Distracted Driving Law

What are you doing behind the wheel?

Did you know?
Effective January 1, 2016 the penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $287 fine and three demerit points. Any charges or convictions laid before January 1, 2016 will result in a $287 fine but no demerit points (regardless of whether the ticket is paid before or after January 1).

Illegal Driving Actions
Distracted Driving law applies to all motor vehicles on all roads in Alberta as defined by the Traffic Safety Act.

While you’re driving, you’re restricted from:

  • Using hand-held cell phones
  • Texting or e-mailing (even when stopped at red lights)
  • Using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)
  • Entering information on GPS units
  • Reading printed materials
  • Writing, printing or sketching
  • Personal grooming (brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails or shaving)

Know the Facts

  • Tickets for distracted driving are issued to the driver of the vehicle and not the registered owner.
  • Drivers engaged in any of the identified activities can be charged, even if their driving performance doesn’t appear to be affected
  • If a driver commits a moving violation while distracted, they would receive two tickets one for distracted driving and one for the moving violation
  • Drivers of emergency vehicles can use hand-held communication devices or other electronic devices only when acting within the scope of their employment

Want to learn more? Read the FAQs or click to learn more about demerits and how that affects GDL and Fully Licensed Drivers.

“Blog post from  https://saferoads.com/  (Alberta Government)”