Understanding Demerit Points in Alberta – What Every Driver Needs to Know

In Alberta, traffic violations don’t just lead to fines—they can also add demerit points to your driving record. These points can accumulate over time and, if they reach certain limits, can result in license suspensions. Knowing how demerit points work can help you make informed decisions on the road and understand the consequences of specific violations.

What Are Demerit Points?

Demerit points are penalties added to your driving record when you’re convicted of certain traffic offenses. Alberta uses this system to encourage safe driving by assigning point values to various violations, from speeding to careless driving. Accumulating too many points within a specific time period can lead to a suspended license and higher insurance rates.

How Do Demerit Points Accumulate?

When you’re convicted of a traffic violation, points are added to your record based on the severity of the offense. These points remain on your record for two years from the date of the violation. Here’s a quick overview of the demerit point thresholds:

• Fully Licensed Drivers: If you accumulate 8 to 14 points, you’ll receive a warning letter. Accumulating 15 or more points within a two-year period will result in a license suspension.
• Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Drivers: For new or probationary drivers, the thresholds are lower. 4 to 7 points result in a warning, and 8 points or more will lead to a suspension.

How Long Do Demerit Points Stay on Your Record?

Demerit points stay on your driving record for two years from the date of the offense. After this period, they automatically expire. However, if you accumulate more points within that timeframe, you could face suspensions and fines.

How Can I Reduce Demerit Points?

In Alberta, you can take a defensive driving course to reduce up to 3 demerit points once every two years. This option can be beneficial for drivers close to reaching the suspension threshold. Defensive driving courses are available at authorized driving schools and are a proactive way to keep your driving record clean.

Common Violations and Their Demerit Points

Some of the most common traffic violations and their associated demerit points include:

• Speeding: 2 to 6 points, depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving.
• Distracted Driving: 3 points for using a handheld device while driving.
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: 3 points.
• Careless Driving: 6 points.
• Failing to Yield: 3 or 4 points, depending on the situation.

What Happens If I Accumulate Too Many Points?

If you reach the point threshold for suspension, the length of suspension increases with each subsequent offense. For instance:

• First Suspension: Minimum of 1 month.
• Second Suspension: Minimum of 3 months.
• Third Suspension: Minimum of 6 months, with potential for additional penalties, including a driver improvement program or license re-evaluation.

Understanding the demerit point system is essential to maintaining a clean driving record in Alberta. If you’ve received a ticket and are concerned about demerit points, it may be worth consulting a professional to explore your options.

Contact us, TICKETS – The Traffic Ticket People today to discuss how you can fight your traffic ticket and avoid unnecessary points on your record.

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