Getting convicted of careless driving in Alberta can be a big deal, and that makes fighting tickets a no-brainer. But what can a careless driving charge be reduced to?
Even if you can’t avoid all of the penalties that come with a ticket, going from careless driving to a lesser charge like an improper lane change or following too closely can drastically decrease the fines you’ll have to pay, the demerit points that go on your record, and potential increases in insurance premiums, too.
Key Takeaways
- Careless driving is a serious charge: In Alberta, a conviction carries up to 6 demerit points, fines between $862 to $2000, and a mandatory court appearance.
- Endangering others is the deciding factor: A careless driving conviction requires the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your actions put other people at risk, which gives you room to fight it.
- Several offences fall under careless driving: From tailgating and racing to driving without headlights, the charge covers a wide range of behaviours on the road.
- Reduction is often possible: Depending on your situation, a careless driving charge can frequently be reduced to lesser offences like following too closely, improper lane change, speeding, or failure to yield—all carrying fewer demerit points and lower fines.
- Fighting the charge is almost always worth it: Even a partial reduction can save you thousands of dollars in fines and insurance premiums over time, making expert help a smart investment.
What Is Careless Driving?
Careless driving is a serious charge in Alberta, and it can apply to several offences. But it’s important to understand that, unlike many other Alberta Traffic Safety Act violations, being convicted for careless driving relies on an officer’s belief that a driver’s actions behind the wheel endangered others.
Careless driving charges can occur for a number of offences, including:
- Racing another car
- Tailgaiting too closely
- Driving overly-aggressively
- Driving without headlights on
- Driving in the wrong lane
The key to remember, again, is that for any of these to qualify as careless driving, you need to have been endangering others.
Why Try to Get a Careless Driving Charge Reduced?
The consequences of being convicted for careless driving are serious, and they’re why a lot of people wonder, “What can a careless driving charge be reduced to?” Every careless driving charge in Alberta comes with a mandatory court appearance, so it makes sense to try to have the charges reduced.
- Demerit points: A careless driving charge can carry up to 6 demerit points that go on your driving record and can lead to a suspended license if you accumulate enough over a two-year period.
- Insurance premiums: When demerit points are added to your driving record, your insurance premiums will almost certainly increase. This can be very expensive over time.
- Costly fines: The maximum fine for a careless driving conviction is $2,000, while the minimum is $862.
When you consider both the demerit points and the financial cost of being convicted of careless driving, it’s always going to be worthwhile to fight the charge and try to get it reduced. Remember, too, that because the prosecution has to prove you were endangering others in order to secure a conviction, they’ll need the evidence to prove it.
What Can a Careless Driving Charge Be Reduced To?
Because a careless driving charge can be applied to so many offences, there are also options for what it can be reduced to. It will largely depend on the specifics of your ticket, but there will be benefits to getting charges reduced in every case.
1. Following Too Closely
If you were charged with careless driving because a police officer deemed you were tailgating another vehicle in a way that was dangerous to others, it’s common to fight for the charge to be reduced to following too closely.
Why it’s better: Following too closely comes with up to 4 demerit points and a fine of $172. That’s significantly less expensive than a careless driving conviction and fewer demerit points.
2. Improperly Changing Lanes
Lane changes are often where accidents take place on the road, so an officer might deem that you were putting others in danger and charge you with careless driving when you made a mistake trying to merge into traffic or simply cross lanes.
Why it’s better: An improper lane change conviction typically comes with 2 demerit points and a small fine. It will also have less impact on insurance.
3. Speeding
It’s not like speeding tickets should be taken lightly, but they can be better than a careless driving conviction because a police officer thought you were racing another vehicle.
Why it’s better: The faster you go above the speed limit, the steeper the fines and the more demerit points you’ll receive. It’s often better than a careless driving conviction, though.
4. Failure to Yield
This can apply especially in situations where you were deemed to be driving too aggressively, whether in a left turn or a right-of-way dispute.
Why it’s better: A failure to yield conviction can come with up to 3 demerit points, but that’s only half as many as you’ll be facing if you’re found guilty of careless driving. The fines are much less costly, too.
Always Consult an Expert
Navigating traffic court alone is risky. Our team has been fighting cases exactly like yours for over 80 combined years, and we may even be able to get your ticket withdrawn entirely.
“Had an amazing experience with We Defend Tickets and Stewart Dixon. He handled my case professionally and got me the best possible outcome — no demerit points and no conviction. Stewart was clear, confident, and kept me updated throughout the process. I didn’t even have to worry about court; he took care of everything. I highly recommend Stewart and his team to anyone dealing with traffic tickets or charges — truly one of the best in the business!” – Krishna Ashok
Don’t Accept a Careless Driving Conviction Without a Fight
Whether your charge gets reduced to following too closely, an improper lane change, or dismissed altogether, every step down from a careless driving conviction puts money back in your pocket and points off your record. The prosecution has a burden to meet, and an experienced traffic defence team knows exactly how to challenge it.
With over 80 combined years fighting traffic cases in Alberta, our team at We Defend Tickets knows what it takes to get you the best possible outcome. You don’t have to navigate the court system alone—and you shouldn’t have to.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for you.
FAQs About Reducing Careless Driving Charges
How much does it cost to fight a careless driving ticket?
Fighting a careless driving ticket is considerably less expensive than simply pleading guilty and accepting the consequences. The fines are expensive, and the costs only grow when you factor in the increases to insurance premiums you’ll face.
Do I have to appear in court for a careless driving charge?
Yes, anyone charged with careless driving will be required to appear in court. This makes hiring traffic court experts worthwhile.