Everything You Need to Know About the Alberta Demerit Points System

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If you're driving in Alberta, understanding how demerit points work is crucial to keeping your license in good standing. No one wants to be surprised by a letter in the mail telling them their license is suspended because of too many demerit points—especially when it could’ve been avoided. Whether you’ve gotten a few speeding tickets or are worried about how a new traffic law might affect your driving record, the Alberta demerit points system can seem a little intimidating. But don’t worry; once you get the hang of it, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. So, let’s get started!

What are Demerit Points?

Demerit points are essentially a tracking system for traffic violations. Every time you commit a driving offense, demerit points are added to your record. The more serious the violation, the more points you’ll get. Think of it like a running tally of your bad driving habits. The key thing to remember is that these points stick with you. If you accumulate too many within a short period, your driving privileges could be at risk.
In Alberta, points are added for both minor and major offenses. For example, running a stop sign or failing to yield might land you a few points, while a more serious offense like reckless driving can add more points at once. The point system is in place to encourage safer driving and penalize risky behaviors on the road. But the good news is, points don’t stay on your record forever—they’ll be cleared after two years, assuming you don’t get into any more trouble.

How the Demerit Points System Works in Alberta

So, how does it all work? Alberta drivers earn demerit points for various traffic violations, and the number of points depends on the severity of the offense. These points are then recorded on your driving record.

Fully Licensed Drivers (Class 5 and higher)

You can accumulate up to 15 demerit points before your license is suspended. Once you hit that number, expect a suspension and possibly other consequences like fines or mandatory courses.

GDL (Graduated Driver’s License) Drivers

If you’re under the GDL program, the rules are stricter. You can only accumulate 5 demerit points before facing suspension. This lower threshold is in place because GDL drivers are considered less experienced and need to be more cautious on the road.
The consequences of reaching these thresholds include:

• A license suspension of one month for first-time offenders.
• A suspension of three months for a second offense within two years.
• A suspension of six months for a third offense, along with the possibility of needing to go through a driver’s test to regain your license.

If you want to continue driving without interruption, you must monitor your demerit point total and avoid crossing these thresholds.

Common Traffic Violations and Their Demerit Points

Traffic violations in Alberta are categorized into three main groups: minor, major, and severe offenses. Each category is assigned a different number of demerit points, reflecting the seriousness of the violation. Accumulating too many demerit points can lead to license suspensions and other penalties.

Minor Offenses

Minor offenses typically involve infractions that, while still risky, are less dangerous than major or severe violations. These include things like:

• Speeding (1-15 km/h over the limit)
• Failure to stop at a stop sign or traffic light
• Failing to yield to pedestrians

Each minor offense usually carries between 2 to 3 demerit points. These infractions are considered less severe but can still have consequences, especially if repeated. If you accumulate too many points from minor offenses, it can lead to fines or even a suspended license.

Major Offenses

Major offenses represent more significant breaches of traffic laws and carry heavier penalties. These offenses often involve dangerous driving behaviors that put others at risk. Examples include:

• Careless driving
• Distracted driving, such as using a cellphone while behind the wheel
• Failing to obey traffic control devices

These offenses generally result in higher demerit points, usually around 3 to 6 points. The goal is to penalize more reckless behaviors likely to cause accidents or harm others on the road.

Severe Offenses

Severe offenses are the most serious violations. They involve dangerous and reckless behavior that can result in severe consequences. These include:

• Driving while suspended
• Failing to remain at the scene of a collision
• Driving under the influence (DUI)

These offenses carry the highest demerit points, typically around 7 points. This shows the significant danger they pose to the driver and others on the road. Accumulating these points can lead to immediate license suspension, mandatory driving courses, or legal consequences.
To help you stay out of trouble, here’s a list of common violations and how many demerit points they carry:

• Speeding:
  • 1 to 15 km/h over the limit: 2 points.
  • 16 to 30 km/h over the limit: 3 points.
  • 31 to 50 km/h over the limit: 4 points.
  • 51+ km/h over the limit: 6 points.

• Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign or Red Light: 3 points.
• Distracted Driving (e.g., using a cellphone): 3 points.
• Following Too Closely: 4 points.
• Driving Without Insurance: 6 points.
• Failing to Yield to a Pedestrian: 4 points.

Remember, it’s easy to accumulate points if you’re not careful. One distracted moment or minor speeding incident may seem like no big deal, but those points can add up quickly!

Consequences of Accumulating Demerit Points

The Alberta demerit points system encourages safer driving and penalizes repeat offenders. Accumulating too many points can result in serious consequences. Here’s what happens when your demerit points start to add up:

1. License Suspension

   One of the immediate consequences of accumulating too many demerit points is the risk of having your license suspended. In Alberta, the rules are clear:

   • Fully licensed drivers (Class 5) face suspension if they accumulate 15 or more demerit points within a two-year period. Upon reaching this threshold, your license can be suspended for a minimum of one month. For each subsequent suspension, the penalty period increases—two months for a second suspension and four months for a third.
   • New drivers under the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program have even stricter limits. A GDL driver faces suspension after accumulating just 8 demerit points.

   When your license is suspended, you will need to surrender it to a registry agent, and you won’t be able to drive until the suspension period ends. If you continue to drive during a suspension, you risk hefty fines, additional demerit points, and even criminal charges.

2. Hiked Premiums

   Insurance companies closely monitor driving records. So, accumulating demerit points can lead to significant hikes in your premiums. Here’s why:

   • More Risk = Higher Premiums

     Insurance companies view drivers with demerit points as higher-risk clients. If you accumulate points from offenses like speeding or careless driving, your insurer may label you as a riskier driver, causing your premiums to rise.

   • Severity Matters

     The impact on your insurance rates depends on the type of violation. Minor offenses like running a stop sign may cause a small increase, but major or severe offenses like DUI or reckless driving could lead to much higher premiums or even having your insurance policy canceled. Over time, as demerit points drop off (typically after two years), your premiums may decrease, but it takes time and a clean record to recover from the financial hit.

3. Employment and Insurance Impact

   Having your license suspended due to demerit points can affect more than just your ability to drive—it can have broader implications on your life:

   • Employment Consequences

     If your job requires you to drive, such as being a delivery driver or a truck driver, a suspended license could result in losing your job. Even if driving isn’t a core part of your work, employers may view repeated traffic offenses or a suspended license as a red flag during the hiring process, especially for jobs requiring responsibility and good judgment.

   • Insurance Claims

     A suspended license can also make it harder to file future insurance claims. Insurance providers may refuse to cover claims if you were driving with a suspended license at the time of an accident. Additionally, having a history of license suspensions can make it difficult to secure affordable car insurance in the future

How to Check Your Demerit Points

Curious about how many points you have? It’s always a good idea to stay on top of your driving record. You can check your demerit points by visiting an Alberta registry office or using the MyAlberta eServices portal. The process is simple, and it’s important to check your record regularly, especially if you’ve recently received a ticket.

Tips for Keeping Your Driving Record Clean

Maintaining a clean driving record in Alberta means more than just avoiding fines and suspensions—it helps keep your insurance premiums low. Moreover, it ensures you remain a responsible driver on the road. 
Here are some practical tips to help you avoid accumulating demerit points and keep your driving record spotless:

Avoid High-Risk Offenses

Some driving violations are more severe than others, carrying more demerit points and greater penalties. It's crucial to know which offenses are considered high-risk, so you can consciously avoid them:

• Severe offenses like failing to remain at the scene of an accident or driving while suspended carry 7 demerit points. These offenses can result in immediate license suspension, hefty fines, and even criminal charges.
• Major offenses such as careless driving or distracted driving carry between 3 to 6 demerit points. While they may not seem as severe as more extreme violations, these offenses can quickly add up and lead to a suspension.

By staying aware of which infractions carry the most points, you can better understand what’s at stake when making decisions on the road. Avoiding these high-risk offenses is key to keeping your record in good standing.

Be Mindful of Speed

Speeding is one of the easiest ways to rack up demerit points—and it’s one of the most common traffic violations. Alberta has a tiered system for assigning points based on how much you exceed the speed limit:
It might seem tempting to push the speed limit, especially when running late, but those demerit points can add up quickly. By staying within speed limits—particularly in areas like school zones or construction zones—you can avoid unnecessary penalties and help keep the roads safer for everyone.

Adopt Safe Driving Practices

To maintain a clean driving record, practice safe driving habits that will help you steer clear of traffic violations. Doing an online driver's practice test will help you to adopt safe driving and pass your driving exam. Here are some essential tips:

Avoid Distracted Driving

Using your phone while driving is not only dangerous but also illegal in Alberta. Distracted driving, including texting or making calls without a hands-free device, results in 3 demerit points and a fine. To avoid this, put your phone out of reach or use hands-free options. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, so staying focused on the road is key.

Always Obey Traffic Signals

Ignoring stop signs or red lights can easily result in demerit points. For example, failing to stop at a stop sign results in 3 demerit points. Even if you’re in a hurry, respecting all traffic signals is a basic rule of safe driving, and it will only be possible when you know the road signs. It can also help you avoid hefty penalties. 

Be Mindful of Pedestrian and School Zones

School zones and pedestrian crosswalks have lower speed limits for a reason. Failing to reduce speed in these areas can not only result in fines but also lead to higher demerit points. Respecting these zones and paying attention to pedestrians is an important way to ensure safety and avoid penalties. Keep an eye out for posted signs that indicate reduced speed limits during school hours, especially when children are present.

Bonus Tip: Defensive Driving Can Save Your Record

Sometimes, staying out of trouble on the road is about expecting the unexpected. Practicing defensive driving techniques—such as keeping a safe following distance, scanning the road ahead for hazards, and anticipating other drivers' actions—can help prevent accidents and traffic violations. By driving defensively, you're more likely to avoid dangerous situations that could result in demerit points.

How to Remove Demerit Points from Your Record

Accumulating demerit points on your Alberta driving record can be stressful. The good news is that there are ways to remove or reduce those points. If you find yourself close to a suspension or just want to clear your record, here's what you can do:

Taking a Defensive Driving Course

This is perhaps one of the most effective ways to remove demerit points from your record in Alberta. These courses are designed to refresh your knowledge of safe driving practices and help you make better decisions on the road. Moreover, completing this course can remove up to 3 demerit points from your record. However, this option is only available once every two years. So, make sure to take advantage of it wisely.

Where to Take the Course

Various providers in Alberta offer Defensive driving courses both in-person and online. Make sure you choose a course that’s recognized by Alberta Transportation to ensure the points will be reduced.

What’s Covered in the Course?

You'll learn strategies for driving safely in hazardous conditions, avoiding collisions, and identifying potential dangers early. This course isn’t just about removing points. It can genuinely improve your driving habits and help avoid future tickets or accidents.

How to Apply

Once you’ve completed the course, the provider will give you a certificate. You’ll need to present this certificate to an Alberta registry agent. They will update your driving record and remove the 3 demerit points. It may take some time for the points to be cleared from your record, so be patient.

Drive Safely Over Time

If you prefer not to take a defensive driving course, you can remove demerit points by driving safely and waiting. In Alberta, demerit points will automatically drop off your record two years from the date they were added. Here’s how you can manage this process:

1. Stay Cautious and Avoid Violations

   For those two years, the most important thing you can do is drive carefully. Each new ticket risks adding demerit points, potentially leading to license suspension. Avoiding further infractions ensures that no additional points are added to your record.

2. The Two-year Window

   Demerit points are tied to the offense date, not when you pay the fine or attend court. After two years, the points automatically drop off. For example, points from a June 2022 speeding ticket would be removed by June 2024 as long as no other violations occur.

3. Monitor Your Record

   If you’re unsure about how many demerit points you have or when they’re set to drop off, you can request a copy of your driving record from any Alberta registry agent. This will give you a clear picture of your demerit points and help you stay informed about your status. While it may seem like a long time to wait, practicing safe driving habits will not only keep points off your record but will also help you avoid fines, accidents, and potentially higher insurance premiums. Patience and caution are key to letting your points naturally fall off.

What Happens After a License Suspension

Getting your license suspended in Alberta can feel overwhelming. Knowing the steps to reinstate it and understanding any probation period can help you move forward. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your license back.

Reinstating Your Alberta Driver’s License: What to Expect

Once your license is suspended, you’ll need to go through the reinstatement process to legally drive again. Here’s how that works:

Wait Out the Suspension Period

The first step is to wait until your suspension period is over. Suspension lengths vary based on the offense. For example, if you accumulate too many demerit points, the suspension could be for one month, but suspensions can be much longer for more serious offenses like impaired driving.

Pay Outstanding Fines and Fees

Before you can reinstate your license, any outstanding fines or penalties must be cleared. This includes traffic tickets, fines related to your suspension, and reinstatement fees. In Alberta, the license reinstatement fee is typically around $200, but it can be higher depending on the nature of your suspension.

Attend Any Required Programs

For serious violations like impaired driving, you may need to complete an education or rehabilitation program before getting your license back. This could involve the Alberta Impaired Driving Program (AIDP) or the mandatory Ignition Interlock Program for certain offenses.

Visit an Alberta Registry Agent

Once the suspension period is over, fines are paid, and any required programs are completed, visit an Alberta registry agent to reinstate your license. Bring any necessary documents, such as proof of program completion, and pay the reinstatement fee. The agent will process your application, and you’ll receive your reinstated driver’s license.

Check out our driver's license guide, covering renewals, reinstatements after suspension, and everything you need to know for any situation.

Probation Period: Driving Restrictions and Conditions Post-Suspension

After a license suspension, you’re not fully out of the woods even when you get your license reinstated. Alberta often imposes a probation period for drivers following a suspension. During this period, you’ll need to adhere to stricter conditions.

Demerit Points

If your license was suspended due to accumulating too many demerit points, once reinstated, you may be placed on probation. Here, any additional violations could result in immediate re-suspension. During this period, it’s crucial to drive safely and avoid any traffic violations. After all, the tolerance for demerit points will be very low.

Ignition Interlock Program

Alberta's Ignition Interlock Program may be mandatory for drivers who were suspended due to impaired driving. This requires installing an interlock device in your vehicle that measures your blood alcohol content before allowing the car to start. You’ll remain in the program until you meet all requirements, and there will be ongoing costs for installation, maintenance, and removal of the device.

Limited Driving Privileges

Depending on the offense, you may be granted limited driving privileges during your probation period. For example, you might only be allowed to drive to and from work or school, with strict conditions on your hours of operation.

Monitoring

In some cases, authorities may closely monitor your driving behavior during probation. This means you need to be extra vigilant about obeying all traffic laws and speed limits and ensuring you always follow the rules of the road.

Wrapping Up

It’s imperative to understanding Alberta’s demerit points system to keep your driving privileges intact. By knowing how the system works, which traffic violations carry points, and how to check and manage your points, you can avoid unnecessary penalties. Driving safely not only protects you and others on the road but also ensures you won’t face the stress of a suspended license or increased insurance premiums.