Alberta's Distracted Driving Law: When Did It Start?

Distracted driving is a leading cause of driving-related accidents in Alberta, and it is the number one killer on the roads. In 2011, distracted driving was made a driving offence in Alberta, and since then, the number of convictions has increased each year. The Alberta Distracted Driving Law, outlined in the Traffic Safety Act, restricts drivers from engaging in a list of activities, including using hand-held cell phones, texting or emailing, using electronic devices, entering information on GPS units, reading printed materials, writing, printing or sketching, and personal grooming. The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $300 fine and three demerit points, and drivers may also face higher insurance rates and even policy cancellations.

Penalties for distracted driving in Alberta

Distracted driving is one of the biggest road safety issues in Alberta. It is the number one cause of road fatalities in the province and has led to a rise in insurance costs. Distracted driving laws in Alberta came into effect on September 1, 2011, and have been updated since.

Distracted driving is a broad term, and in Alberta, it is defined by the Traffic Safety Act. The following behaviours are restricted, even while stopped at a red light:

• Using a hand-held cell phone
• Texting or emailing
• Using electronic devices such as laptop computers, video games, cameras, and portable audio players
• Entering information on a GPS
• Reading, writing, and sketching
• Personal grooming, such as brushing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails, or shaving

Even if your driving is not affected, you can still be charged with distracted driving. The police have the discretion to lay charges if they feel you are engaging in activities that impair your ability to drive safely. For example, you may be fined if you are deemed to be too distracted by your pet while driving.

Fines and Demerit Points

If you are convicted of distracted driving in Alberta, you will receive a $300 fine and three demerit points. These points will remain on your driving record for two years from the date of your conviction and will increase your insurance costs.

If you are convicted of careless driving, you will receive a $402 fine and six demerit points. Careless driving is defined as driving without reasonable consideration for other people, which may include driving while distracted.

Other Consequences

In addition to the financial penalties and demerit points, a distracted driving conviction can make it difficult to obtain full insurance coverage at reasonable rates. Insurance premiums can increase by as much as 25% after a distracted driving ticket.

Prevention

To avoid penalties and keep the roads safe, it is important to minimise distractions while driving. This includes putting your phone away, keeping your hands on the wheel, and planning your route ahead of time.

What is considered distracted driving in Alberta?

Distracted driving is one of the biggest road safety issues in Alberta, and it is the number one cause of road deaths in the province. Distracted driving laws in Alberta came into effect on September 1, 2011, and are outlined in the Traffic Safety Act.

According to the Government of Alberta, the following actions are considered distractions:

• 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 in the vehicle
• Writing, printing, or sketching
• Personal grooming (brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails, or shaving)

It's important to note that you can be charged with distracted driving even if your driving performance does not seem to be affected. The police have the discretion to lay charges if they believe you are engaging in any activity that impairs your ability to drive safely. For example, you can be charged if you are distracted by your pet while driving.

Additionally, under the Traffic Safety Act, you can be charged if you permit anything to occupy the front seat of your vehicle that interferes with your access to the vehicle controls or obstructs your clear vision in any direction. This includes pets, and it is recommended that pets are secured in appropriate carriers for the safety of all.

The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $300 fine and 3 demerit points, which will stay on your record for 2 years and increase your car insurance costs.

When did distracted driving become illegal in Alberta?

Distracted driving has been a serious issue in Alberta, with over 25,000 drivers convicted of it annually. In fact, it is the number one cause of road deaths in the province. In response, the Alberta government has implemented strict laws and penalties to curb this dangerous behaviour.

Distracted driving officially became illegal in Alberta on September 1, 2011, with the introduction of the distracted driving legislation outlined in the Traffic Safety Act. This law applies to all vehicles and roads within the province and restricts drivers from engaging in specific activities while driving, even when stopped at red lights.

The prohibited activities include using hand-held cell phones, texting or emailing, using electronic devices such as laptops, video games, and cameras, entering information on GPS units, reading printed materials, writing, printing, or sketching, and personal grooming tasks like brushing teeth, putting on makeup, or shaving.

The Alberta government has also implemented penalties for those caught driving while distracted. A conviction for distracted driving carries a $300 fine and three demerit points, which remain on the driver's record for two years, increasing insurance costs. Additionally, if a driver is found to be driving carelessly or dangerously due to distractions, they may face further fines, demerit points, licence suspension, or even jail time.

To avoid penalties and ensure safety, drivers are advised to keep their eyes on the road and stay alert. This includes putting away cell phones, staying calm and avoiding emotional conversations, keeping hands on the wheel, pulling over when needed, and planning ahead by programming electronics before starting to drive.

How does distracted driving affect insurance in Alberta?

Distracted driving is one of the biggest road safety issues in Alberta, and it is the number one cause of road fatalities in the province. Distracted driving convictions are increasing annually, with over 25,000 drivers convicted each year. This has a significant impact on insurance in Alberta.

Distracted driving convictions result in 3 demerit points, which remain on a driver's record for 2 years and increase insurance premiums. Insurance brokers in Alberta have reported that individuals with distracted driving convictions are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain full insurance coverage at reasonable rates. Some insurance companies are denying full coverage, while others are significantly increasing their rates. This is particularly challenging for individuals with leased or financed vehicles, as collision and comprehensive insurance is typically required in these cases.

The impact of a distracted driving conviction on insurance rates can be substantial, with some individuals experiencing increases of nearly 25% in their premiums. The extent of the increase depends on whether the insurer treats the conviction as major or minor. While most companies currently consider it a minor conviction, some brokers anticipate that this may change in the future.

To avoid the consequences of distracted driving, it is crucial for drivers to adhere to Alberta's distracted driving laws and focus on the road. This includes refraining from using handheld cell phones, texting or emailing, and engaging in other activities that impair the ability to drive safely. By following these laws and staying alert, drivers can help improve road safety and minimise the impact on their insurance.

Distracted driving has severe consequences, not only in terms of road safety but also in terms of insurance costs and coverage. It is essential for drivers in Alberta to understand the risks and take the necessary precautions to avoid distracted driving behaviours.

How to prevent distracted driving

Distracted driving is one of the biggest road safety issues in Alberta. It is the number one cause of road fatalities in the province and is responsible for increasing car insurance costs. In 2021, 3,522 people were killed by distracted driving in the US, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Distracted driving laws in Alberta came into effect on September 1, 2011, and are outlined in the Traffic Safety Act. The following actions are considered distractions:

• 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 in the vehicle
• Writing, printing, or sketching
• Personal grooming (brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails, or shaving)

To prevent distracted driving, here are some tips:

• Do not multi-task. Driving demands your full attention, so avoid any other activities while behind the wheel.
• Do not eat or drink while driving. If you need to, pull over to a safe place and stop your vehicle.
• Avoid complicated tasks. Voice-activated systems and hands-free devices can still distract your attention away from the road.
• Never use your phone while driving. If you must make a call, pull over and park in a safe place first.
• Store loose gear and other possessions securely so that they don't roll around the car and tempt you to reach for them.
• Make all adjustments before you start driving, including setting the GPS, climate control, and sound systems, as well as adjusting mirrors and seats.
• Plan ahead. Program electronics like music players, phones, and GPS units before starting your trip. If you have a passenger, ask them to navigate for you.
• Do not text while driving. Put your phone away and turn off notifications.
• Eat before or after your trip, not while driving. Eating while driving can be messy and distracting, taking your attention away from the road.

Frequently asked questions