Getting too many demerit points in Alberta can have serious consequences. That’s why it’s important not to let them add up. This can affect the status of your driver’s licence and more importantly, your insurance premiums. That’s why you should educate yourself about the number of demerit points you receive for different types of traffic offences. It will also allow you to understand how long they stay on your record.
Following the rules of the road will allow you to maintain your clean driving record and keep your driver’s licence from being suspended. However, if you find yourself in a situation with demerit points in Alberta, you’ll want to know how long they last. Lucky for you, BrokerLink has prepared a guide to help you navigate the challenges of demerit points in your home province.
Understanding demerit points
So, what are the demerit points? In Alberta, demerit points appear on your driving record when you are convicted of traffic violations. Getting too many demerit points results in licence suspension and depending on the traffic conviction, higher insurance premiums.
How do you know how many demerit points you have? You can check how many demerit points you have on your driving record by contacting your nearest Alberta Registry Private Service Center. This often costs around $20.
How demerit points work in Alberta
The demerit point system comes into effect when you commit a traffic offence. They are another reason you should avoid careless driving. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not every traffic ticket comes with demerit points. What it comes down to is how severe the traffic offence is. You are convicted of a traffic offence when the following happens:
- You pay the fine associated with your traffic ticket, such as a speeding ticket
- Are found guilty in court
- Found guilty in court due to failure to appear
When one of three things occurs, this is considered your conviction date. It is also the point at which demerit points are applied to your driving record. Your conviction date determines the time in which the demerit points will be removed from your driving record as well.
Getting demerit points in Alberta
Demerit points are only given when you commit certain traffic offences. These demerit points are recorded and added to your driving record. The number of demerit points you receive varies depending on the violation. You can get anywhere from 2-7 demerit points at once. Here’s a basic breakdown of demerit points in Alberta:
7 demerit points
You will accumulate 7 demerit points if you fail to do the following:
- Not remaining at the scene of an accident
6 demerit points
You will receive 6 demerit points for the following reasons:
- Careless driving
- Not stopping for a school bus
- Racing or driving a vehicle containing a bet or wager
- Speeding 50 kilometres over the limit
5 demerit points
Failing to do the following will result in 5 demerit points:
- Not stopping at an uncontrolled railway crossing
- Not stopping at a railway crossing while driving a vehicle containing explosives, gas or flammable liquids
- Not stopping and providing information to a police officer or peace officer
4 demerit points
Four demerit points will be added if you do the following:
- Not yielding the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
- Following too closely
- Speeding 31-50 kilometres above the limit
3 demerit points
Noncompliance with the following will lead to 3 demerit points:
- Driving left of a yellow line or driving left of center on an unmarked two-way road
- Driving in the wrong direction on a one-way highway
- Not reporting a collision
- Not stopping at an intersection controlled by a stop sign
- Not stopping at a red light at an intersection
- Blocking a passing vehicle
- Passing improperly
- Stunting
- Speeding 16 to 30 kilometres over the limit
2 demerit points
You will incur 2 demerit points for the following reasons:
- Not obeying the instruction of a traffic control device
- Improper backing (backing into an intersection or crosswalk or backing unsafely onto a highway)
- Making improper turns and U-turns where it’s not allowed
- Traffic lane infraction
- Speeding up to 15 kilometres over the limit
- Distracted driving, such as using a cell phone
However, it’s important to know that not every offence gives you demerit points. You will not get demerit points for “photo radar” or “red light camera tickets”.
Parking tickets are not considered either when it comes to getting demerit points. Additionally, you cannot receive demerit points for administrative offences such as those related to licensing, registration and insurance.
Number of demerit points you can receive
How many demerit points can you receive before your driver’s licence is suspended? When you have your Class 5 driver’s licence in Alberta, you can’t receive more than 15 demerit points in two years. If you do, it will result in a licence suspension. This will still happen even if you end up with less than 14 points before the suspension period is supposed to start. Here’s how licence suspensions in Alberta work:
- Getting 15 or more demerit points in two years will cause a one month suspension
- Receiving a demerit point suspension in the past year and getting 15 points again causes a three month suspension
- If you have two licence suspensions from accumulating too many demerit points within two years, your licence will be suspended for six months.
- After your driver’s licence is reinstated, you will start with 7 points
However, it’s important to note that demerit point suspension works differently for new drivers. If you still have a learner’s permit (Class 7 licence), how many demerit points you can receive is not the same. Let us break it down for you:
- A written notice is mailed to you if you have more 4 or more demerit points
- Your driver’s licence will be suspended if you get 8 or more points within two years
- After your driver’s licence is reinstated, you will start with 3 points
If you violate restrictions that come with having a GDL driver’s licence, you can also receive demerit points. These are similar to the restrictions that come with a G1 driver’s licence in Ontario. You will get 2 demerit points if you do any of the following as a new driver:
- Driving outside of curfew hours (12 a.m.-5 a.m.)
- Having more passengers than seat belts available
- Not having a qualified supervising driver
Everyone has to be aware of the rules of the road regardless of where they are in Alberta’s licensing system.
Getting rid of demerit points
Is there any way to remove demerit points from your driving record? The demerit point system is pretty strict, making it difficult to get rid of demerit points. However, in the following scenarios, they will be removed from your driving record:
- Once it’s been two years since the driving offence, points will be automatically removed from your record
- Taking an approved defensive driving course can allow you to remove 2-3 points from your driving record
Lastly, if you think that you received demerit points in error, you can request a review from Driver Fitness and Monitoring. This is a last resort and won’t always yield your desired results.
How long demerit points stay on your driving record
It’s been mentioned a few times already. However, it’s important to know that demerit points will remain on your driving record for two years. That means that by committing more traffic violations, you are at a higher risk of demerit point suspensions.
How demerit points affect your car insurance
The good news is that demerit points do not directly affect your car insurance costs. This is because insurance providers will not base your insurance premiums on the number of demerit points you have. However, like car accidents, traffic convictions do play a role in your insurance rates. Ones that come with severe penalties are sure to increase your rates. The cost of a ticket will increase your insurance rates over time.
Additional traffic violations to avoid
The demerit point system discourages unsafe driving. However, many other traffic offences can result in serious fines. Let’s review them so you understand how to be a safe driver on Alberta roads. Keep reading to find out more:
Having an expired registration
Your vehicle registration needs to be up-to-date at all times, or you could end up paying a hefty fine. This is a financial inconvenience and could get your car impounded. Remember to renew your registration to avoid future issues.
Driving without car insurance
In the province of Alberta, having a car insurance policy is mandatory. If you are caught driving without car insurance, you will have to appear in court and pay an expensive fine. The other part of it is your car insurance policy must be valid. In other words, an expired car insurance policy can also get you into trouble. After updating your insurance, be sure to get rid of that old piece of paper sitting in your car.
Driving past emergency vehicles with flashing lights
You should always take precautions when passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road. What you might not know is that it's the law. Even if you’re driving in the other lane, you should slow down or pull over. Speeding fines double when you’re passing these vehicles. That’s why you should always be careful. It’s also a way to accumulate demerit points.
Not having qualifications to supervise a learning driver
If your child or a young friend of yours got their learner’s permit, you need to meet certain conditions to be a supervising driver. Class 7 GDL drivers require a non-GDL driver over the age of 18 to be sitting in the front seat with them at all times. Additionally, Class 5 and Class 7 GDL drivers have to have a blood-alcohol level of zero and can only drive as many passengers around as there are seat belts.
Driving with an expired licence or without one
If you have the wrong driver’s licence in your wallet, it could spell trouble. Using a friend’s licence or an expired licence is not allowed. An Alberta Class 5 licence lasts for five years and will expire on your birthday. Depending on how old you are and your licence class, you sometimes have to renew it annually. Pay attention to that date on your card.
Driving under the influence
Driving impaired is never a good idea because it compromises your safety and that of everyone else on the road. You should not be driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or certain types of prescription medications. You will end up with an impaired driving charge, your vehicle will be impounded, and you will suffer financially. Fines, court fees and insurance premiums can add up quickly if you let them.
Whether you receive demerit points or not, being a safe driver is important. It will save you money in the long run and create safer roads for everyone. By educating yourself, you will be able to understand the effects your actions can have on those around you.
Contact BrokerLink today!
The demerit point system is in place to keep all drivers safe on the road. However, when you accumulate too many, there are serious consequences. Having demerit points on your driving record can raise your insurance rates depending on the traffic offences you have committed. That’s why it’s important to have an insurance broker who advocates for you to find the right policy at the lowest rate. At BrokerLink, we’re here to help and offer the following insurance policies:
How many demerit points you have makes a difference. If you get too many points, you will get a demerit suspension. However, you shouldn’t let a driving offence impact your insurance rates. Contact a BrokerLink insurance broker to find the right provider for you in Alberta today!
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