Several provincial traffic fines have increased by 30 per cent.
Fines for many traffic offences will be seeing an increase, such as; Distracted driving: $300 is now $390, unsafe left turn: $162 is now $211, and non-compliant window tint: $81 is now $105.
Some of the other offences that will see the 30 per cent increase include; speeding 1–39 km/h over the limit, failing to obey a traffic control device, prohibited U-turns, unsecured licence plates, and driving without a valid operator’s licence or vehicle registration.
The Grande Prairie police service says that some “high-risk” driving offences will be raised 50 per cent; racing or stunting: $567 is now $852, careless driving: $567 is now $852, and excessive speeding (50 km/h over the limit): $495 is now $744.
The violation for not wearing a seatbelt was also raised 30 per cent, the original fine of $162 is now $211. The RCMP said that in 2025, Mounties issues 2,338 tickets related to seatbelt and restraint-related violations.
“Buckling up, and ensuring other occupants are safely restrained, should be your first priority when entering your vehicle,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic.
“Breaking occupants restraint laws may not only cost a ticket but your life. While airbags offer protection in collisions, they are designed to supplement the safety features provided by seatbelts.”
Mounties ask everyone to follow these safety steps on the road:
- Always wear a seatbelt when in a vehicle and make sure it is securely fastened before the vehicle starts moving.
- Ensure the lap belt is positioned low across your hips, and the shoulder belt is always sitting across the centre of your chest.
- Do not allow the seatbelt to become twisted. The width of the belt is required to spread the force from a collision across the body.
- Always use the seatbelts provided on off-road or recreational vehicles.
- Motorists are responsible for ensuring both themselves and passengers under the age of 16 are using proper occupant restraints.
The applicable fine is determined by the date the offence occurs, and not the date that the ticket is issued.
With files from Justin Goulet (MyLethbridgeNow.com)
