Suspended Driver Program vehicle seizure review

Overview

You may apply for a vehicle seizure review if:

• you are the driver and recipient of the Seizure Notice under Section 35(1) of the Traffic Safety Act by establishing one or more of the grounds set out in Section 11 of the Vehicle Seizure and Removal Regulation.
• your vehicle was seized pursuant to section 94, 94.1 or 173 of the Traffic Safety Act

Apply for a vehicle seizure review

To apply for a review of a vehicle seizure under the Suspended Driver Vehicle Seizure Program, the application and payment process may be done through the SafeRoads portal or at a participating Alberta registry agent.

If you choose to apply for a review at a participating Alberta registry agent, present the Seizure Notice. Payments for SafeRoads Alberta services made at an Alberta registry agent may be subject to a service charge.

To apply for a vehicle seizure review, you must:

• apply online within 7 days of the issuance of the Seizure Notice
• select a date for your written application to be reviewed
• provide your contact information for preferred method of contact
• agree to the terms and conditions
• pay the non-refundable application service charge of $150

Apply for a vehicle seizure review

If you are successful on you application, you are responsible for all costs associated with the vehicle seizure, including any tow lot fees or charges.

Applying for a review does not guarantee the return of your vehicle.

Representation

If you choose to be represented by a lawyer or an agent, Consent to Representation is required. Enter the representative’s information and upload the signed and completed Consent to Representation form (PDF, 2.4 MB) to the SafeRoads portal. This form will be deemed an original.

You are responsible for any costs for the representative.

Digital signatures

To add a signature, the form must first be downloaded or opened as a PDF and you must select 'I prefer to sign and submit this form electronically'.

Translation

You can use a translator of your choice to help you prepare your written review submission if you need translation to the English language. You are responsible for any costs for translation.

Schedule your review

After you submit your request for a review, you will receive a confirmation via your preferred contact method the date your application will be reviewed by an adjudicator.

Changes to scheduled review

You can reschedule the date of your review to any available date within 21 days from the date you were issued your Seizure Notice through the SafeRoads portal:

• an unlimited number of times within 7 days of receiving your Notice.
• one additional time after the 7 days had lapsed up to one full business day before the scheduled review.

Request for late review

If you did not apply for a review within 7 days of the date of issuance of your Seizure Notice or your review was deemed abandoned, you can submit a request for a late review up to 12 months after the date of issuance.

To request a late review, you must:

• apply through the SafeRoads portal or at a participating Alberta registry agent
• provide the reason for your request
• provide any required supporting documentation
• pay the non-refundable service charge of $50

A request for a late review is limited to the grounds listed in the Provincial Administrative Penalties Regulation. Find out more about late review requests on the Find your notice page.

You will be notified of the decision to approve or deny your request through the SafeRoads portal.

Upload supporting documents

You or your representative must submit all of your supporting documents through the SafeRoads portal at least 2 full calendar days before the scheduled review. (Section 11 of the Vehicle Seizure and Removal Regulation).

Supporting documents may include:

• your written submission
• photographs
• video or audio recordings or both
• witness statements
• technical materials

For more information about supporting document requirements including accepted file formats and sizes, go to SafeRoads support.

During the review

The adjudicator will consider all of the supporting documents provided by you or your representative and all of the documents provided by the law enforcement agency. The adjudicator will make a decision to confirm or cancel the Seizure Notice.

After the review

You will be notified by your preferred contact method when the adjudicator’s decision is available in the SafeRoads portal.

If your Seizure Notice is cancelled, a Seized Vehicle Release Authorization will be provided to the tow lot where your vehicle was impounded to release your vehicle. You are responsible for all costs involved in the vehicle seizure.

Judicial review

You may seek judicial review of decisions rendered by SafeRoads Alberta by filing an application with the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta, in accordance with section 47.1 of the Traffic Safety Act.

If you wish to serve a copy of your Originating Application on the Director by email, visit Service of commencement documents on the Crown for more information.

Contact

Connect with SafeRoads Alberta:

SafeRoads Alberta contact form