Are you an amateur speed-racer or stunt-driver? It might be time to rethink that.
On March 13, Alberta traffic fines were set to increase. This is one part of a series of changes made by the provincial government under the Traffic Safety Act. The changes will apply across the province and affect several common driving offences, including speeding, distracted driving, and stunting. The Alberta government says these increases are intended to bring Alberta’s penalties more in line with other provinces and to improve road safety.
Many of the fines will increase by around eight to nine per cent for common speeding offences, while more serious violations will rise by larger amounts. For example:
- A ticket for driving 10 kilometres per hour over the speed limit will increase from $110 to $120.
- Driving 40 kilometres per hour over the limit will increase from $373 to $467.
- The fine for stunting, which includes behaviours such as racing or performing dangerous driving maneuvers, will rise from $473 to approximately $710.
- Fines for speeding in construction zones or past emergency vehicles are also increasing. Driving 30 kilometres per hour over in these zones will increase from $499 to $540.
Provincial officials say the changes are aimed at discouraging high-risk driving behaviours that contribute to serious collisions, citing that reckless driving and speeding cause many accidents on the road. The government has stated that increasing penalties is intended to act as a deterrent and encourage drivers to follow traffic laws more closely.
As university students, we already manage tuition and other expenses, so please watch your speed and drive safely.
