On March 13, the Government of Alberta raised fines for several traffic violations, so I thought this would be a good time to offer some advice.
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The ever-popular glazing/tint ticket increased to $105 and careless driving increased to $852. Speeding fines, penalties for using a cellphone while driving and seatbelt offences also increased. Although these are Alberta-specific amounts, the information below applies to all provinces.
Drivers should be aware they can receive violation notices, also known as traffic tickets, in the mail, as they do not have to be served at the time of the violation. I am presenting this information as just that — information — because it seems fines and demerits are not a deterrent for some drivers.
So, where are the tips? The first is the most obvious: obey the rules of the road and you will not have to shell out money to the government. Make sure your vehicle is in proper condition for driving and pay attention to road conditions. Weather can often be a factor, but it is still the driver’s responsibility to adjust their driving accordingly. The driver is also fully responsible for the condition of any vehicle they drive.
If you do get a ticket, I have some advice for that as well: deal with it. Do not let it sit and do nothing, as no good comes from that. If you are going to pay it, then do so. If you are going to fight it, then do that.
If you decide to fight a ticket, have a reason for it. The judge will ask what you are presenting as your defence and you must have a good reason, as many judges will increase the fine amount if they find a driver guilty. Once you go to trial, the fine amount can be increased, which is not uncommon.
Obtain disclosure well ahead of time. You have a right to see what evidence is going to be presented in court by the officer.
Make sure you follow the respective province’s process to obtain disclosure.
This can include recorded video from the officer’s vehicle camera and/or body camera.
Demerits are government-controlled and judges cannot reduce or cancel demerits attached to convictions, so it is not advisable to fight a ticket solely to ask for a demerit reduction.
Here is the best news: as a driver, you are in total control of whether you put yourself in a situation where you may be issued a ticket. If you do put yourself in a situation where a ticket is issued, please be respectful to the officer. Some of the worst treatment I have ever received has been from drivers who committed driving offences.
Most officers wear body cameras and, if you fight the ticket and go to trial, it is not helpful to your argument if your behaviour is less than respectful.
Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future online columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.
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