Demerit Point System
The Alberta Traffic Safety Act Demerit Point System constitutes a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to enhance road safety and minimize traffic violations across the province of Alberta, Canada. By allocating demerit points according to the severity and recurrence of traffic infractions, this system functions as an essential mechanism for monitoring and promoting responsible driving behavior.
Overview of the Demerit Point System
The system is designed to encourage responsible driving by penalizing unsafe behaviors. When a driver commits a traffic violation, points are added to their driving record. Accumulating a certain number of points can lead to penalties such as license suspension or other administrative actions.
Understanding Alberta's Demerit Point System
In Alberta, the demerit point system is designed to encourage safe driving by tracking traffic infractions and taking administrative actions when specific thresholds are reached. This system is straightforward: receiving 6 demerit points results in a warning letter being issued to the driver, serving as a reminder to improve their driving habits. Accumulating 8 demerit points triggers a notice of license suspension for a period of 3 days, emphasizing the seriousness of repeated violations. Finally, reaching 15 demerit points can lead to even more severe consequences, including further license suspensions and potential legal implications. By understanding these thresholds, drivers can take proactive steps to maintain safe and responsible driving behaviours on Alberta’s roads.
Demerit Points
2 Points
S. 115(2)(p): Speeding – exceeding the limit by up to 15 km/h
S. 15(4): Traffic lane violation
S. 25, 26: Improper turns (including U-turns)
S. 15(2): Fail to Signal when Changing Lanes
S. 57: Failing to obey traffic control devices (traffic lights and signs)
3 Points
S.15(5) Driving left of center
S. 17: Driving the wrong way on a one-way highway
S. 71(1): Failing to report an accident
S. 54: Failing to stop at a red light intersection
S. 53: Failing to yield
S. 22(2)(b): Impeding passing vehicle
S. 8: Improper passing
S.54: Proceeding when unsafe
S115(2)(c): Stunting
S.115(2)(p): Speeding – exceeding the limit by more than 15 but less than 30 km/h
S. 115(1): Distracted Driving
4 Ponts
S.115(2)(p): Speeding – exceeding the limit by more than 30 but less than 50 km/h
S. 18: Following too closely (tailgating)
S. 42(2): Passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk
S41(1): Failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian on a crosswalk.
5 Points
S. 166(2): Failing to stop for a peace officer
6 Points
S. 115(2)(p): Speeding – exceeding the limit by more than 50 km/
S.115(2)(c): Racing
S. 115(2)(b): Careless driving
7 Points
S. 69(1): Failing to remain at the scene of an accident
Managing Demerit Points on Your Driver’s Record
Points typically remain on a driver’s record for a specific period—most often two years—after which they are removed, provided no additional violations occur during that time. In certain cases, drivers may have the opportunity to reduce their demerit points by attending approved defensive driving courses. The availability and impact of such courses vary depending on provincial regulations and the nature of the traffic offence. To maintain a clean driving record, it's essential to follow road safety laws and explore options like these to mitigate the impact of violations on your record.
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