Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) - Distracted Driving

For the month of February, the selected traffic enforcement program will be focusing on distracted driving.

When driving your vehicle, your primary focus should be on driving in a safe manner that adheres to traffic laws.

When operating a vehicle, drivers are prohibited from:

  • Using hand-held cell phones
  • Texting or e-mailing (even when stopped at red lights) 
  • Using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)
  • Entering information on GPS units
  • Reading printed materials
  • Writing, printing or sketching
  • Personal grooming (shaving, brushing teeth, flossing teeth, makeup application, styling hair, or clipping nails, etc.)

The Traffic Safety Act prohibits anything, including a pet, to occupy the front seat of the vehicle such that it interferes with the driver’s access to the vehicle controls and the safe operation of the vehicle. In situations where a driver becomes too involved with their pet, distracted driving law can apply. For everyone’s safety, pets should be secured when riding in the vehicle.

Fines/Demerits:

  • The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $287.00 fine and three demerit points.
  • Tickets for distracted driving are issued to the driver of the vehicle, not the registered owner.
  • Drivers engaged in any of the identified activities can be charged, even if their driving performance does not appear to be affected.

Bylaw Enforcement Education Program (BEEP) – Legal Use of Disabled Parking Stalls

Throughout the month of February, the City’s enforcement services are focused on legal use of disabled parking stalls within the City of Grande Prairie.

A parking placard allows a person with a disability to use disabled parking stalls that are located closer to the entrances of buildings. 

  • A person shall not park a vehicle in a parking space designated for the use of persons with disabilities unless the vehicle displays a valid handicap placard or license plate.
  • A valid placard can only be used by the person it is issued to.
  • When parked in a designated stall, the valid placard must be hung from the vehicle’s rear-view mirror with the registration number and expiry date visible from outside the vehicle.

Municipal bylaws govern disabled parking stalls on both public and private property. The fine for parking within a disabled parking stall without a valid permit is $250.00