Section 168 — District Court Act 2016: Immobilisation of motor vehicles

168 Immobilisation of motor vehicles (1) A bailiff or constable executing a warrant to seize property may, while seizing, or instead of seizing, a motor vehicle, immobilise the vehicle by attaching to it any device designed for the purpose, pending payment of the unpaid amount. (2) A vehicle may not be immobilised under subsection (1) unless, at the time of its immobilisation, the vehicle— (a) is on private property; or (b) is in a public place and the bailiff or constable is satisfied that immobilising the vehicle will not cause undue inconvenience to other persons. (3) If a motor vehicle is immobilised under this section, a bailiff or constable— (a) may seize the vehicle at any time: (b) on the direction of the Registrar, must seize the vehicle. (4) A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, the person— (a) tampers with, removes, or attempts to remove a device attached to a motor vehicle under subsection (1); or (b) removes, or attempts to remove,— (i) a motor vehicle to which a device is, or has been, attached under subsection (1); or (ii) any part of that vehicle; or (iii) any other property from that vehicle. (5) A person who commits an offence under subsection (4) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000. Compare: 1947 No 16 s 85A