Traffic Tickets
Traffic Ticket Lawyers in Edmonton
A traffic ticket can cost far more than the fine — demerit points, higher insurance premiums and, for professional drivers, your livelihood. We review your ticket, explain your realistic options and handle the matter for you.
Verdicta LLP's traffic ticket lawyers in Edmonton fight speeding, distracted driving, careless driving and other Traffic Safety Act charges for drivers across Edmonton and area — protecting your demerit points, your insurance rates and your licence.
Tickets we defend
- Speeding & excessive speeding
- Distracted driving
- Careless driving
- Stunting
- Running red lights & stop signs
- Driving while suspended
- No insurance / registration
- Commercial vehicle offences
Don't just pay the ticket
Paying a ticket is a guilty plea. The conviction goes on your Alberta driver's abstract, demerit points are added to your record, and your insurer may raise your premiums for years. In many cases, a lawyer can negotiate a reduced charge, fewer or no demerits, or a lower fine — and you usually don't need to attend court.
Demerit points in Alberta
Alberta records demerit points on your driving record when you are convicted of — or pay — a ticket for a demerit offence. Points stay on your record for two years from the conviction date.
- Fully licensed drivers: 15 or more points within two years results in a licence suspension (one month for a first suspension, longer for repeat suspensions). You'll receive a warning letter at 8 points.
- Learner and probationary (GDL) drivers: the suspension threshold is 8 points, with a warning at 4.
Speeding demerits in Alberta
Demerit points for common offences
Serious offences
| Failing to remain at the scene of a collision | 7 |
|---|---|
| Careless driving | 6 |
| Racing | 6 |
| Failing to stop for a peace officer | 5 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Speeding at an unreasonable rate | 4 |
| Distracted driving | 3 |
| Stunting | 3 |
Lights, signs & right of way
| Running a red light | 3 |
|---|---|
| Failing to stop at a stop sign | 3 |
| Failing to stop at a yellow light | 3 |
| Failing to stop at a flashing red light | 3 |
| Proceeding when unsafe | 3 |
| Failing to yield at an intersection | 3 |
| Failing to yield at a yield or merge sign | 3 |
| Failing to yield in a traffic circle | 3 |
| Failing to stop before entering a highway | 3 |
| Disobeying a traffic control device | 2 |
Passing & lanes
| Improper passing | 3 |
|---|---|
| Passing on a hill or curve | 3 |
| Driving left of centre | 3 |
| Driving the wrong way on a one-way road | 3 |
| Impeding a passing vehicle | 3 |
| Crossing solid lines | 2 |
| Unsafe lane change | 2 |
| Failing to signal a lane change | 2 |
| Straddling two lanes | 2 |
Pedestrians, school buses & zones
| Failing to stop for a school bus | 6 |
|---|---|
| Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk | 4 |
| Passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk | 4 |
| Improper passing in a school zone | 3 |
| Passing a school bus when unsafe | 3 |
| Failing to yield to a pedestrian at a green or flashing yellow light | 3 |
Turns & signals
| Improper turn | 2 |
|---|---|
| Improper U-turn | 2 |
| Failing to signal a turn | 2 |
| Failing to signal when stopping | 2 |
Collisions, emergency vehicles & railways
| Failing to report a collision | 3 |
|---|---|
| Failing to notify the owner of damaged property or an unattended vehicle | 3 |
| Failing to stop for a vehicle sounding a siren | 3 |
| Following an emergency vehicle too closely | 3 |
| Failing to stop at a railway crossing | 3 |
| Driving around a railway crossing barrier | 3 |
Source: Alberta's Demerit Point Program and Service of Documents Regulation. Fines are separate and vary by offence.
Your options after receiving a ticket
- Pay the fine — resulting in a conviction and any demerits.
- Request a reduction or resolution — we negotiate with the prosecutor for a lesser charge or reduced penalty.
- Plead not guilty and set a trial — the prosecution must prove the offence. We review the officer's evidence, speed-measurement records and disclosure.
Your ticket shows the deadline and options for responding. Missing that deadline can result in a conviction in your absence, so reach out promptly.
Who we help
We act for everyday drivers, new drivers under the GDL program, and commercial and professional drivers whose jobs depend on a clean abstract. Tell us about your ticket and we'll explain what's realistically achievable before you commit.
Impaired driving and IRS sanctions
Our team also handles Immediate Roadside Sanctions under the SafeRoads Alberta regime. These must be disputed within 7 days of the notice being issued. Learn about DUI & IRS defence →
Get a free estimate. Upload your ticket and licence and we'll review your options and send you an estimate.
Traffic Tickets
Help with your specific matter.
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Speeding Tickets
Speeding, excessive speeding and zone tickets — protect your demerits and insurance.
Learn more -
Distracted Driving
Cell phone and distracted driving tickets — $390 fine and 3 demerits.
Learn more -
Careless Driving
Careless driving charges — 6 demerits, often after a collision.
Learn more -
Driving While Suspended
Driving while suspended, disqualified or unlicensed — vehicle seizure and further suspensions.
Learn more
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call 780-229-4559 or see all FAQs.
How many demerit points is a speeding ticket in Alberta?
It depends on how far over the limit you were:
Careless driving carries 6 demerits and distracted driving carries 3. Fully licensed drivers are suspended at 15 points within two years; GDL drivers at 8.
Is it worth fighting a traffic ticket in Alberta?
Often, yes. Demerit points and convictions can increase your insurance premiums for years — frequently costing more than the fine itself. A lawyer can often negotiate a reduced charge or fewer demerits, and you usually won't need to attend court.
How many demerit points before my licence is suspended?
Fully licensed Alberta drivers face a suspension at 15 or more demerit points. Drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing program face a suspension at 8 or more points. Demerits remain on your record for two years from the conviction date.
Do I have to go to court for a traffic ticket?
In most cases, no. With your authorization, a lawyer can appear on your behalf, negotiate with the prosecutor and resolve the ticket without you attending.
What happens if I ignore my ticket?
If you don't respond by the date on your ticket, you may be convicted in your absence, and unpaid fines can lead to further consequences such as being unable to renew your registration or licence. Respond before the deadline.
Will a traffic ticket affect my insurance?
It can. Traffic convictions appear on your driver's abstract, which insurers review when setting premiums. Avoiding a conviction, or reducing it to a less serious offence, can protect your rates.
How much does it cost to fight a ticket?
Your initial consultation is free. We'll review your ticket and tell you what's realistically achievable — and what it will cost — before you decide to proceed. Submit your ticket online for a free estimate. Fees are subject to GST, and disbursements are an additional charge.
Charged, buying, or in a dispute?
Let's talk today.
Speak with a lawyer who will give you straight answers and a clear plan.
780-229-4559 Book a free consultation