City of Iqaluit adopts new traffic bylaw

Changes include updated fines, seatbelt rules and vehicle registration requirements

Iqaluit has a new traffic safety bylaw. (File photo)

By Dustin Patar

The City of Iqaluit has a new traffic safety bylaw that took effect on June 9.

Among the changes, the bylaw addresses speed limits throughout the city, along with an updated list of fines drivers will face for not abiding by them.

Fines now range from $100 for going up to 16 kilometres over the posted speed limit to $1,000 for going 50 kilometres and more over the posted speed limit, which could also result in the seizure and impoundment of the vehicle for 24 hours.

Under the previous traffic bylaw, which was passed in 1994 and amended several times, most recently in 2015, the fines began at $75 and maxed out at $200.

The new bylaw now also reflects the Government of Nunavut’s traffic safety act that took effect in December 2018, including the prohibition on using a hand-held device while driving.

Another addition to the bylaw that was previously not included is vehicle registration and insurance requirements.

Vehicles without valid insurance and registration are subject to fines up to $750 or the seizure and impoundment of the vehicle until those items are provided.

Other updates included in the bylaw are the following:

  • Seatbelt requirements and rules with fines ranging from $125 to $250
  • Vehicle equipment requirements, such as the use of headlights or daytime running lights
  • New rules on passing and overtaking vehicles and U-turns
  • New regulations for all-terrain and recreational vehicles
  • Regulations for the towing of vehicles and requirements for proper load securement

The bylaw, including a full list of fines, can be found on the City of Iqaluit’s website.

Share This Story

(7) Comments:

  1. Posted by Unik on

    I always see people on their phones while driving. It’s infuriating.

  2. Posted by Andy on

    The posted link does not work!!

    – Will this new bylaw include the road readiness of vehicles, or will drivers be permitted to drive vehicles without bumpers, fenders, cracked windshields, etc.?
    – Does the city has now a mechanism is place to actually collect the fines?
    – Who will enforce this new bylaw? Look at the vehicles on Iqaluit roads, there are too many with expired registrations and this makes me wonder if the driver/owner actually has a valid insurance. What impact will this have in any case of an accident? Again, who will enforce this? With the Iqaluit bylaw officers only hiding behind buildings, sipping on their coffee and hoping for the catch of the day will not change anything

  3. Posted by Free for all after 5 PM on

    What a Joke There is no By-Law after 5 PM.
    Dirt bike & atv with no plate or probably no insurance.
    Lot of ppl speeding,
    Night towers riding around.
    Drunk driving too.
    All those in the Grinnel Park too.

  4. Posted by Guy on

    Taxi drivers test and hospitalaty are needed.cut off.uturns in busy intersections. Double.triple parked …while having chit chat ..
    Ladies applying last makeup touch up
    While driving while on the phone irunning late for work is crazy ..

  5. Posted by Guy on

    Taxi drivers test and hospitalaty are needed.cut off.uturns in busy intersections. Double.triple parked

    …while having chit chat ..
    Ladies applying last makeup touch up
    While driving while on the phone irunning late for work is crazy ..

  6. Posted by No Motor Vehicles Inspector on

    Why is Motor vehicles office have no Inspector on the road to help By-law officer
    To check unsafe vehicles ?

  7. Posted by Jeff on

    Is the city able to come up with a new public drunkenness bylaw?

    Man the amount of public drunkenness and drunk drivers seem to be way up.

Comments are closed.