Alberta drivers could soon feel a bigger hit to their wallets if they’re caught driving dangerously.
The provincial government increased several traffic fines as of March 13, with penalties for offences like excessive speeding, careless driving, racing and stunting rising by as much as 50 per cent.
Under the changes, the fine for careless driving, racing or stunting jumps from $567 to $852.
Speeding fines will also increase depending on how far over the limit a driver is caught.
Other common offences are seeing hikes too, distracted driving tickets, for example, are increasing by 30 per cent, meaning a ticket that used to cost $300 will now be $390.
Experts note the cost of a ticket can go beyond the initial fine. Insurance Bureau of Canada says a conviction can impact insurance premiums for up to three years, adding another long-term consequence for drivers who break the rules. While demerit points tied to offences like speeding and distracted driving won’t change for now, the government says it’s considering additional updates to the Traffic Safety Act in the future.
Officials say the goal is to improve road safety by discouraging risky behaviour behind the wheel.
In 2025, Calgary police issued more than 2,200 distracted driving tickets, while Edmonton officers handed out nearly 3,100. A focused enforcement effort in Calgary this February alone resulted in another 257 tickets. Authorities say many of these crashes are preventable and are urging drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.
The warning comes as Calgary has already seen a high number of traffic incidents this year, including 80 collisions involving pedestrians in the first two months of 2026.
The province says the higher penalties apply to any tickets issued on or after March 13 and mark the first time traffic fines in Alberta have been raised since 2015.
Comments