Government reconsidering new vehicle seizure laws

The government has hit a snag in the new vehicle seizure laws, and changes may be coming as a result.

A Saskatoon business recently had one of its vehicles impounded after an employee was accused texting and driving it for a second time.

Under new laws that came into effect this summer, the penalty includes a seven day seizure of the vehicle the man was driving. But, the province is reviewing other options if the penalty hurts the bottom line for an employer.

“When you’re talking about someone’s income, it strikes home,” says Don McMorris, Minister responsible for SGI. “There’s still responsibility for employers. We don’t want to completely back away from that, but I do want to look at an appeal process. So, it may not be a seven day impoundment it may be two or three day impoundment.”

The automatic vehicle seizure penalty also applies to suspects of impaired driving, distracted driving, or driving with a suspended license.