Traffic Fine Amounts in Edmonton: Real Ticket Examples

A standard speeding ticket (1-15 km/h over) in Edmonton costs about $98 ($78 in a community safety zone), running a red light is $388, and using a cell phone while driving is $300; fines are set by the Alberta Provincial Court and must be paid or disputed within the deadline on your ticket to avoid late penalties and registration holds.

1. Real Fine Costs & Ticket Examples

Fines in Alberta are set by the Provincial Offences Procedures Act and its regulations. The amounts below are the total payable (including victim fine surcharge).

Common Traffic Violation Fines (2024)

2. Step-by-Step Process After Getting a Ticket

1. Review the Ticket: Check for accuracy (date, location, personal info, violation code). Note the “Must Respond By” date.
2. Decide Your Course of Action: You have three options:
   • Pay the Fine: This is an admission of guilt. Proceed to payment.
   • Plead Guilty with Explanations: Appear before a Justice of the Peace to seek a fine reduction.
   • Plead Not Guilty: Request a trial to dispute the charge in court.
3. Take Action Before the Deadline: Missing the deadline leads to a conviction in absentia and additional penalties.

3. Where & How to Pay (Payment Options)

You can pay your ticket through several official channels:

• Online: The fastest method via the Alberta Courts Traffic Ticket Payment Portal. You need your ticket number and license plate.
• By Phone: Call 1-888-301-3828 (toll-free).
• By Mail: Send a cheque/money order to the address on your ticket.
• In Person: At the following locations (bring the entire ticket):
  • Edmonton Remand Centre: 18415 127 Street NW. (Primary payment centre).
  • Provincial Court Traffic Division: Edmonton Law Courts, 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square.

4. How to Dispute a Ticket (The Dispute Process)

If you believe the ticket is incorrect, you can dispute it. Do not pay the ticket if you wish to dispute.

1. Visit the Traffic Court Office: Go to the Provincial Court Traffic Division at the Edmonton Law Courts (1A Sir Winston Churchill Square) before your response deadline.
2. Speak to a Justice of the Peace (JP): You can explain your situation. The JP may:
   • Withdraw the ticket (rare).
   • Reduce the fine amount based on circumstances.
   • Uphold the original fine.
3. Request a Trial: If you disagree with the JP or want a full hearing, you can plead Not Guilty and be given a trial date. You will need to present your evidence before a judge on that date.

5. Office Wait Times & Time Efficiency

• Edmonton Remand Centre (Payment): Wait times are typically shortest mid-week, mid-month. Expect 15-45 minutes. Peak times are Mondays, Fridays, and the last/first week of the month.
• Traffic Court (JP Appearances/Disputes): Wait times can be significant, often 1-3 hours. Arrive early in the day. The office is open 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
• Most Time-Efficient Method: Online payment is instant. For disputes, prepare all documents beforehand to minimize time spent at the counter.

6. Demerit Points & Insurance Impact

Most moving violations add demerit points to your Alberta driving record, which lasts for 2 years. Accumulating 8+ points can lead to mandatory driver education and penalties.

• Insurance Impact: Convictions with demerit points (e.g., speeding 16+, red lights) are reported to your insurer and will almost certainly increase your premiums at renewal, often by 10-25%.
• Key Exception – Photo Radar: Tickets from automated enforcement (photo radar, red light cameras) are issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver. They carry a fine but NO demerit points and are typically not seen by insurance companies.

7. Common Enforcement Areas & “Best” Places to Avoid

Based on EPS and City of Edmonton data, enforcement is focused on high-collision and high-pedestrian areas.

• High-Photo Radar Zones: Whitemud Drive, Anthony Henday Drive, Gateway Blvd, Calgary Trail, 137 Avenue, 167 Avenue.
• Red Light Camera Intersections: 97 St & 118 Ave, 127 St & 137 Ave, 50 St & 101 Ave, 111 St & 23 Ave. A full list is on the City of Edmonton website.
• Community Safety Zones (School/Playground Zones): Fines are doubled. Be extra vigilant near all schools from 7:30am-9pm on school days, and playgrounds from 8:30am-1hr past sunset.

8. Photo Radar & Red Light Cameras: How They Work

These are automated systems. A ticket will be mailed to the vehicle's registered owner within 14-30 days.

Process: The ticket is not a criminal offense. You cannot be given demerits. You have the same options: pay, speak to a JP, or dispute. The city must prove the vehicle was yours at the time.

9. Consequences of Ignoring a Ticket

This is the riskiest approach. The process is automated and unforgiving.

1. After the “Must Respond” date, you are automatically convicted.
2. A “Default Conviction” notice and a new payment deadline (14 days) are mailed.
3. Missing this deadline adds a late payment penalty (often 20%).
4. Your vehicle registration will be blocked (“no renewal” status) until all fines and penalties are paid.
5. Unpaid fines may be sent to a collection agency, negatively impacting your credit score.

10. Official Office Addresses & Contacts

• Provincial Court Traffic Division (For Disputes/JP):
  Edmonton Law Courts
  1A Sir Winston Churchill Square
  Edmonton, AB T5J 0R2
  Phone: (780) 638-0909
• Edmonton Remand Centre (For Payments):
  18415 127 Street NW
  Edmonton, AB T6V 1B1
  Phone: (780) 427-8399
• Edmonton Police Service (Non-Emergency): (780) 423-4567 (For questions about a specific officer-issued ticket).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Official Resources

• Alberta Courts Traffic Ticket Payment & Information Portal
• City of Edmonton - Traffic Safety (Photo Radar & Intersection Safety Info)
• Alberta Government - Traffic Safety Laws
• Alberta Demerit Point Program