Understanding Demerit Points in Alberta
Explore common traffic violations in Alberta and the demerit points added to your record when fines are simply paid.
| Speeding | Section | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 kph | 115(2)(p) | 2 |
| 15-30 kph | 115(2)(p) | 3 |
| 30 - 50 kph | 115(2)(p) | 4 |
| Over 50 kph | 115(2)(p) | 6 |
| Unreasonable rate | 2(1)(a) | 4 |
| Racing | 115(2)(c) | 6 |
| Traffic Lane Violations | Section | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Drive near centre line | 2(1)(b) | 2 |
| Drive left of centre | 12(1) | 3 |
| Crossing solid lines | 15(1) | 2 |
| Fail to signal when changing lanes | 15(2) | 2 |
| Unsafe lane change | 15(4) | 2 |
| Fail to drive in middle of marked lane | 15(5) | 2 |
| Straddle 2 lanes | 15(6) | 2 |
| Drive in centre traffic lane (3 lane highways) | 16(1) | 2 |
| Drive wrong way on one-way highway | 17 | 3 |
| Drive in lane marked with "X" | 27(4) | 2 |
| Passing | Section | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Improper pass in school zone | 8 | 3 |
| Meet and pass oncoming vehicle | 14 | 3 |
| Pass on hill or curve | 19(1) | 3 |
| Pass when meeting oncoming vehicle | 20 | 3 |
| Unsafe lane change | 15(4) | 2 |
| Overtake and pass | 21(1) | 3 |
| Impeding passing vehicle | 21(2), 22(2)(b) | 3 |
| Passing violations | 23 | 3 |
| Pass vehicle stopped at crosswalk | 41(2) | 4 |
| Stopping/Yielding | Section | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Fail to yield right of way at intersection | 34 | 3 |
| Fail to signal when stopping | 35 | 2 |
| Fail to stop before entering highway | 36(2) | 3 |
| Fail to yield right of way at alley entrance | 36(3) | 3 |
| Fail to stop at stop sign | 37 | 3 |
| Proceed when unsafe | 38 | 3 |
| Fail to yield right of way yield sign | 39 | 3 |
| Fail to yield at merge sign | 50, 51 | 3 |
| Fail to yield to a vehicle at green light | 52 | 3 |
| Fail to stop at yellow light | 53 | 3 |
| Fail to yield at a flashing yellow light | 53 | 3 |
| Fail to stop at red light | 54 | 3 |
| Proceed when unsafe at red light | 54 | 3 |
| Fail to stop for flashing red light | 54 | 3 |
| Proceed when unsafe, flashing red light | 54 | 3 |
| Disobey traffic control device | 57 | 2 |
| Railway Crossings/Cross Walks | Section | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Fail to yield to a pedestrian in crosswalk | 41(1) | 4 |
| Pass vehicle stopped at crosswalk | 41(2) | 4 |
| Fail to stop at railway crossing | 42(2) | 3 |
| Drive around barrier at railway crossing | 42(3) | 3 |
| Fail to stop at stop sign at railway crossing | 42(4)(α) | 3 |
| Proceed when unsafe at railway crossing | 42(4)(b) | 3 |
| School bus fail to stop at railway crossing | 42(5) | 5 |
| Fail to yield to pedestrian at green light | 52 | 3 |
| Fail to yield to pedestrian at flashing yellow light | 53(5) | 3 |
| School Buses | Section | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| U-turn by school bus | 31 | 2 |
| School bus fail to stop at railway crossing | 42(5) | 5 |
| Fail to stop for school bus | 72(1) | 6 |
| Proceed when unsafe, to pass school bus | 72(2) | 3 |
| Police/Emergency | Section | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Fail to stop for vehicle sounding siren | 65(1) | 3 |
| Follow emergency vehicle too close | 65(2) | 3 |
| Fail to stop for a peace officer | 166(2) | 5 |
| Accidents | Section | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Fail to remain at the scene of an accident | 69(1) | 7 |
| Fail to notify owner of unattended vehicle damage | 69(2)(a) | 3 |
| Fail to notify owner of property damage | 69(2)(b) | 3 |
| Driver fail to make traffic accident report | 71(1) | 3 |
| Misc Major Offences | Section | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Distracted Driving Ticket | 115(1) | 3 |
| Careless driving charge | 115(2)(b) | 6 |
| Stunting | 115(2)(f) | 3 |
| Follow too close | 18 | 4 |
| Racing | 115(2)(c) | 6 |