Sec. 54(1)(a) Traffic Safety Act (TSA)

Although this charge carries ‘no demerit points’, it results in the ‘highest’ fine under the act. For the first offense, the fine is $2875.00. For each subsequent offense within a one-year period, that fine will double to $5750.00 on the second and in rare cases, over $10,000.00 for the third. If you fail to ensure your vehicle and drive it, you will have no defense to offer before the court. You will have a defense if you variably believe that your vehicle was insured at the time you were driving it and the insurance was canceled without your knowledge. It becomes a ‘due diligence’ issue which you would have to convince the court. Did you know that if you borrow a vehicle, the onus is on YOU to ensure that vehicle is properly insured and registered BEFORE you drive it? Should you be involved in an accident regardless of fault, you will be subjected to civil action involving hundreds of thousands of dollars that affect you for the rest of your life.

Sec. 94(2) TSA

This offense not only carries the possibility of a high fine but also carries the most severe penalty from a conviction as there is a mandatory six (6) month suspension of your driving privileges attached to it. Should you be involved in an accident, like that of operating an uninsured vehicle, you will not be covered by insurance and you will be subject to civil action. You must realize that you can’t operate a vehicle until such time you physically have your driver’s license in your hand.

Sec. 69(1)(a) TSA

Also known as a Hit and Run. This is one of the most severe major offenses under the Act as it carries seven (7) demerit points. A conviction under this act also carries severe insurance implications where your premiums could double.

Sec. 115(2)(b) TSA

Also deemed a ‘major’ offense, it carries six (6) demerit points and usually arises from a motor-vehicle collision where you are deemed ‘at fault’. The insurance implication is also severe and having a conviction of this offense would create a huge increase in your insurance premium. Observation or complaints of erratic driving may also constitute a charge under this section.

Sec. 115(2)(p) TSA

If you are convicted of a speed in excessive of 50 kph over the posted limit and are fortunate not to be suspended, you will be assessed six (6) demerit points on your driving record. This offense is also classified as a ‘major offense’ in the eyes of your insurance company and will result in a substantial increase in your insurance premium as well. The courts are now leaning to driver license suspensions in most cases involving speeding in excess of 50 kph.

Sec. 166(2) T.S.A and Failing to stop for a school bus – Sec. 72(1)

Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation (UHRRR) both carry five (5) demerit points and are also considered ‘major’ offenses which result in huge premium increases in the eyes of your insurance company.

Follow to Closely - Sec. 18 UHRRR,
Unreasonable rate of speed – Sec. 2(1)(a) UHRRR and Fail to Yield to Pedestrian in a crosswalk – Sec. 41(2) UHRRR

There are numerous other offenses under provincial legislation that carry three (3) or two (2) demerit points that could eventually cause you to lose your driving privileges when you have reached the maximum points allowed within a two-year period. In the case of a GDL license, you are limited to seven (7) demerit points within that period. Should you reach eight (8) demerits or greater, it will activate a suspension. In the case of a regular Class 5 license, you are entitled to fourteen (14) demerit points within that time frame.

View All Demerit Offences 

Our agent has held a class 1 driver’s license and is fully knowledgeable with the Carrier Profile aspect of operating commercial vehicles.

We offer FREE ADVICE regarding traffic violations and urge clients to contact us at the earliest opportunity. We recommend that you do not enter a NOT GUILTY plea as the court date may conflict with other files the agent has set for the same date.

It has been shown that ‘Distracted Driving’ has been the major cause of accidents on our provincial highways. In response, the Alberta Government has legislated a new law to deal with this problem. Our insurance companies have now labeled this offense as ‘MAJOR’ which will have an immediate impact on your insurance premium (Refer to Insurance Premiums).

Follow these tips to minimize distractions:

Use your cell phone in hands-free mode - the device is not held in the driver's hand and is activated by voice or a single touch to the device.

Put your phone away - Only use your cellphone when your vehicle is parked in a safe place. If your phone rings while driving, have a passenger lake the call or let it go to voicemail.

Stay calm - Avoid emotional conversations with passengers, as this can lead to distraction and unsafe behaviors. If you are using a hands-free cell to speak with someone, make sure they know you may need to hang up or interrupt the conversation suddenly to react to road conditions.

Keep your hands on the wheel - Never take notes or read while driving. Park in a safe place before writing things down or referring to a map.

Pullover as needed - If you need to attend to your kids or pets while driving, find a safe spot to park first.

Plan ahead - Program electronics like music players, phones, and GPS units before starting to drive. If you are in a rental car, make sure to find the radio stations you want to listen to before heading out.

In general, traffic convictions will affect your rate for three years. If your ticket (or tickets) results in a license suspension, the suspension usually is factored into your premium for six years.

The following are examples of what is typically considered minor and major traffic convictions. However, keep in mind that sometimes how a ticket is classified may vary by province or insurer.

Minor traffic convictions:

• All offences listed with 4 demerit points or less

Major traffic convictions:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding in a school zone (over 50 kph)
• Speeding in a construction zone (over 50 kph)
• Racing or stunt driving
• Careless or dangerous driving
• Failure to stop for a police officer
• Failure to remain at the scene of an accident