Top 10 Traffic Tickets in Alberta
Become a driver and eventually you’re probably going to get a ticket for something. While fines are minor annoyances to some they exist for a reason. These common driving offences put lives at risk and can seriously jack up the cost of your auto insurance, so pay attention and try your best to not get any of these traffic tickets in Alberta.
Speeding
When you hit the wide open Albertan road it’s understandable to want to hit the gas and watch the hills fly by. But don’t. Speeding tickets can go as high as $475.
Driving without a valid licence
Driving licences expire, even if your driving skills don’t. It’s a relatively painless process to get your licence renewed, and some provinces even let you do it online.
If you’re moving from another province or from a country with a reciprocal licensing agreement, keep in mind that you need to switch to an Alberta licence within 90 days of taking residence in the province. If you’re coming from any other country things aren’t as simple as exchanging one card for another, but you can at least skip the one year wait you’d normally need to take before getting your GDL.
Driving with an invalid licence will cost you $270, and is one of the more expensive traffic tickets in Alberta.
Driving without licence in your possession
Driver’s licences are not only proof that you know how to handle a vehicle with care, but they’re also one of the primary forms of identification. Most people never leave home without their licence, but in the event that you do, and you’re caught driving without it, even if you don’t cause any trouble, you’re looking at a fine of about $200.
Vehicle isn’t registered
While driving in an unregistered vehicle may not seem like that big a deal, it’s still against the law. Expect to pay on one of the expensive traffic tickets in Alberta to the tune of between $200 and $300 if you’re caught doing this.
Driving with suspended or disqualified licence
There’s a reason your licence was taken away – and usually it’s your own fault. If you need transportation, make other arrangements or else prepare to pay anywhere from $350 to $2,000. You’ll also receive an extension of your suspension.
Driving without insurance
Insurance is mandatory across Canada. As much as it’s an expense, it’s also there for your own protection. Save money on your insurance by comparing quotes from different providers. If you’re uninsured then you’ll have to pay one of the stiffest fines among traffic tickets in Alberta: $2,500 to $10,000
Careless driving
When you’re behind the wheel of a car, you’re in charge of one of the deadliest machines known to man. That means you have to care about what you’re doing. Drifting across lanes, not obeying traffic signs, or even bumping fenders while attempting to park are all considered signs of carelessness. If it can be argued that you aren’t taking care with your driving, you’ll be fined depending on the specifics of the offence. And that fine can be pretty steep.
Distracted Driving
These days, infotainment systems, cell phones, and the pressures of daily life make it hard to sit down and concentrate on driving. Distracted driving is becoming such a major problem that it may be more deadly than driving drunk. When you’re on the road, your eyes and hands should be dedicated to driving. Even just holding your phone isn’t allowed and can result in a large fine.
Impaired driving
So you’ve had a few. Then a few more. No biggie. But no matter how much “more sober” you are than your friend who passed out after glass number four, you still aren’t in any sort of shape to get behind the wheel. Forget the $1,000 minimum fine as one of the larger traffic tickets in Alberta. Think about the risk you’re taking with yourself and everyone else on the road. Call a cab, an Uber, or a designated driver service if you must, but don’t drink and drive.
Dangerous driving
One of the most broadly defined crimes in the criminal code, not driving dangerously is left up to people to use their common sense. If a court determines the nature of your driving to be objectively dangerous to the public, taking into account the conditions, time of day, and other factors, you can be charged with this A conviction will see your licence suspended for a minimum of one year and you’ll have to pay a large fine to boot.
Being a bad driver definitely adds up pretty quickly. Take care on the road and drive safe to keep your money in your pocket and not in the government’s.