Traffic ticket fines in Alberta have changed. Whether it’s a speeding ticket or another type of traffic ticket, the province introduced a revised fine schedule on March 13, 2026. That means a lot of the numbers you’ll read online are out-of-date, and even then, the numbers often quote only the fine and not the total you’ll pay if convicted.
As of today, drivers must pay the fine plus an additional 20% victim surcharge; what they end up paying the courts is more than what is printed on the ticket.
Key Takeaways
- Alberta introduced a revised fine schedule on March 13, 2026, so older online fine amounts may be outdated.
- Every ticket carries a 20% victim fine surcharge on top of the printed fine, so a $710 careless driving fine actually costs $852.
- Speeding fines rise sharply at two thresholds: one extra km/h at 16 over adds about $26, and at 40 over it adds more than $90.
- There are no set traffic ticket fines in Alberta for going more than 50 km/h over the limit, failing to remain at the scene, and driving while suspended. They require a court appearance, and the court sets the amount.
Why the Total Is Always Higher Than the Fine
In Alberta, a victim fine surcharge is applied to every ticket under the Victims of Crime Regulation, Alta Reg 63/2004. It is 20% of the fine, rounded down to the nearest dollar and goes to the victims’ fund, where victims of crimes can apply for assistance and support. That means if you receive a $710 fine on a ticket, you’ll actually owe $852.
Speeding Fines in Alberta 2026
Below, we’ve listed the updated traffic ticket fines in Alberta for speeding and what you’ll actually need to pay once the victim surcharge is applied.
| km over | Fine | Total payable | km over | Fine | Total payable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $88 | $105 | 26 | $239 | $286 |
| 2 | $91 | $109 | 27 | $246 | $295 |
| 3 | $95 | $114 | 28 | $255 | $306 |
| 4 | $99 | $118 | 29 | $264 | $316 |
| 5 | $101 | $121 | 30 | $270 | $324 |
| 6 | $105 | $126 | 31 | $286 | $343 |
| 7 | $109 | $130 | 32 | $296 | $355 |
| 8 | $112 | $134 | 33 | $311 | $373 |
| 9 | $116 | $139 | 34 | $322 | $386 |
| 10 | $120 | $144 | 35 | $335 | $402 |
| 11 | $124 | $148 | 36 | $350 | $420 |
| 12 | $126 | $151 | 37 | $361 | $433 |
| 13 | $130 | $156 | 38 | $377 | $452 |
| 14 | $134 | $160 | 39 | $390 | $468 |
| 15 | $137 | $164 | 40 | $467 | $560 |
| 16 | $159 | $190 | 41 | $482 | $578 |
| 17 | $169 | $202 | 42 | $497 | $596 |
| 18 | $174 | $208 | 43 | $513 | $615 |
| 19 | $185 | $222 | 44 | $527 | $632 |
| 20 | $190 | $228 | 45 | $540 | $648 |
| 21 | $199 | $238 | 46 | $557 | $668 |
| 22 | $209 | $250 | 47 | $573 | $687 |
| 23 | $215 | $258 | 48 | $588 | $705 |
| 24 | $225 | $270 | 49 | $603 | $723 |
| 25 | $230 | $276 | 50 | $620 | $744 |
Source: Procedures Regulation, Alta Reg 63/2017, Part 32, current as of 13 March 2026. Totals include the 20% victim fine surcharge.
The Jumps to Note
Two major jumps in Alberta traffic ticket fines will cost drivers big if they cross a seemingly arbitrary threshold.
- 15 → 16 km/h over: $164 to $190 (total payable). A 16% jump for one extra km/h.
- 39 → 40 km/h over: $468 to $560 (total payable). Nearly $100 for one km/h.
About Fines for Over 50/hour Above the Speed Limit
If you are issued a ticket for going 51 km/hour or more above the speed limit, there won’t be a fine listed on your ticket. This doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay, though. Instead, your speeding ticket will come with a mandatory court appearance, and your traffic ticket fines in Alberta will be at the discretion of a justice of the peace.
What Other Traffic Tickets Fines in Alberta Cost
| Offence | Section | Fine | Total payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Careless driving | TSA 115(2)(b) | $710 | $852 |
| Stunting | TSA 115(2)(f) | $710 | $852 |
| Distracted driving — phone, screen, GPS, reading | TSA 115.1–115.4 | $325 | $390 |
| Failing to report an accident | TSA 71 | $338 | $405 |
| Failing to stop for a school bus | TSA 52(1)(b) | $527 | $632 |
| Disobeying a traffic control device | TSA 51(a)–(c) | $351 | $421 |
| Passenger obstructing the driver | TSA 115(2)(i)–(k) | $203 | $243 |
Source: Procedures Regulation, Alta Reg 63/2017, Part 31, s.4.
Notably, while careless driving and stunting carry the same fine, they do not carry the same demerit points. Careless driving comes with six demerit points, while stunting comes with three.
The Tickets with No Set Fine
Not every driving violation is listed in the charts above because a few serious tickets don’t come with a set fine. Instead, they require a mandatory court appearance, and your fine will be determined by the judge.
They include failure to remain at the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license. For both tickets, it’s best to start preparing your case and consider whether to work with traffic court experts like We Defend to give you the best chance of beating the charges.
If You Don’t Pay Alberta Traffic Ticket Fines on Time
If you do decide to pay your ticket instead of fighting it, paying on time makes a difference. Under section 7 of the Procedures Regulation, a late payment charge applies: the greater of $20 or 20% of the outstanding balance, rounded down.
However, there is a 48-hour grace period, so if you pay the full amount within 48 hours of the due date, no late charge will be applied.
What the Fine Doesn’t Include
When you get a ticket and are debating whether to pay the fine or fight it in court, remember the fine is only part of what you’ll pay long-term if you’re convicted.
Demerit points go on your record and can add up quickly, leading to a license suspension, while any conviction can increase the insurance premiums you pay every month.
Understand Your Traffic Ticket Fines in Alberta with We Defend
The surcharge applies to every conviction, so the only way to avoid it is to beat the ticket. Add the demerit points and the insurance increases that follow a conviction, and the real cost of paying Alberta traffic ticket fines is usually much higher than the number printed on your ticket.
If you’re wondering whether your ticket is worth disputing, send a photo of every page to We Defend, and we’ll review it for free.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fight a traffic ticket?
While working with traffic court experts like the team at We Defend has costs, it’s much cheaper in the long run than paying Alberta traffic ticket fines and then dealing with the increase in insurance premiums that come with pleading guilty.
How long do I have to decide whether to fight a traffic ticket?
Your deadline is printed on your ticket, and missing that deadline usually amounts to a guilty plea in the eyes of the court.
What if I need more time to pay my ticket?
You can submit a request for more time to pay through the SafeRoads portal any time before the due date. Your first request will immediately extend your due date by 90 days.