On-Reserve Traffic Law Enforcement Under Scrutiny

On-Reserve Traffic Law Enforcement Under Scrutiny

Thursday, February 09, 2006 at 13:52

An RCMP spokesman says a unique court ruling regarding traffic violations on reserves hasn’t changed the way the Mounties enforce the law.

Last year, a judge in La Ronge acquitted a woman who admitted to driving without a licence on reserve land in Southend.

Judge Sid Robinson ruled she shouldn’t have been charged under the provincial Highway Traffic Act, but under federal traffic regulations dealing with reserves.

Robinson also ruled that reserve governments have the final say on what’s allowed on reserve roads, with the exception of major thoroughfares that happen to go through reserve land.

RCMP spokesman Sgt. Brian Jones says the force continues to enforce the law they way they always have.

Jones also says the Mounties will continue to use provincial guidelines, unless advised otherwise.