Why Fight The Ticket?
The traffic court system relies on fear and ignorance. They count on you to pay the fine to "make it go away."
This is a trap. Paying a ticket is a formal admission of guilt. Once you pay, the conviction is stamped on your abstract for years, triggering insurance hikes that cost thousands more than the original fine.
Common Traffic Offences
Do not underestimate "minor" tickets. These are the most common entry points for high insurance premiums and license suspensions.
Speeding Violations
Speeding is not just a fine; it puts points on your license that persist for 3 years. The severity depends on your speed over the limit:
- 1 km/h to 15 km/h over: 2 Demerit Points.
- 15 km/h to 30 km/h over: 3 Demerit Points.
- 30 km/h to 50 km/h over: 4 Demerit Points.
Speeding over 50 km/h: MANDATORY COURT.
You cannot pay a fine online. You must face a judge. The judge has the power to suspend your license immediately.
Red Light Violations
Penalty: 3 Demerit Points + Fine ($287+).
If a police officer pulls you over for running a red light, it is treated as aggressive driving. If this violation resulted in a collision, police will often upgrade the charge to Careless Driving (6 points) or Failure to Yield.
Stop Sign Violations
Penalty: 3 Demerit Points + Fine ($287+).
Commonly known as the "Rolling Stop." Police frequently target residential areas for this offence. Even if you slowed down to 1 km/h, the law requires a complete cessation of wheel rotation. A conviction here signals to insurers that you do not follow road rules.
Failure to Yield (Pedestrian)
4 Demerit Points + Fine ($576+).
This is a serious safety violation. Courts rarely show leniency if a pedestrian was involved or near the crosswalk.
Following Too Closely
4 Demerit Points.
Usually issued after a rear-end collision. Paying this ticket admits you were at fault for the accident, which can ruin your civil liability defense.
Unsafe Lane Change
3 Demerit Points.
Moving into a lane when it is not safe to do so. Often issued during side-swipe collisions.
Improper U-Turn
2 Demerit Points.
U-turning at an intersection with traffic lights or where prohibited.
Stunting
3 Demerit Points + Massive Fine ($567+).
This is a "catch-all" charge for any driving likely to distract or startle others. It is highly subjective and we fight these successfully by proving the officer's judgment was flawed.
Distracted Driving & Cell Phones
Many drivers think a cell phone ticket is just a $300 nuisance. You are wrong. Insurance companies treat Distracted Driving as a Major Conviction.
The "Major Conviction" Impact:
A regular speeding ticket is a "minor" conviction. A Distracted Driving conviction proves you are unsafe. One conviction can raise your rates by 25%. Two convictions can result in your insurance policy being cancelled.
The Penalty: $300 Fine + 3 Demerit Points.
Note: You can be charged even if you are stopped at a red light. Holding the device is enough for a conviction.
Commercial & Trucking Violations
For professional drivers (Class 1, Class 3), your license is your livelihood. A ticket isn't just an expense; it's a threat to your job.
Brakes, securement, or mechanical failures. These hit your Carrier Profile (NSC) hard.
Hours of Service violations can lead to "Out of Service" orders and massive fines.
Fines are calculated by the kilogram and can reach into the thousands.
If you accumulate points, you endanger your employer's safety rating. You become uninsurable and unemployable.
CRITICAL THREATS
Driving Without Insurance
This is one of the most severe traffic charges in Alberta legislation. Do not take this lightly.
- The Fine: Minimum mandatory fine of $2,875.00 for a first offense. Second offenses rise to $5,000.00+.
- Jail Time: If you cannot pay this massive fine, you face default time in jail.
- The Aftermath: Even if you pay the fine, insurance companies will label you "High Risk." You may be denied coverage entirely or forced to pay premiums of $5,000 - $10,000 per year.
Driving While Suspended
If you drive while your license is suspended (for demerits, unpaid fines, or DUI):
- Mandatory Court: You cannot pay this voluntarily. You must face a Judge.
- Jail Risk: Prosecutors often seek jail time for repeat offenders who ignore suspension orders.
- Seizure: Your vehicle will be seized for 30 days. You pay the towing and storage (approx $1,000).
- Extension: Your license suspension will be extended by another 6 months.
DUI & Impaired Driving (IRS)
Alberta's Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) program allows police to act as Judge, Jury, and Executioner at the roadside.
The "Fail" Sanction:
If you blow a "Fail" or refuse a breath sample, the nightmare starts immediately:
- 90-Day Absolute Suspension: You cannot drive. Period.
- 12-Month Restriction: Following the 90 days, you must install an Interlock (blow box) for a year.
- 30-Day Vehicle Seizure: Your car is towed immediately.
- $1,000 Fine + $1,000+ Fees: Towing, storage, courses, and reinstatement fees pile up.
The Long Term: An IRS Fail stays on your record for 10 years. Insurance premiums will skyrocket, often tripling your current rate.