Can an officer impound your vehicle if you drive without a license?
Yes
Only if there is no one else in the vehicle who can drive
No, the officer must first obtain impound authorization from a judge before impounding the vehicle.
If you are driving without a license, under New Zealand traffic regulations, police do have the authority to impound your vehicle. Driving without a license is treated as a serious offense because it directly threatens road safety and the well-being of other road users. A driver's license is an important credential that proves the driver has passed the necessary tests, understands, and can comply with traffic laws. Individuals driving without a license may lack these essential knowledge and skills, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, the police have the right to impound the vehicles of unlicensed drivers as a preventive measure to protect public safety. By enforcing such regulations, New Zealand aims to reduce traffic accidents and improve the safety of road users.