In Alberta, your driver’s license expires on your birthday every 1 to 5 years, depending on the class of license you hold.
It is unlawful to drive with an expired license in the province of Alberta?
Let’s take a closer look at what would happen if you drive with an expired license in Alberta.
What happens if I drive with an expired license in Alberta?
According to Part 3, section 51 of the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, driving with an expired Alberta driver’s license is illegal and will result in a fine.
The fine is upwards of $270, depending on the various circumstances of the traffic stop. Such as how long it’s been expired, if you were driving or supervising and so on.
Will They Tow My Car?
The police have the authority to have your vehicle towed if they deem it necessary. The decision to do this will come down to a number of considerations.
They will consider the length of time your license has been expired. If it was very recently, and there are no other traffic violations involved or history of expired licenses, they may let you go with just the fine.
If the license has been expired for a significant amount of time, you might have a problem.
Especially if the stop includes other violations, such as speeding, or if this is not the first time you have been caught with an expired drivers license.
When considering the length of time your license has been expired, it is generally accepted that the cut off is 6 months.
In other words, if your license expired less than 6 months ago, it is considered to be recent. Longer than 6 months is too long.
In fact, 6 months is the cut off for how your license is to be renewed. Under 6 months is easier to renew, while more than 6 months is more involved.
Details on how to renew an expired Alberta Driver’s licence
When does my drivers license actually expire?
In Alberta, your driver’s license will expire on your birthday, NOT at the end of your birth month. Unless your birthday is the end of your birth month.
The amount of years your license is valid for depends on the type of license you hold.
More details about license renewal
In Summary
- Driving with an expired Alberta Driver’s licence is illegal. You will be given a fine of up to $300.
- More severe cases can lead to a towed vehicle and/or jail time.
- The longer your license is expired, the harder it is to renew.
- It is possible to renew your license online.
