How demerits attach
Demerit points are assigned by regulation to specific moving offences. They do not appear on the ticket itself in a separate line — they are tied to the section number of the offence. When a conviction is entered (whether by paying the ticket or after trial), the demerit value associated with that section is added to the driver's abstract as of the conviction date.
The thresholds
- Fully licensed (Class 5): 15 demerit points generally triggers a one-month suspension on a first occasion; longer suspensions follow on subsequent occasions.
- GDL (Class 5‑GDL or Class 7): 8 demerit points generally triggers a suspension and can extend the time required in the GDL program.
- Warning letter: drivers approaching the threshold typically receive a warning letter from the registrar before the suspension itself.
Common demerit values
The exact value depends on the section convicted. As a general guide:
- Speeding — typically 2 to 6 demerits depending on the amount over.
- Distracted driving — 3 demerits.
- Following too closely — 4 demerits.
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign (in person) — 3 demerits.
- Careless driving — 6 demerits.
- Driving without insurance — does not carry demerits under the demerit schedule, but carries one of the highest fines in the Traffic Safety Act.
These values are illustrative. The applicable demerit on any given file is the value tied to the specific section charged.
How demerits come off
Demerits associated with an Alberta moving conviction are generally removed two years after the date of the offence — not the date of conviction, and not the date the ticket was paid. The conviction itself, however, can continue to appear on longer-form abstracts and remains relevant to insurance for the insurer's full lookback window (typically three years on minor convictions, longer on serious ones).
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Questions about Alberta demerit points
How many demerits cause a suspension in Alberta?
For a fully licensed (Class 5) driver, accumulating 15 or more demerit points generally triggers a suspension. For a GDL (Class 5‑GDL or Class 7) driver, the threshold is 8 demerits. Reaching these thresholds typically results in a one-month suspension on a first occasion, longer on subsequent occasions.
When do demerit points come off my record?
Demerit points are generally removed two years after the date of the offence (not the conviction date). The conviction itself remains visible on a longer-form abstract even after the demerits have come off.
Do demerits transfer between provinces?
Convictions transfer through inter-jurisdictional agreements, but the demerit value applied is Alberta’s value for the equivalent Alberta offence. The conviction can also affect the driver’s home-province record under that province’s rules.
Does paying a ticket put demerits on my record?
Yes. Paying the ticket is generally treated as a conviction, and the demerits associated with that offence are applied as of the date of conviction.
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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.