Tories seek electronic driver’s licence option

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This article was published 16/03/2022 (1313 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Electronic driver’s licences could soon be part of Manitobans’ digital wallets under legislation introduced Wednesday by the Progressive Conservative government.

Bill 14 would modernize driver registration and licensing processes, while increasing the “business agility” of Manitoba Public Insurance, Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen said.

“MPI has been conducting a full review of its delivery of services for personal and commercial automobile insurance, drivers’ licensing, vehicle registration and associated registry functions,” Goertzen said in the chamber. “This bill… will ensure that MPI delivers its products and services with more business agility and more efficient processes.”

Goertzen was not made available to reporters Wednesday.

The proposed legislation would allow driver’s licences and identification cards to be issued in either physical or electronic formats. It would also establish a searchable database to be used to verify the validity of a licence and check for conditions placed on a licence holder without their consent.

New residents to Manitoba who hold a licence issued outside of Canada or the United States would also be prohibited from driving heavy vehicles or buses under the proposed legislation. It would also further restrict the use of antique vehicle and dealer plates through regulations.

Manitobans would be required to purchase a minimum of $500,000 in automotive third-party liability insurance — up from $200,000 — under the new legislation and MPI would be permitted to set driver premiums, based on Public Utilities Board approval, without having to specify them in regulations.

Goertzen also introduced a second bill Wednesday to “address a gap” in legislation for people accused of impaired driving.

Bill 27 would ensure drivers eligible for the province’s immediate roadside prohibition program who were not initially diverted out of the criminal justice system will still be able to access the program.

Under current legislation, first-time offenders who register a fail for blood-alcohol content on an approved screening device and those who refuse a test (in cases not involving serious bodily harm, death or other significant damage) face a series of provincial penalties. Offenders who agree to the so-called “alternative measures” can avoid a possible conviction.

Sanctions include fines of up to $700, mandatory ignition interlock use, driver’s licence suspension for three months, vehicle impoundment and mandatory participation in remedial programs.

“The IRP process has not been used to its fullest extent possible since its introduction, due to operational issues, such as law enforcement suspending the use of approved screening devices in response to COVID-19 safety concerns or when an approved screening device is unavailable, sometimes in rural and remote areas,” Goertzen said.

“These measures will ensure a consistent approach to dealing with first-time offenders who are eligible for the IRP process and help to achieve the intended road and safety and justice efficiency benefits of the IRP program.”

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca