In Alberta, Canada demerit points are recorded against an operator’s license for a variety of violations - from failing to remain at the scene of an accident that is worth 7 points to speeding by exceeding the posted limit by up to 15 km/h which is 2 points.

In addition to the long list of moving violations that have demerit points associated with them in Alberta, there are a few violations that only apply to graduated driver license (GDL) drivers. The following items only apply to GDL drivers and are assessed 2 points by the Alberta Registry:

• Curfew, no driving from midnight till 5 a.m. (Class 7 Learner stage only)
• Having more passengers than seat belts.
• Supervisor not fully qualified

Now to find out your points total you will need to go to any Alberta registry agent and purchase a Driver’s Abstract. This will show you the convictions and the associated points you have on your motor vehicle record (MVR). Driver abstracts can be issued for a 3, 5 or 10 year period. You may visit a private registry agent to request a copy of your abstract. You must present acceptable identification and complete a Request for Personal Driving and Motor Vehicle Information form and specify the period you are interested in. The agent will then issue a printed driver's abstract. The request form is available for downloading on the Alberta Ministry of Transportation site.

A parent/legal guardian may apply for a driver’s abstract on behalf of a minor (person under 18 years of age), who is not self-supporting or married. The parent/guardian must supply acceptable identification, and complete a Driver Abstract Statement of Intent form.

Below is some information on the demerit system in Alberta and what happens if you accumulate too many points according to Alberta’s laws. The demerit points systems are a little different depending upon if you have a full driver’s license or are a GDL holder.

For those going through the graduated licensing process:

When two years have elapsed from the date of a conviction, the number of points assessed for that conviction are removed from your record. Remember, the date of conviction is the date that you actually pay your fine or are found guilty in absence, not the date that you received the fine.

If a defensive driving course has been successfully completed prior to accumulating eight or more points, a maximum of three demerit points may be removed from a driving record once every two years.

When a total of four or more but less than eight points have accumulated, you are mailed a courtesy notice of point standing.

When an accumulation of eight or more points occurs within a two-year period, your license is automatically suspended for one month.

When the suspension is the second demerit suspension within one year, your license is suspended for three months and you will be directed to appear before the Alberta Transportation Safety Board.

When the suspension is the third or more demerit suspension within two years, your license is suspended for six months.

When a demerit point suspension has been served, the license is reinstated with three points. These points remain on your record until a period of two years from the assessed date has passed.

For those with a full Alberta driver's license:

When two years have elapsed from the date of a conviction, the number of points assessed for a conviction are removed from your record. Once again the date of conviction is the date that you actually pay your fine or are found guilty in absence, not the date that you received the fine.

If an approved defensive driving course has been successfully completed prior to accumulating 15 or more points, a maximum of three demerit points may be removed from a driving record once every two years.

When a total of eight or more but less than 15 points have accumulated, you are mailed a courtesy notice of point standing.

When an accumulation of 15 or more points occurs within a two-year period, your license is automatically suspended for one month.

When the suspension is the second demerit suspension within one year, your license is suspended for three months.

When the suspension is the third or more demerit suspension within two years, your license is suspended for six months. In addition, you may be required to appear before the Alberta Transportation Safety Board.

There is no remedy or appeal against a demerit point suspension; unless it can be proven the demerit points were assigned in error. You may request to review your driving record on these grounds by making a written submission to the Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch.

When a demerit point suspension has been served, the license is reinstated with seven points. These points remain on your record until a period of two years from the assessed date has passed.

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