| February 2, 2026
Dear Traffic Safety Stakeholder:
Be safe and stay focused behind the wheel. February is Distracted Driving Prevention Month, reminding drivers that distracted driving is a preventable cause of collisions. In everyday moments of driving, such as waiting at a red light or moving through slow traffic, it can feel harmless to glance at your phone. However, distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision, and these split-second decisions can result in tragic consequences. Choosing to drive distraction-free helps protect everyone on the road and ensures safer trips for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Alberta’s distracted driving law applies on all roads, in both urban and rural areas, and even when drivers are stopped at red lights. Drivers are required to always keep their phones out of reach and their attention on the road.
Alberta’s distracted driving law restricts drivers from doing any of the following, even while stopped at red lights:
- Using hand-held cell phones, including texting or emailing.
- Using electronic devices such as laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players such as MP3 players.
- Entering information on GPS units.
- Reading printed materials.
- Writing, printing or sketching.
- Personal grooming such as brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails or shaving.
Quick facts
- There were 9,648 convictions for distracted driving between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
- 93 per cent of distracted driving convictions were for using a hand-held electronic device while driving.
- Distracted driving related penalties include: Distracted driving – $300 fine and three demerit points; and Careless driving – fine of up to $1,200 and six demerit points.
Related information
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