Demerit points in Alberta are used to monitor and assess the driving behaviour of licensed operators.
It is a section of the Alberta Traffic Safety Act known as the Alberta Demerits Points Program.
If you get too many, in too short of time, there are consequences.
How Many Demerit Points Can You Get in Alberta?
In Alberta, drivers will start receiving written notices from the Registrar when they accumulate 8 to 14 demerit points.
A total of 15 demerit points accumulated within any two-year period will result in a one-month license suspension.
Notice for Accumulated Points
Drivers who accumulate between 8 and 14 demerit points will receive a written notice from the Registrar.
This notice serves as a formal warning to inform the driver of their current point status.
15 Points Trigger Licence Suspension
The first time a driver accumulates 15 or more demerit points within a two-year period, they will face a one-month license suspension. The Registrar is mandated to carry out this action.
Multiple Accumulations Within Short Time Frames
If a driver accumulates 15 or more demerit points within one year following a previous license suspension, a three-month suspension will be applied.
A third accumulation within two years, following two suspensions, will result in a six-month suspension.
Demerit Points Chart for Alberta
| Demerit Points Accumulated | Action by Registrar | Additional Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 14 | Written notice | None |
| 15 | 1-month suspension | Within any 2-year period |
| 15 (second occurrence) | 3-month suspension | Within 1 year of first suspension |
| 15 (third occurrence) | 6-month suspension | Within 2 years, after two suspensions |
Adjustment and Deletion of Points
After the end of a license suspension, the Registrar deletes all demerit points that led to the suspension and records 7 new points on the driver’s record.
Demerit points will also be deleted from a driving record two years after they were imposed, unless an appeal was unsuccessful.
Reduction of Points
Drivers can reduce their demerit points by completing a course approved by the Registrar.
A reduction of 2 or 3 points is possible, depending on the existing number of demerit points.
In Summary
- Written notices are issued for drivers with 8 to 14 demerit points.
- A one-month license suspension is triggered by 15 demerit points within a two-year period.
- Subsequent accumulations of 15 points can result in longer suspension periods.
- After suspension, demerit points are deleted and replaced with 7 new points.
- Drivers can reduce points through approved courses.
