Demerit Points
How Long Do Demerit Points Last in Alberta?
Demerit points are one of the most misunderstood aspects of Alberta’s traffic system. Many drivers know they exist but are unsure how long they last, what triggers them, and when they put a licence at risk. This guide answers those questions clearly, covering how demerit points are assigned, their impact on your driving privileges and insurance, and how you can reduce them.
Key Takeaways
- Demerit points in Alberta are added to your record after a conviction, not when you receive a ticket. They remain active for 2 years from the date of conviction.
- Accumulating 15 or more demerit points as a Class 5 licence holder, or 8 or more as a Class 7 holder, can result in a licence suspension.
- Completing an approved defensive driving course can reduce up to 3 demerit points from your record, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
What Are Demerit Points?
Demerit points are part of Alberta’s traffic safety system. They are added to a driver’s record upon conviction of a traffic violation and serve as a formal record of the offence. The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the violation, with minor infractions resulting in fewer points and serious offences resulting in more.
Demerit points are not assigned when you receive a ticket; they are assigned only after a conviction. This distinction matters because it means you can fight a ticket and potentially avoid the points entirely.
How Long Do Demerit Points Last?
Demerit points remain on your driving record for 2 years from the date of conviction. The 2-year period begins on the conviction date, not the date the ticket was issued. Keeping track of your conviction dates helps you monitor when specific points will be removed.
The underlying traffic violation stays on your driving abstract for 3 years and is visible to insurance companies and other third parties during that period.
How Many Demerit Points Lead to Suspension?
The threshold for suspension depends on the type of licence you hold:
- Class 7 (novice) licence holders: suspension after accumulating 8 demerit points
- Class 5 licence holders: suspension after accumulating 15 demerit points
Drivers approaching these thresholds receive cautionary letters from the Registrar. A suspension resulting from excessive demerit points lasts 3 months. After suspension, reinstatement requires bringing the point total back down to 3 points for Class 7 holders and 7 points for Class 5 holders.
Reducing Demerit Points
Drivers can reduce their demerit points by completing an approved defensive driving course or a Professional Driver Improvement Course. This option is available to drivers with 14 or fewer demerit points. Successful completion can remove up to 3 points from your record.
Key conditions apply: the course must be completed before the conviction date, and the reduction can be applied only once every 2 years for novice drivers. After completing the course, submit the completion form to an Alberta registry agent to have the points removed.
Common Traffic Violations and Their Demerit Points
- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h: 6 demerit points
- Speeding 31 to 50 km/h over the limit: 4 demerit points
- Speeding 16 to 30 km/h over the limit: 3 demerit points
- Running a red light: 3 demerit points
- Failing to stop for a school bus: 6 demerit points
- Failing to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk: 4 demerit points
- Disobeying a traffic control device: 2 demerit points
Impact on Insurance Premiums
Demerit points do not directly affect your insurance rates, but the traffic convictions that produce them do. Insurers review your driving abstract and use any convictions to assess risk when calculating your premiums. As points accumulate from violations, the associated convictions can push your insurance costs noticeably higher over time.
Demerit Points Across Provinces
Through the Canadian Driver Licence Compact, demerit point information can be shared between participating provinces. Traffic violations committed in one province may affect your driving record in another, so adhering to traffic laws across Canada is important regardless of where you are travelling.
Expert Traffic Paralegal Team
How Got a Ticket? Fight It! Can Help
Every demerit point you avoid is a point that cannot push your record toward suspension or drive up your insurance rates. Fighting the ticket is the most effective way to protect your record.
Our team at Got a Ticket? Fight It! helps Alberta drivers contest traffic violations before they become convictions, including speeding tickets, careless driving, dangerous driving, stop sign violations, and stunt driving. With over 27 years of experience, we handle disclosure, court preparation, and representation so that demerit points never make it onto your record in the first place.
Contact us or call 780-428-1000 for a free consultation.
Summary
Demerit points in Alberta last 2 years from the date of conviction and can have serious consequences if they accumulate. Understanding which violations trigger how many points, what the suspension thresholds are, and how to reduce points proactively gives you the tools to protect your licence and your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my demerit points in Alberta?
Request a driver’s abstract through an Alberta Registry office in person or online. Your abstract lists all active demerit points and convictions.
When do demerit points get added to my record?
Demerit points are added after a conviction, not when the ticket is issued. Fighting a ticket before a conviction is registered can prevent points from appearing at all.
Can I reduce my demerit points by taking a course?
Yes. Completing an approved defensive driving course or Professional Driver Improvement Course can remove up to 3 demerit points. The course must be completed before the conviction date, and eligibility rules apply.
How many demerit points cause a licence suspension?
Class 7 licence holders face suspension at 8 demerit points. Class 5 licence holders face suspension at 15 demerit points.
Do demerit points directly affect my car insurance?
Not directly. However, traffic convictions that result in demerit points are visible to insurers and can lead to higher premiums based on your risk profile.
