Albertans caught driving at excessive speeds in B.C. could have their vehicles impounded for a week.

Alberta drivers who want to hold on to their cars had better slow down on B.C. highways, police say.

More than 80 Alberta vehicles have been impounded under stricter speed regulations that came into effect in British Columbia on Sept. 20.

Many Alberta drivers don't realize that under the new rules, if they're caught going more than 40 km/h over the speed limit on B.C. highways, their vehicles are impounded for a week and they face a fine of $368 to $483, in addition to a towing and storage fees.

"The police have absolutely no discretion when it comes to charging anyone over that 40 kilometres, plus a couple of miles for the error rate, and then all of a sudden now your car is gone for seven days," Columbia Valley RCMP Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac said.

RCMP staff see Albertans speeding to their B.C. cabins regularly, Shehovac said. "A lot of passing on double solids, passing unsafe, a lot of high speeds," he said.

RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said there are no breaks for tourists who don't know the tougher law.

"No matter where they're from, if they're treating our provincial and public highways like race tracks, they can expect swift and severe consequences."