The Manitoba government has proposed changes to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) that would make it an offence to drive on closed roads.

“Our government heard from RCMP leadership and their support for measures that promote road safety and stronger laws to help discourage motorists from the dangerous practice of accessing and driving on closed roads,” said Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk. “Once enacted, Bill 46 will make this treacherous activity illegal, with offenders facing substantial fines, and making roads safer for everyone.”

Under the proposed legislation amendments law enforcement officers would be able to issue tickets for drivers that are found driving on closed roads. Fines could hit $5000 for drivers of heavy vehicles and $2000 for drivers of light vehicles like cars, light trucks and SUVs.

The province says that the proposed amendments would bring Manitoba’s HTA in line with other provinces including British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan, which have already made it an offence to drive on closed roads.