Discussions

So I’m currently pulled over, between car berry and brandon because the roads are so bad, and it got me thinking, what happens of you’re pulled over because of snow and the highway gets closed! Do you have to sit there until it re opens or how does it work?

If you are caught on a closed road by the RCMP the fine is up to $230 and points against your license. Source:

DYK: Fine for driving on a closed highway = $230 &: could affect your insurance? Also emergency vehicles may not be able to reach you if needed. #rcmpmb #TrafficTues pic.twitter.com/HOPqIrORbR

&mdash: RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) November 22, 2017

 
 
Manitoba's Winter Driving Info page.  
https://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo/winter.html  
 
Contact information for MB road conditions  
Phone: 511  
Website: www.manitoba511.ca  
Twitter: @MbGovRoads (road closures only)  
Mobile: www.manitoba.ca

I think what he or she means is if it closes while you are already on it. Not starting out on a road that is already closed.  
 
I don't know the answer.

The first response isn't really relevant here as the OP asked what would happen if they were already travelling and decided to pull over and wait the storm out.  
 
The highways department link actually recommends that as on option until the weather eases.  
 
If you choose to drive on a road that is listed as closed then the fines could come into play along with MPI problems if any damaged occurs.  
 
I also do not know what would happen if you were already travelling and decided to stop for safety reasons. I doubt you would be fined but i don't think emergency vehicles would go out to help if the road is closed.

The issuing of a ticket is usually done with a certain amount of discretion, unless it is a blatant disregard of the laws, at which point you get what you deserve.  
So just remember to be polite, and more importantly be honest about your situation.

I also found this on MPI's winter safety site.  
 
"If stranded, immediately contact 911 for assistance, turn on the vehicle’s four-way flashers, and remain in your vehicle until help arrives. Ensure that your tail-pipe is not getting covered or blocked with snow to reduce risk of carbon monoxide poisoning."  
Taken from: https://www.mpi.mb.ca/Pages/winter-driving.aspx  
 
I also found this article online from Global News. "What do when caught in a whiteout"  
 
https://globalnews.ca/news/3967652/what-do-you-do-when-youre-caught-in-a-whiteout/  
"“Getting over to the side of the road as far as possible, but still being safe, is the most important thing,” Kulyk said. "  
 
You can contact MPI below, they might be able to answer the question  
 
https://www.mpi.mb.ca/Pages/contact-us.aspx  
 
Edited by Bassman, 2022-01-21 08:55:46

I really doubt MPI would deny a claim if there was an accident, (specifically single vehicle vs ditch). They can say the highway was closed as much as they want, but the reality is a driver could hit the ditch just as easy on a parallel municipal grid road that is not closed. (And is less likely to have maintenance equipment operating during a storm.)  
 
It's likely a case where knowing the fine print of the HTA and your MPI policy comes in to play!  
 
Andrew

Fines aside as unimportant versus freezing which is important  
 
Emergency vehicles do not respond on closed highways. Including tow trucks.  
 
So make sure you have a survival kit in your car.  
 
Keep flashes on.  
 
Never ever leave your car.  
 
Driving in winter always drive with a full tank of gas.  
 
Let 911 where you are so help can be sent as soon as roads open.

It's a myth that if you are driving on closed roads you have no insurance, you are covered.  
 
Here is an article from portage online from 2017, in the arctical Brian smiley (mpi spokesperson) explains it is a myth.  
 
https://www.portageonline.com/local/mpi-closed-smiley-3pm  
 
Exhausted got it right, except:  
 
If you do become stranded on a closed road, call 911 and the emergency responders will do everything they can to get to you, they have a tremendous amount of resources. They are not just going to tell you "oh too bad, cya when it blows over." Albeit, absolutely carry a survival kit, it's just a good idea.  
 
Im not sure what fines you would/could receive, so I can't comment on that regard.

The main difference is:  
 
Did you  
Knowingly go on a closed highway. Go around signs or move them so you could go around.  
 
Or were you caught unawares and already on the road.  
 
Emergency vehicles will come but only if safe to do so and if road very bad conditions there may be a lot of vehicles needing assistance. And the more important ones will be attended first.  
 
In blizzards the conditions may be so bad that they won’t be able to get to you anytime soon.  
 
Not sure on CAA tow trucks in regard to going on closed highways.  
 
The fine I believe is $540 or so. Probably depends on your attitude if you get it or not as RCMP say they don’t give out many.  
 
However if you cause an accident especially causing injury and death. Additional charges will be laid as you were driving in unsafe conditions.  
 
Most important thing of all is never leave your vehicle for ANY reason.

Blizzard warning.  
 
Suggest you postpone unnecessary travel. Don’t want you to experience any of the items we have been talking about.  
 
With Alberta clipper it will move fast and roads should be good by Wednesday if plows have done their job.