Driver’s licence suspensions and disqualifications
In addition to any penalties under the Criminal Code of Canada, the province of Alberta will suspend your driver’s licence privileges and impose conditions you must meet to have your driving privileges reinstated. The province of Alberta suspension is served at the same time as a court-ordered driving prohibition.
Driving while your driver’s licence privileges are suspended or disqualified
If you operate a motor vehicle while your driver’s licence privileges are suspended or disqualified you can face time in jail, fines, or both. In addition, if you are currently serving a suspension, you will face another suspension. The vehicle you are driving will be seized and impounded for 30 days regardless of who is the registered owner. All towing charges and impound fees will be charged to the registered owner of the vehicle. Your driver’s licence driving privileges can be suspended or disqualified. If you receive a driver’s licence suspension or disqualification you will receive notification via registered letter to the last recorded address on your driver’s licence record, from Driver Fitness and Monitoring, indicating the reasons for your suspension or disqualification. If your driver’s licence driving privileges are suspended or disqualified, your Notice of Suspension letter will identify the length of your suspension or disqualification and the conditions that you must meet to have your driving privileges reinstated.
When you have met the conditions of your suspension or disqualification you will receive another letter from Driver Fitness and Monitoring, indicating that your suspension or disqualification has been removed and the date you are eligible to operate a motor vehicle.
Reinstatement of your driver’s licence privileges as a result of an alcohol, drug, or alcohol and drug related offence
When you are convicted of an alcohol, drug, or alcohol and drug related offence, your driver’s licence privileges suspension takes effect at that time.
A Notice of Suspension will be sent to you by mail to the last recorded address on your driver’s licence. Make sure your driver’s licence has your current address. Suspensions remain in effect until all the conditions on the Notice of Suspension are met. This includes drivers who have left the province. Read your notice carefully to ensure you have met the conditions of your suspension. If you have not met the conditions of your suspension your driving privileges may not be reinstated.
The Notice of Suspension will include all the conditions that must be met prior to reinstatement of your driving privileges. For an alcohol, drug, or alcohol and drug related driving charge some of the conditions that you may have to meet are:
1. Attend a one-day driver program. 2. Attend a weekend driver program. 3. Participation in Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program.
You will also be required to pay the reinstatement fee and take a road test.