Understanding demerit points and their impact on your driving record is essential for every driver in Alberta. If you're having difficulty finding precise and reliable information about these penalties and their consequences, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will explore how Alberta's traffic law system works, provide a list of offences and their corresponding demerit points, and help you stay informed on what to do in case you accumulate penalties in your driving record.
What Are Demerit Points?
In Alberta, being convicted of a driving offence will lead to points being recorded on your driving history. These are called demerit points. Their goal is to prevent drivers from driving carelessly and encourage them to follow traffic laws, ultimately enhancing safety on the road. Depending on the total of demerit points, you have accumulated on your driving history, you may have your driver’s licence suspended – more on that later.
How Many Demerit Point Penalties Do I Get per Offence?
The number of demerit points on your driving record will depend on the number and severity of your convictions. Typically, more serious offences result in a higher number of demerit points being recorded against you. Here, we provide a list of the main offences along with the corresponding demerit points they can lead to.
For Fully Licensed and GDL Drivers:
Points | Offence |
7 points |
|
6 points |
|
5 points |
|
4 points |
|
3 points |
|
2 points |
|
Demerit Points Penalties Specific to GDL Drivers:
Points | Offence |
2 points |
|
How Many Demerit Points Can I Have Before My Licence Is Suspended?
The number of demerit points that you can accumulate before a suspension will depend on the type of driver’s licence you hold:
Fully Licensed Drivers
Those who hold a full driver’s licence in Alberta will be suspended if accumulating 15 or more demerit points on their driving abstract within a two-year period. The first driver’s licence suspension lasts for 1 month, meaning you won’t be able to drive during that period. When a demerit points suspension ends, you will still have 7 demerit points on your driver’s licence for two years. If you receive a second suspension after that, your driver’s licence will be suspended for 3 months. Third suspensions will result in your driver’s licence being suspended for 6 months.
Drivers Holding a GDL Licence
If you hold a GDL Licence in Alberta, you may be suspended after having 8 or more demerit points accumulated in your history. This means that GDL drivers must be extra careful on the road to avoid tickets and convictions. The first suspension lasts for 1 month, the second for 3 months and the third suspension may prevent you from driving for up to 6 months. GDL drivers are reinstated with 3 demerit points after each suspension.
How to Reduce Demerit Points
If you have noticed you are reaching your driver’s licence limit for demerit points, there are some steps you can take to reduce them.
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Non-GDL drivers can take a Defensive Driving Course in Alberta to reduce the number of demerit points they have accumulated in their history. This can remove up two 3 demerit points every two years. It is important to remember that completing this course not only helps you avoid suspensions but also enhances your driving skills, which consequently reduces the chances of being convicted in the future.
Enroll in a Professional Driver Improvement Course
The Professional Driver Improvement Course, also known as PDIC, is designed to help commercial drivers enhance their driving habits. Completing the PDIC can also reduce up to 3 demerit points from your driving history.
Restricted Driver Program
Non-GDL Drivers who had their licences suspended may have the possibility of applying for the restricted driver program so that they can drive for their primary employment, education, or medical purposes. This may grant them with a restricted driver’s licence to be used for specific purposes until the end of their suspension period. However, not all drivers are eligible for this program. The specific eligibility criteria can be found here.
It is important to note that participants in the RDP face stricter conditions regarding traffic offences. If you hold a restricted driver’s licence that was granted in the program and receive a driving-related traffic ticket, such as speeding, or distracted driving, you will have your licence suspended immediately.
Your Choice for Driver Licence’s Services in Calgary
Having reliable information when navigating Alberta’s traffic law system is fundamental for any driver in Calgary. At Registry @ South Trail Crossing, we count on an experienced team of professionals capable of providing efficient assistance for all your driver’s licence and registration needs. Whether you need to renew your driver’s licence or understand your demerit point status, we are here to help. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and let us be your partner toward safe and responsible driving. Reach out to us.
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