Why You're At Risk For Vehicle Impoundment

Have you, or someone you know or love, driven with a suspended license? Know what the consequences are? Once you know these facts, you will think twice before doing it--even if you're driving to the corner store. You will also be in a position to inform a friend or loved one if the temptation arises. Here's how it all breaks down, according to Ontario's Ministry of Transportation.

If you drive while your license is suspended, you can face one of two kinds of impoundment:

1. At the minimum 45 days, if your license has been suspended under a Criminal Code conviction. In this instance, the driver will be given an impoundment notice by a police officer, and the vehicle will be immediately towed to an impoundment yard for the 45 day minimum. The vehicle owner or plate holder must pay the towing charge and storage costs before the vehicle is released at the end of the impoundment period, which can be up to $1,800. Additionally, suspended drivers may face fines from $5,000 to $50,000 if convicted, or

2. 7 days, if driving with a license under a specific Highway Traffic Act suspension. Similar to the above process (albeit almost 7-times shorter), the police officer will issue a notice of impoundment, and the vehicle will be immediately towed to the impoundment yard. To retrieve the vehicle at the end of the 7-days, the owner/license plate holder of the vehicle must pay both towing and storage charges.

Did you notice a very important detail in the above: it is not the driver who pays the towing/impoundment charges, but the vehicle owner/license plate holder! That means that if you lend out your vehicle to someone you know who's license is suspended, you are at risk of not only having your car impounded but also paying the full expenses out of pocket. 

Other behaviour that, if caught, will result in vehicle impoundment:

1. Those driving without a vehicle ignition interlock device when required to do so will also face impoundment, as well as those with a Blood Alcohol Concentration over 0.08 or who fail to comply with the demand to take a breath sample. 

2. If you want to become the star of the next Fast and Furious sequel by showing your stuff on Ontario roads through races, contests, or stunts, your vehicle will face the 7-day impoundment penalty as well.

To get your vehicle out of impoundment, you will have to contact either the police officer who or police service that impounded the vehicle in the first place, from which you will be given instructions on retaining your vehicle. The instructions can vary, depending on the police service, community, region, etc.