The Alberta Demerit Point System Explained: How to Protect Your Licence

For any driver in Alberta, a traffic ticket is more than just an expensive inconvenience. In addition to a fine, most moving violations come with demerit points that are recorded on your driving record. The Government of Alberta uses this system to track driver behaviour and identify individuals who repeatedly engage in unsafe practices.

Understanding how this system works is crucial, especially for new drivers. Accumulating too many demerit points in a short time can lead to a licence suspension. This guide will explain the demerit point system, the points assigned for common offenses, and the different rules for fully licensed and GDL drivers.

How Demerit Points Work in Alberta

The system is straightforward:

When you are convicted of a traffic offense (meaning you pay the ticket or are found guilty in court), demerit points are added to your driver's record.
These points remain on your record for two years from the date of conviction.
If you accumulate a certain number of points within that two-year period, you will face penalties.

Demerit Point Thresholds: GDL vs. Full Licence

A critical aspect of the Alberta system is that it holds new drivers to a much higher standard.

For GDL Drivers (Class 7 and Class 5-GDL):

Warning Letter: You will receive a cautionary letter if you accumulate 4 or more points.
Licence Suspension: Your licence will be suspended if you accumulate 8 or more points within a two-year period. The first suspension is for one month.

For Fully Licensed Drivers (Non-GDL Class 5):

Warning Letter: You will receive a cautionary letter if you accumulate 8 or more points.
Licence Suspension: Your licence will be suspended if you accumulate 15 or more points within a two-year period. The first suspension is for one month.

As you can see, a GDL driver can lose their licence with nearly half the points of a fully licensed driver, making safe driving paramount during the GDL phase.

Demerit Points for Common Offences

Here is a breakdown of the demerit points for some of the most common traffic violations in Alberta:

7 Points (Most Severe)

Failing to remain at the scene of a collision (Hit and Run)

6 Points

Careless driving
Racing
Speeding at more than 50 km/h over the speed limit
Failing to stop for a school bus

5 Points

Failing to stop for a peace officer

4 Points

Speeding by 31 to 50 km/h over the speed limit
Following too closely
Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk

3 Points

Speeding by 16 to 30 km/h over the speed limit
Failing to yield the right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection
Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light
Distracted driving

2 Points

Speeding by 1 to 15 km/h over the speed limit
Making an improper turn
Traffic lane violations (e.g., weaving)

Consequences of a Demerit Point Suspension

If you reach the demerit point limit for your licence class, you will be required to surrender your physical driver's licence to a registry agent. You are not legally allowed to drive during the suspension period. Driving with a suspended licence is a serious offense that can lead to fines, vehicle seizure, and even jail time.

After the suspension period is over, your licence will be reinstated, but the demerit points will still be on your record until they expire two years after their conviction date.

Can You Reduce Your Demerit Points?

You cannot "remove" demerit points from your record once they are there. However, there is a way to get a credit.

Defensive Driving Course: By successfully completing a government-approved defensive driving course (also known as a Professional Driver Improvement Course or PDIC), you can receive a 3-point credit on your record.
How it Works: This is not a point removal. Instead, the credit is applied against any points you may have, potentially preventing you from reaching the suspension threshold. For example, if you are a GDL driver with 7 points, taking this course would give you a 3-point credit, effectively bringing your "active" total down to 4.
Limitation: You can only receive this credit once every two years.

The best strategy is to avoid getting points in the first place. By driving defensively, obeying all traffic laws, and understanding the serious consequences of the demerit system, you can protect your driving privilege and keep your record clean.