Traffic Offences

In the province of Alberta, traffic offences encompass a wide range of violations, which include both minor infractions, such as exceeding the speed limit, and more serious violations, such as impaired driving and hit-and-run incidents. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these offences and their associated consequences is crucial for all individuals operating motor vehicles within the province.

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• Minor Infractions:
  Examples of minor infractions include speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, improper lane changes, and disobeying traffic control signals. These violations are typically penalized through monetary fines and the assignment of demerit points.
• Serious Violations:
  Serious violations encompass offenses such as impaired driving, reckless driving, and hit-and-run incidents. These carry more stringent penalties, including criminal charges, suspension of driving privileges, and substantial fines.

The implications of traffic violations within Alberta are contingent upon the severity of the infraction. Typical consequences include the following:

• Fines:
  Monetary penalties are the most frequently imposed sanctions for minor infractions. The specific amount is determined by the nature of the offence.
• Demerit Points:
  Accumulation of demerit points may result in the suspension of a driver’s license. For instance, amassing 15 or more points within a two-year timeframe may lead to a suspension.
• License Suspensions:
  Significant violations, such as impaired driving, can result in immediate license suspensions. These suspensions may be temporary or, in severe cases, permanent.
• Criminal Charges:
  Serious offences, including impaired driving and hit-and-run incidents, are categorized as criminal violations. These may lead to legal proceedings, financial penalties, probationary requirements, or incarceration.

The Alberta demerit point system is a safety-focused framework that tracks traffic violations over a rolling two-year period to encourage responsible driving. For fully licensed drivers, accumulating between 8 and 14 demerit points results in a formal cautionary notice mailed to the driver, serving as a proactive warning to improve driving habits. If a driver reaches 15 or more points within a two-year window, their license is automatically suspended for a period of one month for a first offense. Subsequent reaches of this 15-point threshold within a specific timeframe lead to longer suspensions of three to six months. Upon the conclusion of a suspension, the license is reinstated with a starting balance of seven demerit points, which remain on the record for two years from the date of reinstatement. Drivers may have options to lower these points, such as earning a point reduction by completing an online defensive driving course or reaching a resolution for a lesser offense with a prosecutor.

Demerit points are generally retained on a driver’s record for a designated duration, typically two years. After this period, they are automatically removed and will no longer appear on your driving record. In specific circumstances, drivers may be eligible to reduce demerit points by completing accredited defensive driving courses. The availability and effectiveness of such courses are subject to provincial regulations and the severity of the traffic violation. Adhering to road safety regulations and proactively exploring measures such as these is imperative for preserving a clear driving record and mitigating the consequences of traffic infractions.

View Demerit Point Breakdown