Demerit Points in Alberta: How They Work and How to Avoid Them

Demerit Points in Alberta: How They Work and How to Avoid Them

If you drive in Alberta, understanding how the demerit points system works can help you maintain a clean driving record and avoid penalties such as license suspension or increased insurance premiums. Accumulating too many demerit points can also lead to Driver Fitness and Monitoring reviews, which may further impact your ability to drive legally. Knowing how to navigate this system and how a Calgary traffic lawyer can assist you is essential for all drivers.

What Are Demerit Points?

Demerit points are penalties assigned to your driving record when you commit traffic infractions. The Alberta government enforces these points to encourage safe driving and penalize repeat offenders. If you accumulate too many, you risk a demerit point suspension, which can lead to a temporary loss of driving privileges.

How the Demerit Point System Works

Each traffic violation carries a specific number of demerit points. If you accumulate:

• 8 to 14 demerit points (for fully licensed drivers) – You receive a warning letter.
• 15 or more demerit points – You face an automatic demerit suspension for one month.
• 4 to 7 demerit points (for new drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing program) – You receive a warning letter.
• 8 or more demerit points – You face an automatic suspension.

Once your suspension ends, your demerit points reset to seven for fully licensed drivers and three for new drivers.

Common Traffic Violations and Demerit Points

Understanding how many demerit points you could receive for certain violations can help you avoid unnecessary penalties.

• Violations That Result in Demerit Points
• Failing to stop for a school bus – 6 points
• Careless driving – 6 points
• Speeding (depending on how much over the speed limit you are) – 2 to 6 points
• Failing to obey a traffic control device – 2 points
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk – 4 points
• Distracted driving (such as using a phone) – 3 points

How to Avoid Demerit Points

While avoiding traffic violations is the best way to keep your driving record clean, here are additional ways to protect yourself from accumulating too many points. 1. Follow Speed Limits and Traffic Laws Speeding is one of the most common reasons drivers accumulate demerit points. 2. Drive Defensively and Stay Alert Many drivers receive traffic convictions due to careless mistakes. Staying aware of your surroundings, watching for peace officers, and yielding when necessary can help prevent violations. 3. Fight Unfair Traffic Tickets Not all traffic tickets are justified. If you believe you were wrongly accused, a Calgary traffic lawyer can help you contest the charge and potentially have the demerit points removed. This is especially important if you’re close to demerit point thresholds, as a successful challenge can prevent a license suspension. 4. Take a Defensive Driving Course Alberta allows drivers to reduce demerit points by taking an approved defensive driving course. If you have demerit points on your record, this could be an effective way to lower your total and avoid a demerit suspension.

How a Calgary Traffic Lawyer Can Help

A Calgary traffic lawyer can assist drivers in fighting traffic convictions, reducing fines, and protecting their driving records. Here’s how:

• Challenging Tickets – A lawyer can review your case and challenge traffic violations in court.
• Reducing Demerit Points – Legal representation can help negotiate for a reduction in demerit points, preventing a demerit suspension.
• Protecting Your License – If you’re facing a license suspension, a lawyer may be able to help keep you on the road.
• Minimizing Insurance Premiums – Too many demerit points can lead to higher insurance premiums. A lawyer can work to prevent or reduce penalties that may cause your insurance costs to rise.

Final Thoughts

Demerit points in Alberta can have serious consequences, but understanding the system and taking proactive steps can help you avoid a demerit point suspension. Following traffic laws, staying aware of your surroundings, and consulting with a Calgary traffic lawyer if needed can help keep your driving record clean. If you’re facing traffic charges, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and driving privileges. Contact Martin G. Schulz & Associates today for expert traffic law representation.