Important notice: Recently, false information has been circulating about supposed changes to Alberta’s distracted driving laws coming into effect on February 1. These rumours around new rules and stricter penalties are false. Alberta’s distracted driving laws and penalties are not changing at this time.

Overview

Alberta’s distracted driving law applies to all vehicles as defined by the Traffic Safety Act and all roads in Alberta. It restricts drivers from doing any of the following, even while stopped at red lights:

using hand-held cell phones

texting or e-mailing

using electronic devices such as laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players such as MP3 players

entering information on GPS units

reading printed materials in the vehicle

writing, printing or sketching

personal grooming such as brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails or shaving

You can be charged with distracted driving, even if your driving performance does not appear to be affected. If you commit a moving violation while distracted, you could receive two tickets — one for distracted driving and one for the moving violation.

Under the Traffic Safety Act, police also have the discretion to lay charges if you are engaging in other activities while driving that impair your ability to drive safely.

For example, you can be charged with distracted driving if you are distracted by your pet while driving. Police can also charge you if you permit anything to:

occupy the front seat of your vehicle that interferes with your access to the vehicle controls and the safe operation of the vehicle

obstruct your clear vision in any direction

For the safety of pets, drivers and all road users, it is recommended that pets are secured in appropriate pet carriers.

Penalties

The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $300 fine and 3 demerit points.

Activities that are not specifically restricted under the law are:

using a cell phone in hands-free mode – the device is not held in the driver’s hand and is activated by voice or a single touch to the device

using an earphone – if it is used in a hands-free or voice-activated manner

drinking beverages – coffee, water or pop

eating a snack

smoking

talking with passengers

listening to a portable audio player – as long as it is set up before you begin driving

calling emergency services such as 9-1-1 with a hand-held cell phone

using two-way radios or hand-held radios (also known as CB radios) when a driver is required to remain in contact with one’s employer, such as when escorting oversized vehicles or when participating in search, rescue and emergency management situations

permitting the display screen of the following: a GPS navigation system – as long as the system is affixed to the vehicle and programmed before you begin driving or the system is voice activated. You cannot hold the unit or manually enter information while driving a collision avoidance system a gauge, instrument, device or system that provides information about the vehicle’s systems or the vehicle’s location a dispatch system for transporting passengers a logistical transportation tracking system that tracks vehicle location, driver status or the delivery of goods for commercial purposes an alcohol ignition interlock device



Under the Traffic Safety Act, emergency vehicles include police service vehicles, fire response units, ambulances and gas disconnection units. Drivers of emergency vehicles are able to use hand-held communication devices or other electronic devices only when acting within the scope of their employment.

Statistics

Distracted driving convictions in Alberta by offence date and Traffic Safety Act section

Distracted driving convictions: select Alberta municipalities

Distracted driving convictions in Alberta by age and gender

Alberta hand-held electronic communication device use in light-duty vehicles 2007-2017

Contact

Connect with the Office of Traffic Safety:

Hours: 8:15 am to 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)

Phone: 780-427-8901

Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)

Email: officeoftrafficsafety@gov.ab.ca

Address:

Main Floor, Twin Atria Building

Room 109, 4999 98 Avenue NW

Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3