Some drivers in Manitoba got a surprise when they tried to renew their driver’s licences this year.
Starting in June, the government began to issue holds on licences for people with overdue fines and outstanding restitution payments. The hold is not a suspension, but forces drivers to pay fines outstanding before they get their licence.
“It’s working, (but) the first two months aren’t as high as expected,” said Dave Brickwood, director of court services for the Manitoba government. “As of the end of July we had 2,661 holds on and 252 are now paid. The remaining holds total $716,000 for July.
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“It’s any kind of fine: criminal code fine, highway, liquor control act fine,” said Brickwood. “If you’re fined for breaking and entering and don’t pay your fine, we can withhold your driver’s licence.”
Since the beginning of the year, unpaid fines owed to the government totaled more than $25 million. Also, victims of crime are owed an additional $3.1 million as compensation.
“This is no different than trying to collect on an old outstanding bill, but in general once (people) realize what we’ve done, that we have the power to withhold their licence, they will finally cough up their fine money,” said Brickwood.
The collected money is for both the province and the municipality in which the fine was given. The province can also garnishee wages, seize assets or enlist a collection agency to get the money if necessary. The legislation is “another tool (for collection) and it’s effective,” he said.
