On June 7, 2018, in an attempt to improve road safety in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government amended the Highway Traffic Act.
Amendments to the act were introduced in December 2017 to reduce excessive speeding, stunting and street racing by adding licence suspensions and vehicle impoundments as new penalties. Move over provisions were also enhanced by requiring drivers to reduce their speed by 30 kilometres per hour below the speed limit and move to an adjacent lane when approaching law enforcement or other emergency vehicles stopped at roadside.
A new offence for driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for others, causing bodily harm or death was also added to the Highway Traffic Act. The new penalties for this offence are: a minimum fine of $2,000 and a maximum fine of $20,000 or up to two years imprisonment, or both; licence suspension of not more than five years; and six demerit points. The amendments also increase the existing fines for driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons from $120-$480 today to $300-$1,000.
Quotes
“Driving is a privilege, not a right. The amendments to the act strengthen driving laws by imposing tougher penalties on drivers. The improvements are designed to reduce distracted and careless driving such as driving without due care and attention, causing death or bodily harm, excessive speeding, racing and stunting, for example. These changes will make our roads, highways and communities safer and better prepare young people for the responsibility of becoming a driver.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL
If you or a family member have been involved in a car accident within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and would like to chat with one of our specialized personal injury lawyers, contact our office at www.RogersRogersMoyse.com, or by phone 709-738-0001. It costs nothing to chat with one of our lawyers and to understand your rights.
