Alberta Toughens Distracted Driving Penalties; Demerits To Be Added To Fines

The Canadian Press, 10 Dec, 2015 11:21 AM

EDMONTON — Tougher penalties for distracted driving in Alberta are going to include demerits come Jan. 1.

Fines went up to $250 after new legislation was passed by the previous Tory government last spring.

But demerits still had to be approved by cabinet.

Premier Rachel Notley's NDP government has now done that, so drivers who get caught not paying attention will get three demerit points on their record.

Distracted driving includes using a hand-held cellphone or GPS, as well as reading, writing, eating or personal grooming.

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