Alberta Traffic Fines: Your Ticket Just Got More Expensive
Alberta traffic fines jump up to 50% on March 13. Speeding up 8-9%.
CALGARY, AB — Alberta drivers have less than a month before traffic violations hit their wallets harder. Starting March 13, 2026, traffic fines across the province are jumping — some by as much as 50 percent.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery pushed the increases through an order in council. Most speeding fines will rise between eight and nine percent. Roll through a school zone too fast? That'll cost you more. But the real sting comes for serious infractions.
Careless driving, street racing, and stunting violations are climbing by up to 50 percent. The province isn't playing around with high-risk behavior behind the wheel.
Photo Radar Already Scaled Back
This price hike follows last year's restrictions on automated enforcement. Since April 2025, photo radar has been limited to school zones, playground zones, and construction zones. Intersection cameras? Red-light violations only — no more "speed-on-green" tickets.
Some municipalities felt the pinch. St. Albert reported losing $155,000 in fine revenue in 2025 after the photo radar changes. They recovered the shortfall through increased tickets from Municipal Enforcement Officers and RCMP.
Where the Money Goes
The province launched a $13 million Traffic Safety Fund in March 2025, rolling out over three years. The money helps municipalities fix dangerous intersections and upgrade problem roads. Year one saw $1 million distributed. This year jumps to $2 million, with the bulk — $10 million — landing in 2027-28.
Meanwhile, enforcement powers expanded last March. Community Peace Officers can now request roadside breath samples, and Immediate Roadside Sanctions took effect for impaired driving cases.
The Bottom Line
March 13 marks the date when Alberta's roads get costlier for rule-breakers. Speeding tickets inch up incrementally, but dangerous driving penalties nearly double. For drivers who push limits, the financial consequences just got real.
Set your cruise control. Check your speed. The grace period ends in 27 days.
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