When you commit an infraction that leads to demerit points, it ends up on your driving record. Too many of these and you get your license suspended.
How long do demerit points stay on your drivers abstract in Alberta?
Demerits stay on your driving record for 2 years in Alberta. It is 2 years from the date of the conviction, not the date you got the ticket.
Alberta.ca Demerit Driving Suspension Information
What Happens When You Accumulate Demerit Points?
In Alberta, accumulating too many demerit points can lead to serious consequences. If a driver accrues more than a specific number of points within a 2-year period, their license may be suspended. For a fully licensed driver, reaching 8 to 14 demerit points results in a warning letter, while 15 or more points lead to an automatic suspension. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) drivers face stricter limits, with a suspension starting at 8 points. Points remain on a driving record for two years from the date of conviction.
Can Demerit Points Be Removed?
Demerit points in Alberta can be reduced under certain conditions. One of the most common ways to remove points is by completing an approved defensive driving course, which can result in the reduction of up to 3 demerit points from your driving record. These courses are especially helpful for drivers nearing suspension thresholds. However, demerit points still remain on your record for two years from the date of conviction, even after a reduction. Regularly checking your driving record helps monitor your demerit status.
How Do Demerit Points Affect Insurance?
Accumulating demerit points can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. Insurance companies in Alberta view drivers with demerit points as higher risk, which may result in increased premiums. The more points you have on your driving record, the greater the likelihood of paying higher insurance costs. Even if points are removed after two years, some insurance companies may still consider your driving history when assessing your risk, potentially affecting your rates for several years.
Are There Similar Systems in Other Provinces?
Alberta’s demerit point system is similar to those in other provinces, but there are key differences. For example, Ontario and British Columbia also use demerit points to track driving offenses, but the thresholds and penalties for point accumulation vary. In Ontario, suspensions begin at 9 points for new drivers and 15 points for fully licensed drivers, while BC imposes fines and penalties based on accumulated points. Understanding how Alberta compares can help drivers traveling between provinces.
How to Check How Many Demerits I Have in Alberta
To find out how many demerits you currently have on your Alberta driving record, you need to pay for a drivers abstract.
They come in either 3, 5, or 10 years. A clean abstract has zero demerits on it.
You can get these for a fee at any Alberta registry office, or you can get it online.
If you want to order a drivers abstract online in Alberta, you have have a MyAlberta Digital ID.
In Summary
- Demerits stay on your drivers abstract for 2 years from conviction in Alberta.
- Too many demerits on your record will get your license suspended.
- A clean drivers abstract has no demerits on it for the duration of the abstract (example: 3, 5 or 10 years).
- You can find out your current demerits status by getting one of these drivers abstracts for a fee. Get them at a registry office or get it online.
