About Demerits
In Alberta, the demerit point system is used to maintain an accurate account of
a driver's demeritable convictions on their driving record. Demerit points are
assigned to a client's driving record in accordance with the Regulations under
the Motor Vehicle Administration Act.
If you accumulate 15 or more demerit points within a two year period on your
driving record, your licence will be suspended for one month. With each
subsequent suspension, within a prescribed time period, the time period you lose
your licence for increases.
Below are some of the common, unsafe actions that result in drivers being
assessed demerit points.
|
Failing to obey instruction of traffic control device |
2 points |
|
Traffic lane violation |
2 points |
|
Failure to signal a lane change |
2 points |
|
Failing to stop as directed by traffic control devices or as otherwise required |
3 points |
|
Failing to yield right-of-way to a vehicle or pedestrian |
3 points |
|
Failure to stop for a red light |
3 points |
|
Driving through or around a railway crossing gate |
3 points |
|
Failing to stop for a school bus |
6 points |
|
Speeding at an unreasonable rate |
4 points |
|
Exceeding the speed limit by up to 15 km/h |
2 points |
|
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 km/h but not more than 30 km/h |
3 points |
|
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h |
6 points |
|
Racing on a highway |
6 points |
|
Following too close |
4 points |
Driving a vehicle on a roadway without due care and attention, or without
reasonable consideration for persons using the roadway, is considered careless
driving. This results in a court appearance, six demerit points against your
licence and up to a three-month licence suspension from the courts.
The risks and consequences increase if you are convicted of dangerous driving.
Operating a motor vehicle in a manner that is dangerous to the public is a
criminal code conviction and results in a one year suspension of your driver's
licence. Drivers convicted of dangerous driving causing injury or death receive
a mandatory five-year licence suspension.