If you are driving an unregistered vehicle or your licence has been suspended, be sure to stay off the roads.
The focus on November’s Traffic Safety Spotlight will be on suspended drivers and uninsured vehicles.
According to SGI, there are approximately 55,000 suspended drivers on the roads in Saskatchewan. A driver’s licence may be suspended for a variety of reasons, including impaired driving, a poor driving record, failing to live up to obligations imposed by SGI or the courts, or a medical condition.
Suspensions may be imposed for anywhere from 72 hours to indefinitely.
Most suspensions are the result of unpaid traffic fines and/or failing to complete any driver program requirements — such as Driving Without Impairment, a Defensive Driving Course, or participating in the Ignition Interlock program.
On average, each year around 3,500 drivers are caught driving while suspended.
SGI says potential consequences for driving while suspended include immediate vehicle impoundments and court summons for charges under either The Traffic Safety Act or the Criminal Code. There may be fines and/or jail time. Consequences escalate for repeat offenders.
It is also worth noting that a suspended licence means you do not have insurance. If you are responsible for a crash while driving suspended, you will be held liable for damages. That is also true for anyone who causes a collision while driving an unregistered vehicle.
A vehicle is no longer registered if plates have been expired or cancelled.
Around 10,000 drivers are caught every year operating an unregistered vehicle, thanks to automated licence plate readers (ALPRs).
The fine for driving an unregistered vehicle is $580. Repeat offenders receive a seven-day vehicle impoundment.
Visit SGI’s website for more information.
