public safety issues. I want to remind motorists that driving is a privilege, not a right.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“We welcome Minister Stoodley’s proposed amendments to further strengthen the Highway Traffic Act. There are far too many examples of senseless road tragedies in this province. Hannah’s death is one of them. These changes will improve road safety and help further protect the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Gail Thorne
Stand for Hannah Foundation

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Learn more
Road Safety Week Encourages Motorists to Drive Safely

New Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations Come Into Effect on May 19

Proposed Changes to Highway Traffic Act Will Allow for Further Improvements to Public Safety

Proposed Changes to Highway Traffic Act Will Further Improve Public Safety

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

 

2022 10 20 2:50 pm