Domestic ferries working in Newfoundland and Labrador will stay docked if passengers refuse to get out of their cars, the transportation minister says.

Dianne Whalen said a new rule, which took effect on Monday, prohibits passengers on all provincially operated ferries from staying inside their vehicles.

Dianne Whalen says a new safety rule on provincially operated ferries will be strictly enforced. Dianne Whalen says a new safety rule on provincially operated ferries will be strictly enforced.
(CBC)

Whalen said the new move promotes safety, and will make emergency evacuations easier, as all passengers will be on the same deck.

If a passenger refuses to comply with the new rule, the ferry will not sail and staff will call in the police, Whalen said.

She added the rule will be enforced strictly.

New signs have been posted on all ferries used on the 16 intra-provincial routes that the provincial government operates.