Truck plowing snow off highway

Driving on Closed Roads

New offences under The Highway Traffic Act for driving on a closed road came into force on July 1, 2023. The new offences are designed to deter motorists from driving on roads that have been closed due to severe weather, flooding, construction or other safety hazards.

We know that most motorists do not intentionally drive on a closed road. However, some individuals make the choice to do this, even though it is dangerous. Driving on a closed road endangers not only the vehicle occupants, but also emergency responders, operators of snow clearing equipment, and others. New offences under the Highway Traffic Act will ensure that law enforcement is able to charge individuals who drive on a closed road with a specific offence, and if they are convicted, they will be subject to a substantial fine.

The new offence will allow law enforcement officers to issue traffic tickets. Preset fine amounts have been set for the new offences at the following amounts:

  1. $298 for light vehicle drivers (cars, light trucks, SUVs, etc.), and $672 for heavy vehicle drivers who drive on closed road.
  2. $672 for persons who instruct light vehicle drivers to use a closed road, and $1,296 for heavy vehicle operators who instruct their drivers to use a closed road.

For the most serious incidents, maximum fines of up to $5,000 for drivers of heavy vehicles and up to $2,000 for drivers of light vehicles can be issued.

Convicted drivers will also receive two demerit points for driving on a closed road.

We always encourage motorists to check travel conditions and the status of roads before travelling out on the highway. Road and travel conditions can be checked by:

  • Calling 511 on a landline or cellular phone toll-free anywhere in Manitoba
  • Following @MBGovRoads on Twitter
  • Visiting the 511 website at www.manitoba511.ca
  • Downloading the 511 mobile app

Please note: Operators of snow clearing equipment or other similar infrastructure equipment are exempt from the prohibition from driving on a closed road when they need to do so to clear the road. Peace officers, for example, the RCMP, are also permitted to authorize drivers to access a closed road in an emergency situation only. Drivers are encouraged to contact the RCMP for permission to do so directly prior to travelling on a closed highway.