Protect the Life You're Driving Home To: Slow Down, Put the Phone Away, Drive Sober
Three habits protect you and your insurance savings: slow down, put the phone away and drive sober. In Alberta, distracted driving carries a $390 fine and 3 demerit points (Government of Alberta) and AIRB lists it as a major conviction. Tickets and claims can count toward your premium for 3 to 6 years.
Why Slow Down?
Speeding saves a few minutes. It’s like rushing to the microwave: the popcorn still says 0:42. 🍿 Speeding up to 50 km/h over is a minor conviction, speeding more than 50 km/h over is major and any speeding in a school or playground zone is major.
Why Put the Phone Away?
Your group chat will still be discussing pizza toppings when you arrive. 🍕 Hand-held phone use is illegal even at a red light.
Why Drive Sober?
Plan your ride home before the party starts. Impaired driving offences are Criminal Code convictions and those can count toward your premium for 4 years.
How Long Do Tickets and Claims Last?
| On your record | Counts toward your premium for |
| Minor or major conviction | 3 years |
| Criminal Code conviction | 4 years |
| At-fault claim | 6 years |
A clean record can qualify you for safe driver discounts and the Good Driver Rate Cap protects clean-record drivers from large increases.
Summary
Slow down, look up and plan a sober ride. Your future self and your insurance bill, will thank you. 🚗
Frequently Asked Questions
Is distracted driving a major conviction in Alberta? Yes. According to AIRB, distracted driving, including using a cellphone or electronic device, is a major conviction.
What is the fine for distracted driving in Alberta? $390 and 3 demerit points.
Is it illegal to use my phone at a red light in Alberta? Yes, hand-held phone use is prohibited even while stopped at a red light. Hands-free or voice-activated use is allowed.
Is speeding a minor or major conviction in Alberta? It can be both. Speeding up to 50 km/h over the limit is a minor conviction, speeding more than 50 km/h over is major and any speeding in a school or playground zone is major.
How long do speeding tickets and other convictions affect my car insurance? Under AIRB’s guidance, minor and major convictions count toward your premium for 3 years.
How long does an at-fault claim affect my premium? At-fault claims can affect your premium up to 6 years.
Does an impaired driving conviction affect my insurance? Impaired driving offences are Criminal Code convictions, which can count toward your premium for 4 years. An Immediate Roadside Suspension (IRS) FAIL may be surcharged at the level of a Criminal Code conviction.
What is the definition of a good driver in Alberta? At renewal, to qualify as a good driver, you should have no at-fault claims in the last 6 years, no Criminal Code convictions in the last 4 years and no major or minor convictions in the last 3 years.
Can a clean driving record help me save on car insurance? It can. A clean record can help you qualify for safe driver discounts and the Good Driver Rate Cap limits premium increases for drivers with a clean record.
Does AIRB sell car insurance? No. AIRB is Alberta’s independent auto insurance rate regulator. It reviews rates and helps Albertans understand them. Visit airbfordrivers.ca to compare rates.