A driver suspended by traffic police for driving under the influence may avoid having the vehicle towed to a private parking lot if there is a sober person nearby who is listed on the vehicle’s insurance policy. This nuance was explained by Sergei Radko, a lawyer associated with the Freedom of Automobile Choice movement, in an interview with socialbites.ca.
He noted that if a driver eligible to operate the vehicle is present near the suspended driver, the car can be handed over to that person. Alternatively, if the licensed driver arrives at the car’s location before the tow vehicle called by the inspectors, the car can remain with the sober driver. In all other circumstances, the vehicle must be detained.
The lawyer clarified that a transfer of the vehicle to a relative or friend of the driver is only possible if the recipient is authorized to drive the vehicle under the policy. This means the driver must be covered by the required auto insurance policy for someone else to operate the car.
Radko added that the timing of calling another driver is not defined by formal rules. The outcome depends on who arrives first—whether a tow truck or a licensed associate or relative.
In related analysis, former enforcement official Maxim Shelkov highlighted potential complications during re-registration for cars that face more stringent checks with the traffic authorities.