SELECTED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP) - Distracted Driving Alberta

Transportation indicates that driver distraction contributes to 20-30% of all collisions and that distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision than attentive drivers.

While driving you are restricted 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 (brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails or shaving)

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.

When you are in your vehicle, your primary focus should be on driving.

BYLAW ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM (BEEP) - Disabled Parking

Throughout the month of February, Enforcement Services will be focusing on disabled parking within the City of Grande Prairie. A parking placard allows a person with a disability to use disabled parking stalls that are closer to the entrances.

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.

Information provided by the City of Grande Prairie.