Motor Vehicle Appeal Board

On October 23, 2012, amendments to Section 7C of Chapter 293 of the Motor Vehicle Act were proclaimed. This Section created a Motor Vehicle Appeal Board (MVAB) to appeal certain decisions made by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. These changes will make the process more objective and will provide individuals with access to an independent appeal.

Suspension of a Driver’s License under Section 279B

Where a police officer has reason to believe that a person has a blood alcohol content exceeding .08 or the person fails to provide a breath sample, the police officer is required to suspend the driver's license for 90 days. A person may then appeal the suspension to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under Section 279B. If an appeal to the Registrar did not change your suspension, you may appeal the decision to the MVAB.

Impoundment of a Motor Vehicle under Section 291A

Where a motor vehicle is operated by a person without a valid driver's license, a police 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 The Registrar will review the driving record and if the driver's license was revoked, issue an order impounding the vehicle for 90 days or 180 days. If the driver's license was not revoked, 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 Guides

For detailed information about the appeal process, please refer to one of the following Guides.

• Driver's License Suspensions under Section 279B [- 189.01 kb]
• Impoundment of a Vehicle under Section 291A [- 188.59 kb]

Notice of Appeal Form

This Notice of Appeal Form will be provided to you by mail with the Registrar's decision. You can also download a copy here.

• Notice of Appeal Form [- 271.18 kb]

About the Motor Vehicle Appeal Board

The Motor Vehicle Appeal board has been formed to hear appeals in relation to Sections 279B and 291A of the Motor Vehicle Act. The Board is comprised of a Chair and seven Board Members. A panel of three Board members will hear the appeals. If the Chair is not a member of the panel, a Vice-Chair will be designated by the Chair. The decision of the panel is the decision of the board.

• The Motor Vehicle Act Legislation [- 170 kb]
• Motor Vehicle Appeal Board Procedures Regulations

Contact Motor Vehicle Appeal Board

Telephone:

902-424-4256

Toll-Free:

1-855-424-4256

Office Location(s):

1672 Granville Street
PO Box 186
Halifax, NS B3J 2N2