Alberta Driver License Suspension Program

Alberta Driver License Suspension

There are hundreds of driving laws in place to protect motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. They are created to regulate driving habits and to establish a code of conduct that everyone must abide by, in order to support a responsible driving atmosphere. And for the most part, it works.

But occasionally, drivers can accidently break these laws, or just forget about them entirely. That's why there's also a demerit system – failure to obey the laws means a driver faces punishment, either as a fine, or a suspended license.

Suspensions Due to Demerit Points

The Canadian demerit point system is set up to be both forgiving to drivers who make the rare mistake, and to appropriately punish drivers who frequently break the laws. Every violation comes with a point value assigned to it. The points go on your driver record and accumulate over time. If a driver accrues too many within a given amount of time, they will have their license suspended. Some of the more commonly issued violations, and their point values, are as follows:

• Speeding (more than 50 km over the limit): 6 points
• Following too closely: 4 points
• Stunting: 3 points
• Failure to yield right of way to a pedestrian: 4 points
• Failure to report an accident: 3 points
• Driving on the wrong side of the road: 3 points
• Racing: 6 points
• Leaving the scene of an accident: 7 points

Once a driver has 8 points on their record, they will be issued a warning notice in the mail. If they accumulate 15 or more points in a 2-year period, they will face an automatic license suspension for a month. Garnering 15 points twice within 2 years results in a 3-month suspension, and 3 times within 2 years is a 6-month suspension –as well as a possible appearance before the Traffic Safety Board.

Following a suspension, a driver's license will still have 7 points against it –sort of a probationary precaution against habitual troublemakers. Other than that, points will remain on a license for 2 years. If a driver wishes, he or she can clear 3 points from their license by completing an approved defensive driving course, once every 2 years.

Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol

In addition to the expensive fines and lengthy jail sentences, a DUI conviction can cost you your license as well. In fact, Alberta has a specific program in place that's designed to keep the roads free of drunk drivers.

Getting Your License Back After Suspension

Even if your license suspension period may be up, you don't automatically get your license back. You must first satisfy any conditions listed on the suspension notice. Because there are numerous reasons for a license to be suspended in the first place, there are several tasks that may be outlined.

For example, if a person has been cited for impaired driving, the judge may stipulate that the person must complete an impaired driving course before he is able to get his license reinstated. There is also a one-day educational course called "Planning Ahead" that is available to first-time offenders, or a weekend pretreatment course called "Impact," for repeat offenders. These are set up to ensure that the mistakes drivers have made in the past are not repeated once their license is reinstated.

Only after the driver provides proof of completion for the courses that are required is he able to apply for a new license.

The laws may seem strict, even harsh at times, but they exist for the good of the people. Following them can keep everyone safe.