Driver's Licence

Vehicle Seizure

A law enforcement officer who intercepts a driver comitting certain offences can seize a vehicle for 30 days. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, the Highway Safety Code requires the driver to advise the owner without delay.

Seizure also applies to a vehicle owner who lends or rents out a vehicle to such an offender. A vehicle can be seized where:

• the licence of the driver has been suspended or revoked;
• the driver does not hold the correct class of licence;
• the driver does not hold a valid driver's licence;
• the driver does not hold a licence with the necessary endorsements (for a heavy vehicle);
• the driver violates a condition that requires him or her to drive only a vehicle fitted with an alcohol ignition interlock device or a driver who violates the conditions of use of the device;
• the driver violates certain conditions associated with his or her driver's licence;
• the driver who is intercepted has a blood-alcohol level above 160 mg/100 ml, or refuses to provide a breath or blood sample or to submit to physical coordination tests;
• the driver commits a repeat impaired driving offence;
• the driver is intercepted for an excessive speeding offence in a zone of 60 km/h or less and has had a prior excessive speeding conviction in such a zone within the previous 10 years;
• the driver is intercepted despite the fact the Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ) has prohibited the owner or operator of a heavy vehicle from putting this type of vehicle into operation or on the road, or has prohibited a driver from operating this type of vehicle.

Check the validity of a driver's licence
Before lending or renting out your vehicle to someone, take the time to check that the prospective driver holds a valid licence.

.

Top of SectionTop of Page