How Many Demerits for Texting and Driving in Alberta?

Alberta has a list of demerit points per traffic violation list. It’s a part of the Alberta Traffic Safety Regulations called the “Alberta Demerits Points Program”.

It lays out everything you need to know about demerits, followed by the detailed list of all the demerits.

Source: See the Demerits Points Program document here

So what does the document say about texting and driving specifically?

How many demerits for texting and driving in Alberta?

You will receive 3 Demerit Points for texting or using a handheld electronic device (such as a cellphone)while driving.

These demerits will be added to your driving record. There are serious consequences to accumulating 15 or more demerits within a 2 year period.

They will drop off your record over time. You can check how many demerits you have by getting a driver abstract.

Other similar violations may lead to demerits and/or fines.

Here is a few examples:

 

Driving Violations, Demerit Points, and Penalties in Alberta

Violation Description	Enactment and Section Number	Demerit Points	Penalties
Texting and driving	Section 115.1 Traffic Safety Act	3	Fine + Other Consequences
Careless driving	Section 115(2) Traffic Safety Act	6	Fine + Other Consequences
Distracted driving	Section 115.1 Traffic Safety Act	3	Fine + Other Consequences
Reckless driving	Section 115(1) Traffic Safety Act	6	Fine + Other Consequences

Here is a summary of some common and closely related traffic violations for your reference:

Demerit Points for Various Driving Violations in Alberta:

1. Texting and Driving:
   • Demerit Points: 3
   • Fine: $287
2. Using Handheld Communication Devices:
   • Demerit Points: 3
   • Fine: $287
3. Speeding:
   • Demerit Points: Varies based on speed
   • Fine: Varies based on speed
4. Driving without Insurance:
   • Demerit Points: 0
   • Fine: $5,000 to $25,000
5. Disobeying Traffic Control Device (Red Light, Stop Sign, etc.):
   • Demerit Points: 3
   • Fine: $287
6. Failure to Stop for a School Bus with Lights Flashing:
   • Demerit Points: 6
   • Fine: $543
7. Careless Driving:
   • Demerit Points: 6
   • Fine: $543
8. Stunting/Speed Contest:
   • Demerit Points: 6
   • Fine: Minimum $2,000
9. Following Too Closely:
   • Demerit Points: 4
   • Fine: $287
10. Driving Wrong Way on a Divided Road:
    • Demerit Points: 3
    • Fine: $287
11. Driving without Due Care and Attention:
    • Demerit Points: 6
    • Fine: $543
12. Failing to Yield to Pedestrian in a Crosswalk:
    • Demerit Points: 3
    • Fine: $575

In Summary

• Texting and driving in Alberta will lead to 3 Demerit Points being added to your official driving record
• There is also a fine associated with the violation
• There are consequences to getting too many demerits in too short of a time