Drink-driving limits in Alberta (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Alberta imposes immediate provincial sanctions from 0.05 (warn), and at 0.08 or more under section 88.1 of the Traffic Safety Act. Novice drivers and commercial drivers have zero tolerance for alcohol.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.05 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Zero tolerance for any alcohol and drugs for novice drivers (Class 7 learner or Class 5-GDL): 30-day immediate suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure and a $200 fine. [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, or both for commercial vehicle operators: 3-day suspension and $300 fine (first), 15 days and $600 (second), 30 days and $1,200 (third). [1] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | At 0.08 or more (IRS: FAIL, Traffic Safety Act s. 88.1): 90 days with no driving, then a 12-month suspension, 30-day vehicle seizure and $1,000 fine (first); 36-month suspension and $2,000 fine (second); lifetime suspension and $2,000 fine (third). Warn (0.05 to 0.079): 3-day suspension, 3-day seizure and $300 fine (first); 15 days, 7 days and $600 (second); 30 days, 7 days and $1,200 (third). [1] |
Notes
- Criminal Code limit (0.08%) applies nationally. This figure is the level at which provincial administrative sanctions begin; it is not a Criminal Code offence threshold.
Sources
- Government of Alberta: Impaired driving penalties (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Canada and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Canada
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | 0.08 % blood alcohol (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
|---|---|
| Random breath tests without suspicion | Yes (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
| Maximum penalties | Impaired driving or driving with 80 mg or more per 100 ml of blood: on indictment, up to 10 years in prison; on summary conviction, a fine of up to $5,000, up to 2 years less a day in prison, or both. Minimum penalties for a first offence: a $1,000 fine ($1,500 at 120 to under 160 mg, $2,000 at 160 mg or more); 30 days in prison for a second offence; 120 days for each later offence. (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
Alberta and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 0.05% (3-day suspension) | Zero; 30-day suspension | Zero; 3-day suspension | — | Lifetime suspension for third FAIL |
| Northwest Territories | 0.05% (24-hour suspension) | Zero (novice, under 22) | Zero (certain commercial drivers) | — | 90-day suspension at 0.08+ |
More rules in Alberta
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (18+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (standard)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5-GDL, after 12 months as a learner) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14, with a supervisor aged over 18
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power bicycle: a cycle, not a motor vehicle · Minimum age: 12 (consent if under 18)
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.