Using a mobile phone while driving in Alberta (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Alberta bans holding a phone and texting or emailing while driving, even at red lights; hands-free use is allowed. The penalty is a CAD 390 fine and 3 demerit points.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | 390.00 CAD per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 3 points [2] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Texting or emailing while driving is banned, even when stopped at a red light. Calling emergency services such as 911 with a hand-held phone is allowed. [2] |
Notes
- Section 115.1(2) allows use of a cellular telephone or radio communication device in hands-free mode. The Government of Alberta page describes this as activated by voice or a single touch.
Sources
- King's Printer, Alberta: Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6 (Alberta) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Alberta: Distracted driving (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Alberta and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 390 | 3 points |
| British Columbia | Banned | Hands-free, conditions apply | CAD 368 | 4 points |
| Saskatchewan | Banned | Voice or one touch; not for GDL | CAD 580 | 4 points |
| Northwest Territories | Banned | Hands-free allowed | CAD 322 (CAD 644 school/work zones) | 3 points |
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
- 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
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (3-day suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero; 30-day suspension
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.