Manitoba is vowing to get tough with "reckless and dangerous" street racers by bolstering its Highway Traffic Act.
Under new sanctions proposed Friday, provincial officials announced street–racing drivers would be subject to long–term driver's licence suspensions and forfeit their vehicles.
"It's not just the drivers and passengers involved in street racing who are put at risk through this dangerous behaviour," said Attorney General Dave Chomiak. "Street–racing offences put innocent bystanders in harm's way and we are taking new steps today to strengthen public safety."
Street–racing offences were recently added to the federal Criminal Code, Chomiak noted.
The proposed amendments would extend Manitoba's power to seize vehicles to include those of street racers. Under provincial law, vehicles can already be seized for offences including dangerous driving causing bodily harm or death. Those driven by serious repeat offenders can also be seized.
Convicted street racers would additionally face the loss of their driver's licences for periods ranging from one year to possible lifetime suspension.
"These changes will help ensure this reckless and dangerous crime is also the target of meaningful provincial sanctions to help keep our roads and families safer," Chomiak said in a release.
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