Motor Vehicle Appeal Board

The Motor Vehicle Appeal Board is established under section 53 of the Traffic Safety Act. You can appeal certain decisions made by the Registrar under sections 285 and 286 of the Traffic Safety Act to the Board.

The Board consists of a Chair and 7 board members. Appeals are heard by a panel of 1 to 3 board members. When the Chair isn't on the panel, the Chair designates a Vice-Chair. A decision made by the panel is a decision of the Board.

Suspension of a Driver’s License (Section 285)

Where a peace officer has reason to believe that a person is impaired by alcohol or drugs, or refuses a roadside demand, the peace officer is required to suspend the driver's licence for 90 days. A person may then appeal the suspension to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under Section 285 of the Traffic Safety Act. If an appeal to the Registrar did not change your suspension, you may appeal the decision to the MVAB.

Appeal Process Guide - 90-Day Administrative Licence Suspension (PDF)
Notice of Appeal Form - 90-Day Administrative Licence Suspension (PDF)

Impoundment of a Motor Vehicle (Section 286)

Where a motor vehicle is operated by a person without a valid driver's licence due to a previous offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, a peace officer will seize the motor vehicle and provide notice of seizure to the Registrar. The Registrar will review the driving record and if the driver's licence was suspended or revoked, issue an order impounding the vehicle for 90 days or 180 days. If the driver's licence was not suspended or revoked due to a previous offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, the Registrar will order the release of the vehicle. A person may appeal the Registrar's decision to impound the motor vehicle to the MVAB.

Appeal Process Guide – Vehicle Impoundment (PDF)
Notice of Appeal Form - Vehicle Impoundment (PDF)

Related legislation

• Traffic Safety Act

Contact

Telephone:

902-424-4256

Toll-free:

1-855-424-4256

Office location:

1672 Granville Street
PO Box 186
Halifax, NS B3J 3Z8