VISE is intended to deter individuals who cruise streets and neighbourhoods in their vehicles for the purposes of buying sexual services. It gives police the power to seize and impound vehicles that they believe have been used for certain offences related to procuring sexual services and prostitution.

Several things can happen once a vehicle is impounded. If any person in the vehicle at the time it is seized is convicted of one of these offences, the impounded vehicle is automatically forfeited to the Crown. If the owner has been charged, he will only get the vehicle back if no one in the vehicle is convicted, or if everyone in the vehicle attends an approved program known as "john school."

The john school program educates offenders about the impact of their activities on prostitutes, their families and the community. Offenders must accept responsibility for their offence before being allowed into the program. The offender is responsible for all program fees, as well as towing and impound fees for their vehicle. Participants must attend john school in Saskatoon, Regina or Prince Albert, regardless of where they live.

Repeat offenders and those with a significant or serious criminal history cannot participate in john school. Those who do not complete the john school program have their driver's licence suspended for one year. Those convicted of a prostitution-related offence involving a vehicle face a one-year licence suspension for a first offence and two years for subsequent offences.

Offenders convicted of soliciting children or youth for sexual services are not eligible to have their vehicle returned if they attend john school, because such activity is considered child abuse. Among the goals of the VISE program are to demonstrate that cruising and street prostitution are not normal activities, and to help keep children safe from being accosted on the street.

Other penalties under VISE include fines of up to $2,000 or jail time of up to 14 years. Procuring a person under 18 of age into prostitution carries a minimum penalty of five years in jail.

The owner of the seized and impounded vehicle may have it returned, if certain conditions and requirements are met. These conditions and requirements are outlined under How do I get my vehicle back?