What section 94 actually covers
Section 94 of the Traffic Safety Act prohibits driving while a licence is suspended, disqualified, or otherwise cancelled. It applies whether the suspension was imposed by the court, by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, or under another statutory provision.
The statutory fine
The minimum fine for a first offence is $2,000. A court cannot reduce a section 94 fine below the statutory minimum on conviction. Subsequent convictions carry escalating minimums.
The driving prohibition
On conviction, the court typically imposes a further driving prohibition that runs on top of any existing suspension. This is one of the most significant practical consequences — it can materially extend the time before lawful driving is possible.
Insurance and abstract
A section 94 conviction is highly visible on a driving abstract and is treated by insurers as a major event. The combination of the fine, the prohibition, and the long-term insurance impact makes these among the most expensive provincial driving convictions a person can carry.
No obligation
Have the ticket in front of you?
Send us a photo and the basics through our Free Ticket Review form — we will walk you through what the charge actually is and what your real options are.
Options drivers usually have
- Confirm the basis of the underlying suspension and how notice of it was given.
- Request disclosure and review what the officer and the Crown will rely on.
- Seek a resolution with the prosecutor where the facts support it.
- Set the matter for trial where the disclosure reveals issues worth testing.
How Alberta Ticket Fighter helps
We read the ticket, confirm the appearance date, and walk you through the underlying suspension — how it was imposed, when, and on what basis. From there we request disclosure and work the file with the court and the prosecutor.
What working with us looks like
From charge to resolution
- 01.
Send us the ticket through our form
Upload a photo or share the details using our Free Ticket Review form. We confirm the appearance date and section charged.
- 02.
Confirm the suspension basis
We work with you to confirm exactly how and when the underlying suspension was imposed.
- 03.
Disclosure and discussions
We request disclosure and open discussions with the prosecutor where appropriate.
- 04.
Court attendance
We attend on your behalf where permitted and keep you informed at each step.
Driving while suspended questions, answered
What is the fine for driving while suspended in Alberta?
A first-offence conviction for driving while suspended or disqualified under section 94 of the Traffic Safety Act carries a statutory minimum fine of $2,000. Subsequent offences carry higher minimums and additional potential consequences, including possible jail time.
Can I go to jail for driving while suspended in Alberta?
Section 94 carries the possibility of jail, particularly for repeat convictions. Even a first offence carries a court-imposed driving prohibition on top of the original suspension.
What if I did not know I was suspended?
Knowledge can be a relevant factual issue depending on the circumstances and how the suspension was imposed. Whether this provides a defence depends entirely on the specifics — including how notice was given.
Will this affect my future ability to get a licence?
A driving while suspended conviction typically extends the existing suspension period through a further court-imposed prohibition. It also makes future licence reinstatement more complex.
Do I have to attend court for a suspended driving ticket?
Yes. Driving while suspended tickets require a court appearance. Many of these matters can be handled by a representative attending on your behalf.
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Related resources
The information on this page is general guidance about Alberta traffic ticket matters. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor–client or representative–client relationship. Outcomes depend on the facts of each matter. For advice on your specific situation, request a ticket review.