Overview
There are 2 options when you want to dispute a vehicle seizure. Depending on your circumstance you may apply as a driver under the Suspended Driver Vehicle Seizure Program or an affected person to dispute a vehicle seizure. There are different grounds for each kind of review.
Financial hardship and inconvenience are not grounds for cancellation of your Seizure Notice.
An adjudicator cannot consider arguments such as:
- you do not have the financial means to pay for the tow fees
- you need your vehicle to get to and from work
- you need your vehicle to take your kids to school or a family member to a medical appointment
Info sheets
- Vehicle seizure review
- Affected person vehicle seizure review
- Supporting document requirements (PDF, 170 KB)
Representation
If you choose to be represented by a lawyer or an agent, consent to representation is required. For ease of use, SafeRoads Alberta has a Consent to Representation form (PDF, 74 KB) you can complete and upload to the SafeRoads portal. This form will be deemed an original.
Eligibility and costs
You have until 11:59 pm the day before the seized vehicle is scheduled to be released to apply for a vehicle seizure review.
Costs
- If you were the driver of the seized vehicle, you must pay a non-refundable application fee of $150.
- An affected person of a seized vehicle must pay a non-refundable application fee of $50.
- You are responsible for all costs associated with the vehicle seizure, including any tow lot fees or charges.
- If you choose to be represented by a lawyer or agent, you are responsible for any costs for the representative.
- If you use a translator, you are responsible for any costs for the translator.
How to apply
After you apply
The adjudicator will review the statements and supporting documents that you or your representative and the law enforcement agency provided within the required timelines to decide if your Seizure Notice should be confirmed or cancelled.
You will be notified by your preferred contact method when the adjudicator’s decision is available in the SafeRoads portal.
If your notice is cancelled
If your vehicle 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 will be 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 King’s Bench of Alberta, in accordance with section 47.1 of the Traffic Safety Act and serving on the Director no later than 30 days from the date of decision.
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.
Changing or abandoning a review
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