Demerit points in Alberta: the full list, limits and how long they last
Demerit points are recorded against your driving record when you’re convicted of an offence. New drivers are allowed far fewer than fully licensed drivers before their licence is suspended.p. 108
Checked against the Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026) on .
The short version
- Paying your ticket counts as a conviction, so points go on your record.p. 108
- GDL drivers, including learners, are suspended at 8 or more points within two years.p. 108p. 10
- Fully licensed drivers are suspended at 15 or more within two years.p. 108
- Points come off your record two years after the date of the conviction.p. 110
How you get demerit points
Limits for new and fully licensed drivers
Leaving the GDL program is what raises the number of demerits you’re allowed.p. 11
Offences for GDL drivers only
Demerit points for each offence: the full list
| Points | Offences |
|---|---|
| 7 | Failing to remain at the scene of a collision |
| 6 | Careless driving · failing to stop for a school bus · racing · speeding by 51 km/h or more |
| 5 | Failing to stop at a railway crossing (school buses, and vehicles carrying explosives, gas or flammable liquids) · failing to stop for a peace officer |
| 4 | Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk · following too closely · speeding by 31 to 50 km/h |
| 3 | Driving left of the yellow line, or left of centre on an unmarked two-way road · driving the wrong way on a one-way highway · failing to report a collision · failing to stop at a stop sign · failing to stop for a red light · impeding a passing vehicle · improper passing · stunting · speeding by 16 to 30 km/h |
| 2 | Not obeying a traffic control device · improper backing (into an intersection or crosswalk, or unsafely onto a highway) · improper turns, including U-turns · traffic lane violation · speeding by up to 15 km/h |
This is every offence the Driver’s Guide lists. For the complete, current Demerit Point Program, the guide points to alberta.ca.p. 109
If you’re suspended
Demerit point suspensions are automatic, and they get longer:p. 110
You must turn in your driver’s licence at any Alberta registry agent office on or before the date your suspension starts, and serve the full term. You may also have to attend a review with the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.p. 117p. 110
You can’t appeal a demerit point suspension. If you believe points were assigned in error, you can ask Driver Fitness and Monitoring in writing to review your record.p. 110
How long demerit points last
Learners ask
How many demerit points can a Class 7 learner have before a suspension?
Learners and other GDL drivers are automatically suspended at 8 or more demerit points within two years. At 4 to 7 points you get a letter about your demerit point standing. Fully licensed drivers are suspended at 15 or more.p. 108p. 10
How long do demerit points last in Alberta?
The points for a conviction are removed two years after the date of that conviction. The conviction itself, and any suspension, stays on your driving record for 10 years and appears on your driver’s abstract.p. 110p. 108
How many demerit points is careless driving?
6 points. Failing to stop for a school bus, racing, and speeding by 51 km/h or more over the limit are also worth 6 points each. Failing to remain at the scene of a collision is worth 7.p. 109
Does paying a traffic ticket give you demerit points?
Yes. Paying the fine on your ticket voluntarily counts as a conviction, and demerit points are recorded when you are convicted. You are also convicted if a court finds you guilty, or if you don’t appear in court and are convicted in your absence.p. 108