What to Do If Your Manitoba Driver’s License Is Suspended

Driving a vehicle is a privilege today and is more of a necessity in the modern world to commute easily. Therefore, losing this privilege due to any reason can cause a major inconvenience, disrupting your daily routine and limiting your mobility. Your license can be suspended for several reasons, and it is important to know the steps you need to take to get back on the road legally. This guide will help you understand what to do if your Manitoba driver’s license is suspended.

Your Driver’s License can be Suspended for Various Reasons

Criminal Code Offenses: Criminal code offences include dangerous driving, criminal negligence, flight from police, auto arson, auto vandalism, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and selling or purchasing master keys. The conviction for any of these offences may lead to a driver’s license suspension.

Illegal Use of Driver’s License: Misuse of your driver’s license will result in fines and license suspension. Illegal license use includes possessing more than one valid license and altering your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance liability card, or certificate. For any of these activities, your driver’s license will be suspended.

Impaired Driving: Novice drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of less than 0.05. If the BAC is above the mentioned level, you will receive an immediate 24-hour roadside suspension.

For all other drivers, tiered administrative license suspensions apply for impaired driving. If you are driving with a BAC of between 0.05 and 0.08 or have failed a physical coordination test or drug recognition test, you will receive an immediate tiered administrative license suspension.

Steps to Do If Your Driver’s License is Suspended

Understand the Reason for Suspension: Knowing the reason for your suspensions is crucial because it determines the steps you must take to get your license reinstated.

Pay Outstanding Fines: If your suspension is related to unpaid fines or tickets, the first thing you need to do is pay those fines. It may take up to 14 days for the payment to be processed and for the hold on your license to be removed.

Complete Required Programs of Assessments: Based on the reason for your license suspension, you may be required to complete certain programs or assessments. This can be a driver’s education program that focuses on safe driving practices or a court-ordered program. The license will not be reinstated until you prove that you graduated from the program.

Bring Necessary Documentation: Gather all the necessary documentation, such as proof of fine payment, program completion certificates, and medical clearance, to reapply for your license.

Reapply for Your License: Once you have all the requirements, visit a Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Service Centre to reapply for your license.

Pay the Fee: You must pay a reinstated fee while reapplying for your license.

Additional Testing: You may have to take additional testing, such as an eye exam, depending on how long your driver’s license has been suspended.

Consider Filing an Appeal: In some cases, you may be able to appeal your suspension if you believe the suspension was unjust or if you face exceptional hardship as a result. You can file the appeals with the License Suspension Appeal Board (LSAB).

What happens if you drive while suspended?

If you drive while suspended, you will face certain consequences:

The vehicle will be impounded for a minimum of 30 days. Vehicle owners will be responsible for the costs of towing and storage, and in addition, an impound fee must be paid to release the vehicle.
In some cases, you might face imprisonment for up to five years.
You will have to pay a fine of up to $2,000.
A non-appealable license prohibition under the Criminal Code. This means you will be eligible to get a conditional license.
According to the Highway Traffic Act, there are chances of a lifetime driver’s license suspension.
Additional driver’s license premiums can be applied after reinstating the driver’s license.

Always be cautious and take steps to prevent future suspension. Understand the rules of the road, avoid risky and unsafe driving practices, and remember to pay your fines before the due date. Regular medical check-ups can also help you ensure that you are fit to drive. Having your Manitoba driver’s license suspended can be a stressful experience, but by taking the proper steps, you can get back on the wheel. If your driver’s license is suspended, follow the above-mentioned steps to reinstate your license.

If you have more queries regarding the Manitoba driver’s license, check our Canada driver’s license for all information regarding your license in Manitoba or any other province. We help you learn about road rules and traffic laws with our Manitoba MPI Quiz Practice tests on our website. For new and aspiring drivers preparing for the MPI Knowledge test, we are the perfect companion, offering the perfect practice sessions with our practice tests.