Distracted and tired driving in Alberta
Driving is a demanding task. A phone call, a text or a tired mind takes your attention away from it, and Alberta’s law fines several distractions.p. 90p. 91
Checked against the Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026) on .
The short version
- Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act sets fines and three demerits for certain distractions, including using a hand-held phone and texting.p. 91
- The Driver’s Guide says not to use a phone while driving at all, even hands-free. To call or text, stop in a safe and legal place.p. 90
- Entering a destination in a GPS, reading, writing and personal grooming are on the list too.p. 91
- Fatigue slows your reactions and impairs your judgement. If you feel tired, stop for a rest.p. 107
Phones: stop before you call or text
Don’t use a phone or other electronic device while driving. Making or taking a call, or reading or sending a text, takes your attention away from driving, and that applies to hands-free phones as well.p. 90
What the distracted driving law covers
All forms of distraction can be hazardous, but the Traffic Safety Act sets fines and three demerits for these ones:p. 91
- using a hand-held cell phonep. 91
- texting or emailingp. 91
- using electronic devices such as laptops, video games, cameras and video entertainment screensp. 91
- programming portable audio playersp. 91
- entering information in a GPS unitp. 91
- reading printed material in the vehiclep. 91
- writing, printing or sketchingp. 91
- personal groomingp. 91
Beyond that list, don’t do anything that lets you be distracted while driving.p. 91
How demerits add up, and what happens when you reach the limit: Demerit points in Alberta.
Tired driving
Stress, fatigue and lack of sleep can all hurt your driving, and driving while fatigued can be extremely dangerous.p. 107
Fatigue often comes from:p. 107
Overeating, alcohol or drugs, and even a warm, comfortable vehicle can make it worse.p. 107
Fatigue slows your reactions and impairs your judgement and decisions. That leads to errors such as drifting off the road, into another lane or into oncoming traffic, and you may not realize you’re in danger or be able to react quickly.p. 107
How to stay alert
- Be well rested before you start your trip.p. 107
- Keep the vehicle at a comfortable temperature and well ventilated.p. 107
- Keep your eyes moving: scan the road ahead and behind, stay alert to your surroundings and check your gauges.p. 107
- Wear sunglasses on bright days.p. 107
- If you feel tired, stop for a rest and walk around your vehicle.p. 107
- Don’t drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.p. 107
Alcohol, drugs and medication have their own rules: Zero tolerance and impaired driving in Alberta.