Driving Under Suspension
In Edmonton
Driving Under Suspension In Edmonton
Driving while your licence is suspended is one of the most serious infractions under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. If you are caught behind the wheel while your licence is suspended, whether due to unpaid fines, too many demerit points, an alcohol-related sanction, or any other reason, you will be charged with driving under suspension, and the consequences are significant. Got a Ticket? Fight It! has represented drivers facing this charge across Edmonton and Alberta, and we know that acting quickly can make a real difference in the outcome.
A conviction results in an automatic additional six-month licence suspension, dramatically higher insurance premiums, and potentially thousands of dollars in fines. In some circumstances, jail time is also possible. If you have been charged, retaining representation immediately is in your best interest.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Under Suspension?
First Offence:
- A fine of not more than $2,400.
- An additional six-month licence suspension, beginning at the end of your current suspension.
- Failure to pay the fine can result in a sentence of 14 days to a maximum of 6 months in prison.
Second offence (within one year of the original):
- Same financial penalties as above.
- Mandatory jail time from 14 days to 6 months.
Beyond these penalties, your insurance situation becomes very difficult. Premiums can skyrocket, and some insurers will refuse to provide coverage at all. At a minimum, a conviction can affect your insurance for three years or more. For drivers who rely on their vehicles for work, the compounding effects of an extended suspension, higher premiums, and potential coverage gaps can be financially devastating.
Violation Areas
Explore common traffic violations we can help you dispute and protect your driving record.
What Should You Know?
Why Licences Get Suspended
A licence suspension in Alberta can result from several different situations, including:
- Accumulating too many demerit points (suspension risk begins at 7 to 14 points).
- Unpaid traffic fines.
- Alcohol or drug-related roadside sanctions.
- A court order following a criminal driving conviction.
- Medical or fitness-to-drive concerns flagged by a physician.
It is also worth understanding that not every driver who is charged with driving under suspension was aware their licence had been suspended. Administrative delays, mailing errors, and miscommunications between the registry and the driver happen more often than people realize. Whether or not you received proper notice of your suspension is one of the first things our team examines when reviewing your case.
If your suspension stems from demerit points or an alcohol-related matter, you may also be required to attend a Driver Control Board hearing before you can reinstate your licence. Our team can represent you at that hearing as well.
How We Can Help
Driving under suspension charges can sometimes be defended on the basis of whether the driver had proper notice of the suspension, administrative errors in the processing of the suspension, or procedural issues with the way the charge was laid. These are not arguments that are easy to make without experience in how the court and registry systems interact. Our team reviews the full history of the suspension, the circumstances of the charge, and any available documentation to identify the strongest defence available to you.
In most cases, you will not need to appear in court yourself. We attend on your behalf and handle every step of the process, from the first appearance through to resolution.
If your suspension is connected to a prior charge, such as impaired driving or dangerous driving, or if you are also facing a hit-and-run charge or driving without insurance, our team can handle all related matters. Having a single team across all your charges is the most effective and efficient approach.
Expert Traffic Paralegal Team
We’re Here to Help!
- Founded by a former RCMP officer with deep knowledge of the court system.
- Over 27 years of experience defending Alberta drivers.
- Licensed paralegals focused exclusively on traffic ticket defence.
- Free consultations with no obligation.
- In most cases, you will not need to appear in court at all.
- Affordable representation for the full range of Traffic Safety Act violations and Rules of the Road infractions.
- Precedent-setting case experience that benefits every client we take on.
- Serving Edmonton and communities across Alberta.
Before you pay, talk to us. A free consultation with our team takes just a few minutes and could save you far more than the fine. There is no obligation and no pressure. Just honest advice about your options from a team that has been fighting for Alberta drivers for over 27 years.
