Driving is a privilege that comes with a responsibility to follow the rules of the road. In Alberta, the Traffic Safety Act outlines the regulations that drivers must adhere to. Violating these rules can result in some serious forms of fines and demerits, such as affecting your driving record and insurance premiums.
In the following article, we will explore the Alberta Traffic Safety Act Fines and Demerits. So, as a responsible driver, you can take the necessary measures to avoid them.
Let’s get started:
What is the Alberta Traffic Safety Act?
The Alberta Traffic Safety Act is an important piece of legislation that governs the use of motor vehicles on the roads of Alberta, Canada. It sets out the specific rules of the road and the responsibilities that drivers have to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
Such as, you can think of it as a big rulebook for driving in Alberta. It covers everything from speeding and reckless driving to seat belt usage and child safety seats.
Besides, the Act even sets out the procedures for obtaining a driver’s license and outlines the penalties for breaking the law. In fact, one of the main goals of the Traffic Safety Act is to reduce the number of accidents on Alberta’s roads. It does this by setting out strict standards for vehicle safety and by requiring drivers to be properly trained and licensed.
So, by following the ground rules and being sensible on the road, we can all do our part to make the roads safer for everyone.
Hence, whether you are a seasoned driver or just starting out, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. Knowing and obeying the rules can help keep you and your fellow drivers safe while you are on the road.
What is a Demerit?
A demerit is a penalty point that’s assigned to your driver’s license when you violate certain traffic laws. In other words, it’s a way for the authorities to keep track of how many times you have violated the rules.
For instance, it works as a “bad behaviour” tracker. Meaning, when you do something wrong, like speeding or running a red light, you might get a demerit.
The more demerits you earn, the closer you are to having your driver’s license suspended!
But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom!
They aren’t permanent. Instead, they only stay on your license for a certain period of time, usually 2 years. And if you manage to go that whole time without getting any more demerits, the old ones will disappear, and your license will become clean again.
What is the Alberta Traffic Safety Act Fines and Demerits According to the Offences?
In Alberta, there are a number of different traffic violations that can result in demerit points being added to your driver’s license. There’s a particular demerit point, ranging from 2 to 7 demerit points, and the more you violate the rules, the more points you get.
Here is a checklist of the following Alberta traffic act fines and demerits based on the offences:
7 Demerit Points
- Leaving the accident spot can get you as high as $2000 in fines
6 Demerit Points
- Crossing the speed limit by 30 km per hour (maximum 50 km per hour) can get you about $650 to 2000 in penalties
5 Demerit Points
- Not stopping the vehicle and giving or hiding any important information from the police officer.
- Avoiding an unregulated railway crossway
- Not even halting for a vehicle containing harmful subsistence, like flammable liquids, explosive gas, etc.
4 Demerit Points
- Crossing the speed limit by 30 km/hr (maximum 50 km/hr) can cost you around $234-$474 fines.
- Targeting
- Didn’t hold back even after seeing a school bus
- Rejecting to move over for pedestrians or any other vehicles
3 Demerit Points
- Crossing the sped limit by 15 km/hr (highest 30 km/hr) might get you a fine, ranging from $140 to $239 fines.
- Passing an automobile while being in a crosswalk for pedestrians, or a place adjacent to an educational institution
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Creating blockage for the passage of the vehicles
- Turning left despite knowing it is dangerous
- Not considering a pedestrians right of the way
- Totally being ignorant of the road indicators, for instance, yield, stop signs, red lights, or moving too fast or ahead before it’s safe to pass
- Performing any kind of highway stunts
- Fail to report an accident without any valid reasons
- Being an obstruction towards a moving vehicle
2 Demerit Points
- Crossing the speed limit by 1 km/hr (maximum 15 km/hr)
- Fail to meet the traffic rules and regulations
- Splitting between two lanes and driving in the wrong one
- Creating obstacles in the traffic
- Using any kind of solid lines
- Failing to signal a lane change properly
- Hazardous lane changes
- Totally violating the traffic control devices
N.B: The demerit points usually disappear after 2 years, counting from the conviction. Asa r result, drivers get plenty of time to improve their driving practices – ultimately getting the chance to reduce the probability of licence suspension.
What Should I Do to Prevent an Accident?
You can do plenty of things to help prevent accidents and keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road.
They are as follows:
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Always keep your eyes on the road, and stay alert for any potential hazards. Scan ahead for any obstacles, and an eye on the traffic around you. Knowing your surroundings can greatly help you react quickly and avoid accidents.
Follow the Rules at any Cost!
Another important factor in preventing accidents is following the rules and regulations of the road as stated by the authority. This may include, obeying traffic signals, speed limits, and road signs, etc. Plus, make sure you are familiar with the laws in your area.
Regular Maintenance
It’s always a good idea to maintain your vehicle properly. As regular maintenance can help ensure that your car is in good working order, preventing accidents caused by mechanical failure. Hence, check your brakes, tires, and other essential systems regularly while addressing any issues as soon as they arise.
Lastly, always remember to be a courteous driver. Use your turn signals, yield to pedestrians, and allow other drivers to merge or change lanes. Treat others on the road with respect, and they will be more likely to do the same for you.
What Will Happen If I Get too Many Demerits?
If you accumulate too many demerits in Canada, some serious consequences could impact your driving privileges, and even your wallet.
Didn’t get the point? Let’s break down the concept for your better understanding:
In most provinces and territories, including Alberta, your driver’s license can be suspended when you accumulate a certain number of demerits. Meaning, the specific number of demerits required for suspension can vary depending on the province or territory. However, the range typically varies from 8-15 demerits.
For 8-14 demerit points, as a fully licenced driver, you will get a notification over mail informing you about your current demerit position. On the other hand, if your points cross 14 points, then your licence will get an automatic suspension.
Well, that’s not all!
Accumulating too many demerits can also lead to higher insurance premiums. When you have a poor driving record, your insurance company may consider you a higher risk and charge you more to insure your vehicle – costing you thousands of dollars over time.
So, if you do receive a demerit, take it as a learning opportunity and try to improve your driving habits going forward.
How to Check Demerit Points in Alberta?
If you are a driver in Alberta, knowing how many demerit points you have on your record is important. Fortunately, checking your demerit points in Alberta is relatively easy and simple.
First Option
One way to check your demerit points is to visit the Alberta government’s website. From there, you can log in using your driver’s license and personal identification numbers (PIN) to view your demerit point total. You can also request a copy of your driver’s abstract, showing you all the demerits and convictions on your record.
Second Option
Another option is to visit a registry agent in person. These agents can provide you with a copy of your driver’s abstract, which will show you your demerit points and any other convictions or suspensions on your record. You will need to provide identification, such as your driver’s license or passport, to request your driver’s abstract.
It’s important to note that in Alberta, demerit points are only assigned after you have been convicted of a traffic violation. So, if you receive a traffic ticket, it’s important to pay the fine or fight it in court rather than simply ignore it. Otherwise, be ready to face a conviction!
To Conclude
Knowing and following the rules of the road is important for your safety and to avoid penalties that can impact your driving record and insurance rates. This is what Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act does for you!
They set out the fines and demerits for various traffic violations. So, you can follow all the rules of the road and thus stay safe, keeping your driving record clean and your insurance rates low.
FAQs
How Many Demerits Are You Allowed in Alberta?
In Alberta, drivers can accumulate up to 15 demerit points in two years before their driver’s license is suspended.
Does Alberta Traffic Safety Act have Demerit Points?
Yes, the Alberta Traffic Safety Act includes a demerit point system to track and penalize drivers who commit traffic violations. These points are assigned for various traffic offences, and accumulating too many demerit points can result in a license suspension.
How Do You Get Your Driving Licence Back?
To get your driver’s license back after a suspension, you will need to complete the required suspension period, and any other requirements set out by Alberta Transportation, such as a defensive driving course.
You must then apply to restore your license and pay the applicable fees. Once restored, you can continue driving but must maintain a clean driving record to avoid further suspensions or penalties.