Demerit points in Alberta are incurred on your driving record when you are convicted of a traffic offence. The following 4 important facts about demerit points in Alberta will help you better understand the regulations and consequences involved with receiving demerit points while in Alberta.

1. This Chart Listing Demerit Points in Alberta

As this demerits point chart shows, demerits range from two (2) to seven (7) points, depending on the seriousness of the offence.

2. How Long Do Demerit Points Stay on Your Record? (and When Do They Expire?)

Scratching your head, wondering “how long do demerits last in Alberta?”

The short answer is, demerits last for 2 years on your driving record in Alberta. Demerit points in Alberta operate on a revolving basis; this means that demerit points do not last forever.

Demerit Points for Drivers with a Class 5 License

For drivers with a Class 5 license, license suspension will occur once 15 demerits have been accumulated over a two (2) year period. At eight (8) demerits, a written notice will be mailed to the driver as fair warning.

Demerit Points for Drivers with a Class 7 License (GDL)

For Class 7, or GDL-licensed drivers, a license suspension will occur once eight (8) demerits have been accumulated, and a written notice will be mailed to the driver once they have accumulated four (4) demerits.

3. How Long Will my License be Suspended?

For Class 5 drivers, the initial license suspension is one (1) month long.

If 15 demerits are accumulated for a second time within a one (1) year period, the license suspension will be three (3) months long.

If 15 demerits are accumulated for a third time within a two (2) year period, the license suspension will be six (6) months long and the driver may be required to stand before the Alberta Transportation Safety Board.

For Class 7/GDL drivers, the same time periods and suspension lengths apply, but they are invoked once the driver accumulates eight (8) demerits, not 15.

4. How Can I Reduce The Number of Demerit Points On My Record?

Many local Edmonton driving schools offer courses directing aimed at reducing demerits; however, not every course offered at Edmonton driving schools is approved, so be sure to check beforehand.

If a driver successfully completes an approved defensive driving course before they have accumulated eight (8) demerit points, they may earn a demerit point reduction of three (3) points.

5. Exactly How To Check Demerit Points in Alberta

If you’re wondering how to check demerit points in Alberta, a quick trip to your local Alberta Registry is all it takes. Simply request an updated driver’s abstract, which will cost around $25. At the registry, you will be able to choose between having a 3, 5 or 10 year demerit history report pulled.

Can You Check Demerit Points Online?

In Alberta, there is no way to check demerit points online. In order to check the number of demerit points on your record, you will have to visit your local registry.

Demerit Points can Affect Insurance Premiums

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6. How Many Demerit Points Are Given for Distracted Driving in Alberta?

Distracted driving is no joke. Besides the risk of both injuries and fatalities, distracted driving also comes with a hefty price tag.

Drivers found to be driving distracted in Alberta will be faced with a minimum $287 fine, as well as three (3) demerit points.

Think texting is the only distraction while driving? Think again.

Distracted driving demerits in Alberta can be handed out for:

Holding, viewing or manipulating a cell phone or other device
Using a GPS system while driving
Reading or viewing any printed material
Writing, printing or sketching
Personal grooming or hygiene

Accumulating too many demerit points can affect your ability to drive, the cost of driving and the cost of insurance. Be street smart by keeping this crash course on demerits in Alberta in mind and keep those roads safe!

7. Demerits for Running a Stop Sign in Alberta

“You’re in a hurry to get things done, yeah, rushin’, rushin’ till…” you’re handed a few demerit points for failing to stop at a stop sign.

Failing to stop at both a stop sign, and an intersection where the lights are flashing red will earn drivers 3 demerit points in Alberta.

8. How Many Demerit Points Are Given for Speeding in Alberta?

In Alberta, the number of demerit points that are incurred depend on how fast, or how many kilometres over the speed limit, that you were driving at the time of the offence.

Here’s a quick look at the number of demerit points that are handed out for speeding in Alberta:

2 demerit points for driving 15 km/h over
3 demerit points for driving 15 – 30 km/h over
4 demerit points for driving 30 – 50 km/h over
6 demerit points for driving more than 50 km/h over

In addition to these guidelines, there is also one last penalty for speeding and that is for driving at “an unreasonable rate.” This offence sees 4 demerit points being assigned.

9. How Demerit Points Affect Your Auto Insurance

There’s no doubt that there is a relationship between demerit points and insurance. While we wish it weren’t true, demerit points do in fact affect insurance rates.

While it isn’t exactly a black and white issue, drivers that have received demerits on their record will most likely have to deal with raised insurance rates.

Handed a Few Demerit Points?

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In some cases, if the insurance company you are dealing with decides to consider you as a “tough” or “dangerous” client, they may decide that you will require high risk insurance.

In this case, it really is best to speak with a professional insurance agent to explore all of your options and fully understand your situation.

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Demerit Points in Alberta: 9 Things You Absolutely Need To Know