TORONTO – New legislation in Ontario that allows police to impound any vehicle for 7 days if its operator has a suspended licence took effect on Dec. 1.

This new law applies to any vehicle, including commercial vehicles, if the driver is caught driving under a Highway Traffic Act-related suspension or default of family support.

However, thanks to lobbying by the Ontario Trucking Association, the MTO relaxed the rule for commercial carriers.

Trucks belonging to carriers who can show due diligence on checking for suspended licenses will not be subject to the mandatory day impoundment if the driver’s licence has been suspended for less than 100 days. (Unless the driver is caught with a blood alcohol level over .08; or if found to be in violation of an ignition interlock requirement).

The MTO recognized the significant financial and operational burdens for motor carriers if a vehicle is impounded.

OTA says any carrier that checks the status of their drivers’ licences every three months should be able to catch any suspended drivers in time to ensure that they do not run the risk of having their equipment impounded.

OTA last year introduced a new service for members that provides fast licence status checks.