SNL1995 CHAPTER P-31.1 - PROVINCIAL OFFENCES ACT

SNL1995 CHAPTER P-31.1 PROVINCIAL OFFENCES ACT Amended: 1996 cJ-1.1 s198; 1997 c13 s55; 1998 c6 s22; 1999 c40 s7; 2001 cN-3.1 s2; 2004 c24; 2004 c36 s34; 2005 c25 s2; 2006 c40 s21; 2006 c54 ss4-8; 2012 c44; 2014 c27; 2021 cO-5.1 s42; 2023 cT-6.2 s334; 2024 c17 CHAPTER P-31.1 AN ACT RESPECTING PROVINCIAL OFFENCES (Assented to December 21, 1995) Analysis 1. Short title 2. Interpretation PART I SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS 3. Application of Act 4. Penal proceedings 5. Statute without penalty 6. Criminal Code adopted 7. Time limitation 8. Description of ownership 9. Fiat of Attorney General PART II PROCEDURE ON USE OF TICKETS 10. Use of tickets 11. Issuing and contents of tickets 12. Electronic format 13. Rep. by 2012 c44 s3 14. Service 15. Parking tickets 16. Time for service 17. Proof of service 18. Proof of service 18.1 Ticket 19. Notice of trial and appearance 20. Delivery to judge 21. Rep. by 2012 c44 s10 22. Rep. by 2012 c44 s10 23. Conviction and fine 24. New trial 25. Arrest for failure to appear 26. Ticket unsworn 27. Judge to notify Registrar of Motor Vehicles 28. Appearance not required 29. Failure to appear 30. Judge may infer information from ticket 31. Regulations PART III RECOVERY OF FINES 32. Late payment penalty 32.1 Statement of finances 32.2 Examination of finances 32.3 Proof of fines owing 32.4 Contempt hearing 33. Judgment on failure to pay fine 34. Issuance, suspension or renewal of instruments 35. Application of Judgment Enforcement Act 36. Rep. by 1996 cJ-1.1 s198 37. Extension of time for payment 38. Fines option program 38.1 Garnishment of lottery prizes 39. Young Persons Offences Act to prevail 40. Fine is revenue of the Crown PART IV INQUIRIES 41. Definitions 42. Fire inquiry 43. Minister may order inquiry 44. Powers of judge 45. Commission evidence 46. Public inquiry 47. Attendance at inquiry 48. Witnesses 49. Report of judge 50. Incriminating answers PART V GENERAL 51. Records 52. Regulations 53. Consequential amendments 54. RSN1990 cS-30 Rep. 55. Commencement Be it enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor and House of Assembly in Legislative Session convened, as follows: Short title 1. This Act may be cited as the Provincial Offences Act. 1995 cP-31.1 s1 Back to Top Interpretation 2. (1) In this Act (a) "court" means the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador established by the Provincial Court Act, 1991 ; (a.1) "default conviction date" means the date on which a person who was served with a ticket may be convicted of the offence charged in the ticket if the person does not exercise one of the options stated in subsection 18.1(1); (b) "enactment" means a provincial statute, subordinate legislation as defined by the Statutes and Subordinate Legislation Act , a municipal regulation or by-law and a regulation made by an airport authority under section 189.1 of the Highway Traffic Act ; (c) "judge" means a Provincial Court judge, and for the purpose of subsections 14(8) and 18.1(7), section 20, subsections 23(1), 23(2), paragraph 26(1)(c), subsection 27(1), paragraph 28(a) and subsections 30(1), 32(1) and 51(1) includes a justice of the peace under the Justices Act; (d) "minister" means the minister appointed under the Executive Council Act to administer this Act; (e) "municipal regulation or by-law" includes a regulation, order or by-law made under the authority of an Act by a city, town, municipality, community council or local service district; (f) "offence" means an offence under an enactment; (g) "peace officer" means a peace officer as defined in the Criminal Code; and (h) "prescribed fine" means the fine prescribed by regulations under this Act or the fine otherwise established by law and includes a late payment penalty payable under this or another Act. (2) Where the amount of a fine prescribed by regulation under the Act conflicts with the amount of a fine otherwise established by law the amount established by the regulations made under this Act shall prevail. 1995 cP-31.1 s2 ; 1997 c13 s55 ; 1999 c40 s7 ; 2001 cN-3.1 s2 ; 2004 c36 s34 ; 2006 c40 s21 ; 2012 c44 s1 ; 2024 c17 s90 PART I SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS Back to Top Application of Act 3. Subject to special provisions otherwise enacted, this Act applies to, and a judge may try in a summary manner without a jury, (a) a case in which a person is charged with having committed an offence over which the Legislature has legislative authority and for which that person is liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment, fine, penalty or other punishment; (b) a case in which a complaint is made to a judge in relation to a matter over which the Legislature has legislative authority and with respect to which a judge has authority by law to make an order for the payment of money or otherwise; and (c) a proceeding in which an application is made to the court in relation to a matter over which the Legislature has legislative authority and with respect to which a judge is given authority to make an order for relief. 1995 cP-31.1 s3 Back to Top Penal proceedings 4. (1) Except where it is otherwise provided, a penalty or imprisonment prescribed under an enactment shall be recovered or enforced on summary conviction before a judge. (2) A court remedy for an act or omission is not suspended or affected for the reason that the act or omission is an offence. 1995 cP-31.1 s4 Back to Top Statute without penalty 5. A person who, without lawful excuse, contravenes a provision of an enactment by wilfully doing anything that the provision prohibits or by wilfully omitting to do anything that the provision requires to be done is, unless some penalty or punishment is expressly provided by law, guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more than 30 days or to both a fine and imprisonment. 1995 cP-31.1 s5 Back to Top Criminal Code adopted 6. (1) Except where and to the extent that it is otherwise specifically enacted, the provisions of the Criminal Code respecting summary convictions and the proceedings relating to them apply, with the necessary changes, in respect of offences and orders and proceedings relating to the offences and orders made or to be made under this Act. (2) Without restricting the generality of subsection (1), the provisions of sections 21 and 22 and Parts XVI, XVIII, XXII, XXIII, XXVI and XXVII and sections 463 to 465, 484 to 490, 492.1 and 492.2, 770 to 773 and 783 of the Criminal Code apply, with the necessary changes, to matters to which this Act apply. (3) A matter or thing that is seized shall, if no other provision is made respecting it, be dealt with according to the provisions of the Criminal Code. (4) For the purpose of this section, "proceedings" includes proceedings commenced by means of a ticket issued under this Act. 1995 cP-31.1 s6 Back to Top Time limitation 7. An information or complaint under this Act may be laid or made before a day 12 months from the day when the matter of the information or complaint arose unless another time limit is provided for in the enactment. 1995 cP-31.1 s7 Back to Top Description of ownership 8. (1) Where, in an information, complaint, application or proceeding on the information, complaint, application or proceeding, it is necessary (a) to state the ownership of property belonging to or in possession of partners, joint tenants or tenants in common; or (b) to mention partners, joint tenants or tenants in common, it is sufficient to name one of those persons and refer to only the fact of others. (2) Where, in an information, complaint, application or proceeding, it is necessary to describe (a) the ownership of a work or building made, maintained or repaired at the expense of the government of the province, or a public authority or body; or (b) materials used in relation to the making, altering or repairing of that work or building, it may be described as the property of the Crown, the public authority or body. 1995 cP-31.1 s8 Back to Top Fiat of Attorney General 9. A document purporting to be the fiat, order or consent of the Attorney General or other minister of the Crown for or to the institution of proceedings in a particular form, and purporting to be signed by the Attorney General or other minister shall be admissible without further proof. 1995 cP-31.1 s9 PART II PROCEDURE ON USE OF TICKETS Back to Top Use of tickets 10. (1) In addition to the procedure set out in the Criminal Code for the commencement of proceedings by laying an information, proceedings in respect of an offence may be commenced by means of a ticket issued under this Act. (2) For the purpose of subsection (1) and subsection 6(1), a ticket shall be dealt with as if it were an information, except that (a) it need not be laid before a judge; (b) it need not be made under oath or affirmation; and (c) it shall not charge more than one offence or relate to more than one matter of complaint. (3) For the purpose of subsection 6(1), a ticket shall also be dealt with as if it were a summons. 2012 c44 s2 Back to Top Issuing and contents of tickets 11. (1) A ticket may be issued by a peace officer or any other person having responsibility for the enforcement of a provision of an enactment, and the signature on a ticket of the person who issued the ticket is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof of the person’s authority to issue the ticket. (2) The person who issues a ticket shall, on the ticket, (a) set out the name of the person to whom the ticket is issued; (b) describe the offence that the person to whom the ticket is issued is alleged to have committed; and (c) specify the day on which, and the place where, the offence is alleged to have been committed. (3) The description of an offence on a ticket by the person who issued the ticket shall be considered to be sufficient for all purposes if the offence is described (a) by using a general word or expression; (b) by referring to a provision of an enactment; (c) by marking or identifying a word or expression printed on the ticket; or (d) by using a word, expression or symbol authorized by the regulations for the description of the offence. (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(a), where a ticket is issued in relation to an offence with respect to the parking of a vehicle or with respect to leaving a vehicle unattended, the person who issues the ticket need not set out the name of the person to whom the ticket is issued, but shall set out on the ticket (a) the licence number of the vehicle, if a licence plate is attached to the vehicle; or (b) a description of the vehicle sufficient to distinguish it from other vehicles. 1995 cP-31.1 s11 ; 2024 c17 s91 Back to Top Electronic format 12. (1) Notwithstanding another provision of this Act, a ticket referred to in section 10 or 11 may be completed and signed by electronic means in an electronic format and may be filed by direct electronic transmission if the completion, signature and filing are in accordance with the regulations. (2) A printed copy of a ticket filed under subsection (1) is considered to have been filed as the original document if it is printed in accordance with the regulations and for the purpose of disposing of a charge under this Act. 1995 cP-31.1 s12 Back to Top Rep. by 2012 c44 s3 13. [Rep. by 2012 c44 s3] 2012 c44 s3 Back to Top Service 14. (1) A summons or ticket issued under this Part shall be served (a) by delivery personally by a peace officer, or by another person who may be so authorized by an enactment or by the Attorney General, to the person to whom the summons or ticket is directed or where the person cannot conveniently be found, by leaving it for the person at the person's last known or usual place of residence with a resident of that place who appears to be at least 16 years of age; or (b) by mailing the summons or ticket to the person to whom it is directed by registered mail. (1.1) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Lieutenant-Governor in Council may, by regulation, authorize the service of a ticket issued under this Part by electronic means in accordance with the regulations for an offence prescribed in the regulations. (2) Where a summons or ticket is directed to a person who lives outside of the province the summons, ticket or application is considered to have been served when it has been sent by registered mail to the last known or most usual place of residence of that person. (3) A warrant, summons, ticket, or other document issued, given or entered into under this Act may be issued, executed, given or entered into on a holiday. (4) Service of a summons or ticket on a corporation may be effected by delivering the summons or ticket personally to an employee, officer or director of the corporation, or by mailing the summons or ticket by registered mail to the corporation. (5) Service of a ticket or summons in accordance with this section shall be considered to be personal service of the ticket or summons on the person to whom the ticket or summons was issued. (6) Subject to sections 23, 24 and 25, (a) a ticket or summons served in accordance with paragraph (1)(b), subsection (2) or subsection (4) shall be considered to have been served on the seventh day after the day on which the ticket or summons is mailed; and (b) a ticket served in accordance with subsection (1.1) shall be considered to have been served on the day prescribed in the regulations. (7) For the purpose of subsection (1), (2) or (4) where a ticket or summons is issued to a person and the post office address of the person appears in records maintained by the government of the province, of a city or of a municipality, that address shall be considered to be a last known address of the person unless it is shown that the person who issued the ticket knew of a more recent post office address of the person. (8) Where a ticket is not served in accordance with subsection (1), (2) or (4), a ticket may be used by a peace officer or other complainant to lay a complaint before a judge and may be attached for information purposes to the summons issued by the court. (9) A copy of an entry in a record to which subsection (7) applies purporting to be signed by a person having custody of the record shall be accepted as evidence of the information contained in it without proof of this signature of the person or of the person’s official capacity. 1995 cP-31.1 s14 ; 2012 c44 s4 ; 2024 c17 s92 Back to Top Parking tickets 15. (1) Where the offence charged in a ticket is a breach of a provision of an enactment relating to the parking of vehicles, the ticket may be served by affixing it in any manner to the vehicle in respect of which the breach is charged. (2) Where a ticket has been served in the manner and for an offence referred to in subsection (1) and the person to whom the ticket was served did not file (a) a not guilty plea; (b) a notice of intention to appear; or (c) a guilty plea and the prescribed fine before the default conviction date a judge may order that personal service be effected. (3) For an offence referred to in subsection (1), the Attorney General may by order (a) authorize a person other than a peace officer to issue a ticket; and (b) indicate the terms and conditions of an authorization made under paragraph (a). (4) Service of a ticket in accordance with this section shall be considered to be personal service of the ticket on the owner of the vehicle in respect of which the ticket was issued, and the owner of the vehicle shall be considered to be the person to whom the ticket was issued for the purpose of this Act. 1995 cP-31.1 s15 ; 2012 c44 s5 Back to Top Time for service 16. (1) Where a ticket is issued, it shall be served within 30 days after the day on which it was issued. (2) This section applies to the service of a summons issued in respect of a complaint under subsection 14(8) as if it were a ticket. 1995 cP-31.1 s16 Back to Top Proof of service 17. (1) Where service of a ticket is made under section 14 or 15 the person who served the ticket shall (a) certify on the ticket that the person delivered the ticket to the person to whom the ticket was issued or that the person attached the ticket to the vehicle and the date of service; or (b) complete an affidavit of service. (2) Where service of a ticket or a summons issued in respect of a complaint is made otherwise than under section 14 or 15, the person who served the ticket or summons shall complete an affidavit of service. (3) Personal service of a summons or other document may be proved by an affidavit of service by the person who made the service. (4) Service of a summons, ticket or other document by mail may be proved by the production of the acknowledgement of receipt card or proof or delivery card purporting to be signed by the person who accepted the document. 1995 cP-31.1 s17 ; 2012 c44 s6 ; 2024 c17 s93 Back to Top Proof of service 18. An affidavit or certificate of service purporting to be signed by the person who served the ticket or summons shall be received in evidence and is proof of service in the absence of evidence to the contrary. 1995 cP-31.1 s18 Back to Top Ticket 18.1 (1) A person who is served with a ticket shall where the person (a) does not wish to dispute the charge, sign the guilty plea on the ticket and deliver the ticket and the prescribed fine to the place stated on the ticket before the default conviction date; (b) wishes to appear to enter a plea in person, sign the notice of intention to appear on the ticket and deliver the ticket to the place stated on the ticket before the default conviction date; or (c) wishes to dispute the charge, sign the not guilty plea on the ticket and deliver the ticket to the place stated on the ticket before the default conviction date. (2) Where a person who is served with a ticket signs a guilty plea and delivers the ticket and the prescribed fine to the place stated on the ticket, the person is considered to be convicted of the offence charged and sentenced to the prescribed fine and any other mandatory penalties, orders or forfeitures. (3) A signature on a ticket and purporting to be that of the person to whom the ticket is directed is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that it is the signature of that person. (4) Where a person who is served with a ticket does not deliver a guilty plea and the prescribed fine, a not guilty plea or a notice of intention to appear before the default conviction date the person may be convicted of the offence specified in the ticket. (5) Where a ticket and the prescribed fine are delivered to the place stated in the ticket but the plea of guilty is not signed it shall be considered to be signed by the person to whom the ticket is directed. (6) Notwithstanding any other enactment, no imprisonment shall be imposed under paragraph (1)(a). (7) Where a ticket and the prescribed fine are delivered to the place stated on the ticket after the time stated in it as being allowed for the delivery, a judge may direct that the ticket and the prescribed fine be accepted as if they had been delivered within the time allowed. (8) Subject to section 28, a peace officer or any other person having responsibility for the enforcement of a provision of an enactment, may issue a ticket in respect of an offence to which this section applies requiring the person to whom the ticket is issued to appear in court to answer to the charge, without the option of paying a fine. (9) A ticket issued under subsection (8) shall not contain (a) an option to pay the fine instead of appearing in court; or (b) notification that if the person fails to appear in court the person may be convicted. (10) The person who serves a ticket shall not receive payment of money in respect of the payment of the fine. (11) Notwithstanding subsection (8), a peace officer or any other person having responsibility for the enforcement of a provision of an enactment shall not issue a ticket under subsection (8) to a young person as defined in the Young Persons Offences Act in respect of an offence under the Highway Traffic Act or the Off-Road Vehicles Act . 2012 c44 s7 ; 2014 c27 s1 ; 2021 cO-5.1 s42 ; 2024 c17 s94 Back to Top Notice of trial and appearance 19. (1) Where a person files a not guilty plea under paragraph 18.1(1)(c), a notice of trial in the prescribed form shall be served upon the person as soon as it is practicable to do so. (2) Where a person files a notice of intention to appear under subsection 18.1(1)(b), a notice of appearance in the prescribed form shall be served upon the person as soon as it is practicable to do so. (3) Except where a person is served with a notice of trial or notice of appearance, a person to whom a ticket was issued is not required to appear in court to answer to the charge. (4) A notice of trial or notice of appearance may be served in any manner in which a ticket may be served under this Act and has the same effect as a summons. 2012 c44 s8 Back to Top Delivery to judge 20. (1) Where a ticket referred to in subsection 18.1(8) has been served under section 14 or 15, the ticket shall be delivered to a judge as soon as possible after the ticket has been served. (2) Where a ticket, other than a ticket referenced in subsection (1), has been served under section 14 or 15 and the fine is not delivered, the ticket shall be delivered to a judge as soon as possible after the expiration of the default conviction date. 2012 c44 s9 Back to Top Rep. by 2012 c44 s10 21. [Rep. by 2012 c44 s10] 2012 c44 s10 Back to Top Rep. by 2012 c44 s10 22. [Rep. by 2012 c44 s10] 2012 c44 s10 Back to Top Conviction and fine 23. (1) A judge shall examine a ticket to ensure that it is complete and regular on its face. (2) Where the judge is not satisfied that the ticket is complete and regular on its face the judge shall quash the proceeding. (3) Where a ticket (a) is complete and regular on its face; (b) has been served in accordance with section 14 or 15; and (c) the person to whom the ticket is directed has not delivered a guilty plea and the prescribed fine, a not guilty plea or a notice of intention to appear before the default conviction date, a conviction shall be entered and the prescribed fine and any other mandatory penalties, orders or forfeitures imposed or a warrant issued for the arrest of the person. (4) Where a conviction is entered under subsection (3), the court shall, by mail, certify to the defendant the entry of the conviction and the defendant's right to apply for a hearing under section 24. (5) Except as provided in section 32.4, notwithstanding another enactment, imprisonment shall not be imposed under subsection (3). 2012 c44 s11 Back to Top New trial 24. (1) Where a person has been convicted under subsection 23(3) and it is made to appear to a judge, by affidavit, upon the unilateral application of the person made before the expiration of 60 days from the date the person received notice of the conviction, that (a) the person did not have the ticket in time to appear in answer to it; and (b) the person presents the judge with evidence that, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, appears to the judge to be a good defence to the charge, the judge may order that the matter be re-opened. (2) Where a judge makes an order under subsection (1) the trial shall take place and the matter shall be determined as if the person had not been convicted. (3) The judge may require submissions under subsection (1) to be made orally under oath before the judge. 2012 c44 s12 ; 2024 c17 s95 Back to Top Arrest for failure to appear 25. (1) Where a person who has been served with a ticket or summons under section 14 is required to appear in person or by agent to answer to the charge and the person does not do so, a judge may, upon proof of the service of the ticket in accordance with section 14, issue a warrant for the arrest of the person. (2) Where a person has been served with a ticket or summons under section 14 and is arrested upon a warrant issued under subsection (1), the person shall be taken before a judge within a period of 24 hours after the arrest or as soon as possible, and if it appears to the judge that the person in fact did not receive notice of the person’s obligation to appear in court in person or by agent to answer to the charge, the judge shall issue a summons to the person and order that the person be immediately released from custody. (3) A warrant for the arrest of a person under subsection (1) shall not be issued until a complaint is sworn. 1995 cP-31.1 s25 ; 2024 c17 s96 Back to Top Ticket unsworn 26. (1) A ticket need not be sworn to (a) before the ticket is delivered under section 20; (b) where a voluntary payment is made under paragraph 18.1(1)(a); or (c) where the charge alleged in the ticket is dealt with by a judge under subsection 23(2) or (3). (2) Where a trial of a person charged with an offence by a ticket is held, the ticket shall be sworn to before or at the beginning of the trial. 1995 cP-31.1 s26 ; 2012 c44 s13 Back to Top Judge to notify Registrar of Motor Vehicles 27. (1) Where a judge makes a conviction related to (a) an offence involving a motor vehicle; (b) an offence initiated by a ticket; or (c) an offence under the Criminal Code for which a fine payable to the Crown in right of the province is imposed, the judge shall notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles of the conviction. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a conviction for a violation of a regulation made under the City of St. John's Act, the City of Corner Brook, Act the City of Mount Pearl Act, the Towns and Local Service Districts Act or the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000 that does not involve the operation of a motor vehicle. (3) In subsection (2), "motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in paragraph 2(oo) of the Highway Traffic Act. 1995 cP-31.1 s27 ; 2005 c25 s2 ; 2023 cT-6.2 s334 Back to Top Appearance not required required 28. Notwithstanding another provision of this Act, a person who has been served with a ticket is not required to appear in court in person or by agent to answer to the charge at the time stated in the ticket if, before that time, (a) the person enters a plea of guilty before a judge in the manner and within the time period prescribed for doing so; (b) the person enters a plea of not guilty in the manner and within the time period prescribed for doing so; or (c) the person obtains an adjournment of the proceedings in the manner and within the time period prescribed for doing so. 2012 c44 s14 ; 2024 c17 s97 Back to Top Failure to appear 29. (1) Where a person who has been served with a notice of appearance does not appear in person or by agent to answer to the charge at the time specified, a judge may, upon proof of the service of the notice of appearance, enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of the person, set a time convenient to the prosecutor for a hearing of the charge, in the absence of the person served, and adjourn the proceedings to that time. (2) Where a judge has set a time for a hearing of the charge, in the absence of the person served, the judge may (a) further adjourn the proceedings; and (b) in all other respects conduct the proceedings and hear and determine the charge in the absence of the person who was required to appear in court in person or by agent as fully and effectually as if the person had appeared in person or by agent. 1995 cP-31.1 s29 ; 2012 c44 s15 Back to Top Judge may infer information from ticket 30. (1) To the extent that the form of one part of a ticket prescribed for use under this Act corresponds with the form of another part of the ticket, a judge may infer from the information set out in one part of a ticket produced to the judge that the same information is set out in a part of the ticket not produced to the judge. (2) Failure to complete information required on a ticket does not invalidate the ticket where (a) the person to whom the ticket is issued is identified with reasonable clarity; (b) the offence with which the person is charged is described adequately; (c) the date when the offence is alleged to have occurred is specified with reasonable accuracy; and (d) the place where the offence is alleged to have occurred is specified with reasonable precision. 1995 cP-31.1 s30 ; 2012 c44 s16 ; 2024 c17 s98 Back to Top Regulations 31. The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may make regulations (a) specifying the offences against enactments in respect of which proceedings may or may not be commenced by means of a ticket issued under this Act; (b) providing the manner, including the opening of the vehicle, in which a ticket referred to in subsection 15(1) shall be affixed to the vehicle in respect of which the breach is charged; (c) prescribing the forms of tickets to be used including the completion and signing of tickets or certifications by electronic means; (d) prescribing the filing of tickets or certifications by direct electronic transmission; (e) prescribing the printing of tickets or certifications filed by direct electronic transmission; (e.1) authorizing the service of a ticket by electronic means; (e.2) prescribing the offences for which a ticket may be served by electronic means; (e.3) respecting the service of a ticket by electronic means; (e.4) prescribing the day on which a ticket that is served by electronic means is considered to have been served; (f) prescribing the procedure for the issuing of tickets; (g) prescribing the manner in which a date for an appearance in court or trial date is to be determined; (h) prescribing the procedure for the acceptance of pleas; (i) prescribing how an offence may be indicated on a ticket; (j) authorizing the use on a ticket of any word, symbol or expression to designate an offence; (k) prescribing time periods under this Act; (l) requiring the keeping of records and prescribing the manner in which those records are to be kept; (m) specifying those offences in respect of which a person may be allowed to pay a fine instead of appearing in court, and setting the amount of the fine for each offence and, where the same amount of a fine is specified for different offences, may refer to those penalties by class or group; (n) [Rep. by 2012 c44 s17] (o) prescribing the forms to be used for the purpose of this Act; (p) respecting the time allowed for payment of a fine; and (q) generally, to give effect to the purpose of this Part. 1995 cP-31.1 s31 ; 2012 c44 s17 ; 2024 c17 s99 PART III RECOVERY OF FINES Back to Top Late payment penalty 32. (1) A defendant who is convicted of an offence under procedures commenced under this Act and fails to pay a fine imposed by a judge within the time allowed for payment, or if no time is allowed, immediately, shall be liable to pay a late payment penalty in addition to the fine, where no other late payment penalty is provided for. (2) The late payment penalty referred to in subsection (1) shall be (a) in the case of a fine which is $50 or less than $50, $6; (b) in the case of a fine which is greater than $50 and less than or equal to $100, $12; and (c) in the case of a fine which is greater than $100, $12 plus an additional late payment penalty of $12 for each increment of a $100 fine or part of a $100 up to a maximum late payment penalty of $120. 1995 cP-31.1 s32 ; 2004 c24 s1 Back to Top Statement of finances 32.1 (1) Where a person has defaulted on the payment of a fine imposed under this Act or another enactment, the minister may provide the person with a statement of fines owing and notify that person that the person is required to file a statement of finances with the minister. (2) The statement of finances required under subsection (1) shall be in a form prescribed by the minister and shall be filed by the person not more than 15 days after the person is notified under subsection (1). (3) The minister may extend the period within which the statement of finances is required to be filed by a person under subsection (2). 2006 c54 s5 ; 2024 c17 s100 Back to Top Examination of finances 32.2 (1) Where a person fails to comply with section 32.1 within 60 days of (a) the expiry of the period under subsection 32.1(2); or (b) the expiry of the extended time period set by the minister under subsection 32.1(3), a judge may issue a summons requiring the person to attend at the court for an examination of the person’s finances at a time and place to be set out in the summons. (2) A person summoned under subsection (1) shall appear (a) to show the court why the fine should not be enforced; (b) to be examined on oath or affirmation about the person’s finances, including the means or ability the person has to pay the fine; (c) to show the debts that are owing to or by the person; (d) to show the person's assets, income and financial obligations generally; and (e) to show the other information with respect to the person’s finances that the judge may require to evaluate whether the person has wilfully defaulted in the payment of a fine. (3) The summons shall be served personally unless the court directs otherwise. (4) The court may, unless it is satisfied that the person is not in default or that the person is unable for valid reasons to pay the fine owing, order that the person, (a) discharge the arrears of fines owing by the periodic payments that the court considers just; (b) discharge the arrears of fines owing in full by a specified date; (c) comply with the order to pay the fine to the extent of the debtor’s ability to pay, but an order under this paragraph does not affect the accruing of arrears of fines; (d) file those income tax returns that the court considers necessary; (e) report periodically to the court or a person specified in the order; or (f) provide immediately to the court, or to a person specified in the order, particulars of a future change or address, employment or income. (5) The court may vary an order made under subsection (4) where there is a material change in the person's circumstances since the order was made. 2006 c54 s5 ; 2024 c17 s101 Back to Top Proof of fines owing 32.3 (1) In proceedings under sections 32.2 and 32.4, a prosecutor shall inform the presiding judge whether the person summoned to the court has unpaid fines entered against the person. (2) A certificate purporting to be signed by the minister or the minister’s deputy or by an official in the minister’s department specially or generally designated for the purpose by the minister regarding fines listed as outstanding and owing by a person is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof of the facts stated in it and is admissible in evidence in a proceeding under section 32.2 or 32.4 and shall be accepted as evidence of the information contained in it without proof of the signature of the person or of the person’s official capacity. 2006 c54 s5 ; 2024 c17 s102 Back to Top Contempt hearing 32.4 (1) Where a person fails to comply with an order of the court made under section 32.2, a judge may issue a summons requiring the person to attend at the court at a time and place set out in the summons. (2) Where a judge is satisfied that a person has failed to comply with an order made under section 32.2, the judge may, in addition to the other powers of the judge referred to in this Act, incarcerate the person (a) for a period of not more than 30 days for the first failure to comply with an order of the court under section 32.2; (b) for a period of not more than 3 months for a second failure to comply with an order of the court under section 32.2; and (c) for a period of not more than 6 months for a third or subsequent failure to comply with an order of the court under section 32.2. 2006 c54 s5 Back to Top Judgment on failure to pay fine 33. (1) Where a fine, including a fine under the Criminal Code payable to the Crown in right of the province, is imposed on a defendant and the fine is not paid within the time allowed for payment, or immediately if no time is allowed, the Attorney General or a person authorized by the Attorney General may, by filing the conviction, enter as a judgment in the Supreme Court the amount of the fine, together with an applicable late payment penalty, and the judgment is enforceable against the convicted defendant in the same manner as if it were a judgment rendered against the defendant in that court in a civil proceeding. (2) Where an enactment provides that a fine or late payment penalty imposed on conviction for an offence inures to the benefit of an airport authority, municipality, town, city, local service district or community council and the conviction has not been entered as a judgment under subsection (1), an agent of the airport authority, municipality, town, city, local service district or community council may enter the amount of the fine, together with an applicable late payment penalty, payable by the convicted defendant for that offence as a judgment under subsection (1). (3) An order of imprisonment of a person under section 32.4 does not discharge fines owing by the person and a proceeding under this section and another remedy available under this Act is not barred where the court has made an order under that section. 1995 cP-31.1 s33 ; 1999 c40 s7 ; 2006 c54 s6 ; 2024 c17 s103 Back to Top Issuance, suspension or renewal of instruments 34. (1) Where a person has not paid a fine, including a fine under the Criminal Code payable to the Crown in right of the province imposed within the time allowed for payment, the minister or another minister or person who has the authority under an enactment to issue, suspend or renew a permit, licence, or other permission or instrument may refuse to issue or renew or may suspend that permit, licence, or other permission or instrument (a) unless an agreement has been made with the person with terms satisfactory to the minister or another minister or person referred to in subsection (1) with authority for issuance, suspension or renewal of the permit, licence, or other permission or instrument to pay the fine and the applicable late payment, and the person is in compliance with that agreement; or (b) until the fine and the applicable late payment are paid. (2) The proof of payment for the purpose of subsection (1) is the responsibility of the offender. 2006 c54 s7 Back to Top Application of Judgment Enforcement Act 35. The Judgment Enforcement Act shall apply to a fine entered as a judgment in the Supreme Court under section 33. 1996 cJ-1.1 s198 ; 2024 c17 s104 Back to Top Rep. by 1996 cJ-1.1 s198 36. [Rep. by 1996 cJ-1.1 s198] 1996 cJ-1.1 s198 Back to Top Extension of time for payment 37. (1) A person who is liable to pay a fine may, by application to a judge, request an extension, or a further extension, of the time for payment of the fine and the application shall be determined by the judge. (2) Where a person applies for an extension of the time for payment of a fine, a judge may make those inquiries, on oath or affirmation, of and concerning the applicant that the judge considers appropriate, but the person shall not be compelled to answer. (3) Unless the judge finds that the application for an extension of time would likely be used to evade payment, the judge shall extend the time for payment by ordering periodic payments or otherwise. 1995 cP-31.1 s37 Back to Top Fines option program 38. (1) The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may make regulations establishing a program to permit the payment of fines by means of credit for work performed and, for that purpose, may (a) prescribe classes of work and the conditions under which they are to be performed; (b) prescribe a system of credits; and (c) generally, make regulations for the effective administration of the program. (2) Regulations made under subsection (1) may be made to apply to the entire province or to a portion of the province as set out in them. 1995 cP-31.1 s38 Back to Top Garnishment of lottery prizes 38.1 (1) In this section (a) "corporation" means the Atlantic Lottery Corporation; (b) "lottery" means a lottery scheme permitted by virtue of the Criminal Code and conducted and managed by the corporation; and (c) "prize" means a sum of money or goods payable as a prize in a lottery. (2) Where a person convicted under this Act or another enactment who has not paid a fine imposed is entitled to a prize that the corporation values at $1,000 or more, the minister may garnish that prize to the extent of the unpaid fine and in the manner prescribed by the regulations. (3) The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may make regulations respecting the manner of garnishing lottery prizes under subsection (2). 2006 c54 s8 Back to Top Young Persons Offences Act to prevail 39. To the extent this Act conflicts with the provisions of the Young Persons Offences Act the latter Act shall prevail. 1995 cP-31.1 s39 Back to Top Fine is revenue of the Crown 40. (1) A duty, penalty, fine or sum of money, or the proceeds of a forfeiture under an enactment, if no other provision is made respecting it, constitutes revenue of the Crown and shall be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund. (2) Notwithstanding another enactment, all late payment penalties payable under section 32 are the property of the Crown. 1995 cP-31.1 s40 PART IV INQUIRIES Back to Top Definitions 41. In this Part (a) "constable" means a member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Force stationed in the province and a police officer employed by a city, town, municipality, community or other form of local government, constituted or incorporated under an Act of a general or special nature; and (b) "medical practitioner" means a person who is the holder of a valid licence issued under the Medical Act. 1995 cP-31.1 s41 Back to Top Fire inquiry 42. Where property is damaged or destroyed by fire, a judge may hold an inquiry to ascertain the cause or origin of the fire, and shall hold that inquiry on direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions. 1995 cP-31.1 s42 Back to Top Minister may order inquiry 43. Where a person dies and there is reasonable cause to suspect that that person died under a circumstance referred to in section 5, 6, 7 or 8 of the Fatalities Investigations Act and the minister is of the opinion that it is necessary for the protection of the public interest or in the interest of public safety that an inquiry be held, the minister may order a judge to hold an inquiry. 1995 cP-31.1 s43 ; 1998 c6 s22 Back to Top Powers of judge 44. A judge where the judge holds an inquiry under this Part, including one under section 46, has the powers of a commissioner under the Public Inquiries Act, 2006. 1995 cP-31.1 s44 ; 2024 c17 s105 Back to Top Commission evidence 45. (1) A judge may request in writing of another judge to require a person to attend before that other judge and be examined with respect to the subject matter of an inquiry. (2) The judge requested under subsection (1) shall transmit the proceedings and a deposition connected with the proceedings to the requesting judge and proceedings and depositions so transmitted are considered part of the evidence of an inquiry and are to be included in a report sent under section 50. 1995 cP-31.1 s45 Back to Top Public inquiry 46. (1) An inquiry shall be held in public. (2) At any stage in the inquiry, the judge may, on application by a party, or otherwise, make an order directing that the evidence taken at the inquiry, or a portion of it, shall not be published or broadcast except by leave of the judge granted at a time subsequent to the inquiry. 1995 cP-31.1 s46 Back to Top Attendance at inquiry 47. (1) A person appointed by the Attorney General to act for the Crown may attend the inquiry and may examine and cross-examine witnesses and present arguments and submissions. (2) A person who the presiding judge determines is an interested person may attend the inquiry and be represented by counsel and may examine and cross-examine witnesses and present arguments and submissions. 1995 cP-31.1 s47 Back to Top Witnesses 48. Where, in the opinion of the judge, it is necessary, witnesses at an inquiry shall be kept apart from each other or otherwise prevented from communicating with each other until they have been examined. 1995 cP-31.1 s48 Back to Top Report of judge 49. (1) At the conclusion of the inquiry the presiding judge shall make a written report to the Attorney General which shall contain findings as to the following: (a) the identity of the deceased; (b) the date, time and place of death or the fire; (c) the circumstances under which the death or fire occurred; (d) the cause of death or the fire; and (e) the manner of death. (2) A report under subsection (1) may contain recommendations as to the prevention of similar deaths or fires. (3) The findings of the judge shall not contain findings of legal responsibility or a conclusion of law. (4) The report of the presiding judge shall be made not later than 6 months from the date of the beginning of the inquiry unless an extension of the time is granted by the Chief Provincial Court Judge. (5) Notwithstanding an order under subsection 47(2), the Attorney General may make available to a person, on payment of the prescribed fee, a copy of the report or a part of it. 1995 cP-31.1 s49 Back to Top Incriminating answers 50. (1) A witness shall not be excused from answering a question upon the ground that the answer may tend to incriminate the witness or may tend to establish the witness’s liability to a civil proceeding at the instance of the Crown or a person or to a prosecution under an Act. (2) Where, with respect to a question a witness refuses to answer upon grounds set out in subsection (1), and where, but for this section or an Act of the province or Canada the witness would have been excused from answering the question then, although the witness is, because of this section or an Act of the province or Canada compelled to answer, the answer given shall not be used or receivable in evidence against the witness in a civil proceeding or in a proceeding under an Act of the Legislature. 1995 cP-31.1 s50 ; 2024 c17 s106 PART V GENERAL Back to Top Records 51. (1) A judge shall record in the prescribed manner a minute or memorandum of convictions or orders made by the judge under Parts I and II and shall note those particulars in a form that may be prescribed by the regulations. (2) A sum paid to the court under this Act and the appropriation of that sum, shall be recorded and authenticated in a manner that may be prescribed by the regulations. (3) Minutes, memoranda and notes made under this section shall be, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, evidence of the matters included in them. (4) Information recorded under this section shall be open for inspection, without fee, to a person authorized in that behalf by a judge or the Attorney General. 1995 cP-31.1 s51 ; 2024 c17 s107 Back to Top Regulations 52. The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may make regulations to give effect to the purpose of this Act. 1995 cP-31.1 s52 Back to Top Consequential amendments 53. (1) Section 442 of the City of Corner Brook Act is amended by renumbering it as subsection 442(1) and by adding the following immediately after that subsection: (2) Where a fine imposed under subsection (1) is for a ticketable offence the council shall pay to the province $5 or an amount that the Minister of Justice may order for every ticket processed by the province. (2) Section 442 of the City of Mount Pearl Act is amended by renumbering it as subsection 442(1) and adding the following immediately after that subsection: (2) Where a fine imposed under subsection (1) is for a ticketable offence the council shall pay to the province $5 or an amount that the Minister of Justice may order for every ticket processed by the province. (3) Section 37 of the City of St.

John's Act is amended by renumbering it as subsection 37(1) and by adding the following immediately after that subsection: (2) Where a fine imposed, for a violation of this Act or a by-law made under it, is for a ticketable offence the city clerk shall pay to the province $5 or an amount that the Minister of Justice may order, for every ticket processed by the province. (4) Paragraph 340.5 (1)(f) of the City of St. John's Act is amended by deleting the words " The Summary Proceedings Act " and by substituting the words "the Provincial Offences Act ". (5) Paragraph 22(1)(p) of the Dangerous Goods Transportation Act is amended by deleting the words " Summary Proceedings Act " and by substituting the words " Provincial Offences Act ". (6) Subsection 48(8) of the Department of Works, Services and Transportation Act is amended by deleting the figure "$5" and by substituting the figure "$10". (7) The Department of Works, Services and Transportation Act is amended by adding the following immediately after section 48: 48.1 (1) A fine recovered under section 48 of the Act or under the regulations made under section 72 shall be forwarded by the court imposing the fine to the Department of Justice which shall forward the fine to the hospital or college concerned. (2) A hospital or college referred to in subsection (1) shall pay to the province $5 or an amount that the Minister of Justice made order, for every ticket processed for it by the province. (8) The Highway Traffic Act is amended by adding the following immediately after section 16: 16.1 Where a person who has not paid a fine, including a fine under the Criminal Code payable to the Crown in right of the province, is the holder of a driver's licence or a vehicle registration, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles shall not issue or renew the driver's licence or vehicle registration or register a transfer of a vehicle of the person where he or she has not paid the fine or an applicable late payment penalty within the time allowed for payment for an offence commenced by means of a ticket, until the fine or late payment penalty are paid, and the proof of payment is the responsibility of the person. (9) Subsection 48(1) of the Highway Traffic Act is amended by adding the following immediately after paragraph (k): (k.1) to a person who has not paid a fine, including a fine imposed under the Criminal Code payable to the Crown in right of the province or a late payment penalty, within the time allowed for payment;. (10) Subsection 208(1) of the Highway Traffic Act is amended by deleting the words " Summary Proceedings Act " and by substituting the words " Provincial Offences Act ". (11) Section 212 of the Highway Traffic Act is amended by adding the following immediately after subsection (2): (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), the province shall retain $5 or an amount that the Minister of Justice may order, for each ticket that it processes. (12) Section 104 of the Liquor Control Act is amended by deleting the words " Summary Proceedings Act " and by substituting the words " Provincial Offences Act ". (13) Sections 119 and 120 of the Liquor Control Act are repealed. (14) Subsection 35(6) of the Memorial University Act is amended by deleting the figure "$5" and by substituting the figure "$10". (15) The Memorial University Act is amended by adding the following immediately after section 35: 35.1 (1) A fine recovered under section 35 of the Act or under the regulations under that section shall be forwarded by the court imposing the fine to the Department of Justice which shall forward the fine to the university. (2) The university shall pay to the province $5, or an amount that the Minister of Justice may order, for every ticket processed by the province for a violation of this Act or the regulations made under it. (16) Subsection 33(2) of the Motor Carrier Act is amended by deleting the words " Summary Proceedings Act " and by substituting the words " Provincial Offences Act ". (17) Section 452 of the Municipalities Act is amended by renumbering it as subsection 452(1) and by adding the following immediately after that subsection: (2) Where a fine imposed under subsection (1) is for a ticketable offence the council, to which it relates, shall pay to the province $5, or an amount that the Minister of Justice may order, for every ticket processed by the province. 1995 cP-31.1 s53 Back to Top RSN1990 cS-30 Rep. 54. (1) The Summary Proceedings Act is repealed. (2) Where this Act comes into force before the Fatalities Investigations Act comes into force, section 43 of this Act shall not apply, but sections 23 and 24 of the Summary Proceedings Act shall continue to apply, notwithstanding the repeal of the that Act, until the Fatalities Investigation Act comes into force. 1995 cP-31.1 s54 Back to Top Commencement 55. This Act or a Part or section shall come into force on a day to be proclaimed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. (In force - Apr. 1/96) 1995 cP-31.1 s56 ; 1997 c13 s55