Driving with a suspended license in Alberta is a criminal offense that carries serious penalties
If your license is suspended in Alberta and you drive anyway, you are breaking the law. The moment you get behind the wheel, you are committing an offense under the Traffic Safety Act. Police can stop you, and the consequences go far beyond a fine — you face jail time, a criminal record, vehicle impoundment, and additional license suspension on top of what you already have.
The severity of the penalty depends on whether this is your first offense and how long your suspension was supposed to last. But even a first offense carries real consequences that will affect your ability to drive legally for years.
Key Takeaways
- Driving while suspended is an offense under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act and can result in jail time, fines up to $2,000, and a criminal record.
- Your vehicle can be impounded when ready, and you will face additional license suspension beyond your original suspension period.
- A first offense typically results in a minimum 12-month additional suspension; a second offense within 10 years can mean up to two years in jail.
- You can still drive to a lawyer's office, a court, or to renew your license if you have written permission from a peace officer or the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
- If your suspension was a mistake or you have grounds to challenge it, you can request a review before driving illegally.
What the penalties are for a first offense
On a first offense, you face a fine of $200 to $2,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Your vehicle will be impounded for a minimum of 30 days. Your license will be suspended for an additional 12 months beyond whatever suspension was already in place.
A criminal record follows a conviction for driving while suspended. This record affects employment, travel, housing, and insurance for years. Even if you receive a conditional discharge (meaning no conviction is recorded), the offense still appears on your driving record and will be visible to insurance companies and employers who conduct background checks.
Penalties for a second or subsequent offense
If you are convicted of driving while suspended a second time within 10 years of the first offense, the penalties escalate sharply. You face a fine of $500 to $2,000, up to two years in jail, or both. Your vehicle is impounded for a minimum of 90 days. Your license is suspended for an additional two years.
A third or subsequent offense within 10 years carries the same maximum penalties as the second offense, but courts typically impose harsher sentences because you have already been warned. Each new offense also resets the 10-year clock, meaning a conviction stays relevant to sentencing for longer.
Vehicle impoundment and what it costs
When you are stopped while driving with a suspended license, police will impound your vehicle when ready. The impound period is a minimum of 30 days for a first offense and 90 days for a second or subsequent offense. You cannot retrieve the vehicle until the impound period ends, even if you pay the fine.
You are responsible for all impound costs: the towing fee (typically $200 to $400), daily storage fees (usually $20 to $40 per day), and any administrative charges. Over a 30-day impound, storage alone can cost $600 to $1,200. If the vehicle is damaged during towing or storage, you may be liable for repair costs as well. These expenses are separate from any fine or jail sentence.
When you are legally allowed to drive during a suspension
Alberta law allows limited exceptions to a suspension. You can drive to a lawyer's office, to court, or to the Registry office to renew your license — but only if you have written permission from a peace officer or the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. This permission is not automatic and must be requested in advance.
To request written permission, contact Alberta Transportation or the local peace officer who issued your suspension notice. Explain why you need to drive (for example, to attend a court hearing or meet with a lawyer). If approved, you will receive a letter or document stating the specific dates and routes you are permitted to use. Driving outside those limits is still an offense.
Some suspensions issued by the Registrar for unpaid fines or administrative reasons may allow you to request a review or payment plan before the suspension takes effect. If you believe your suspension was issued in error or you have grounds to challenge it, contact the Registrar's office when ready — before you drive.
How a suspension conviction affects your future driving record
A conviction for driving while suspended stays on your Alberta driving record permanently. It will appear on any abstract you request and will be visible to insurance companies for at least three to five years, often longer. Your insurance premiums will increase significantly, and some insurers may refuse to cover you at all.
If you accumulate multiple driving offenses, you may face a longer suspension or a requirement to take a remedial driving course before your license is reinstated. Serious or repeated offenses can lead to a lifetime driving prohibition in Alberta, meaning you will never be allowed to hold a license again.
Steps to take if your license is suspended and you need to drive
If your license is suspended and you need to drive, your first step is to understand why it was suspended. Contact Alberta Transportation or the Registry office that issued the suspension. Ask whether the suspension can be lifted, reduced, or reviewed. Some suspensions are issued in error or can be resolved by paying an outstanding fine or completing a required course.
If the suspension is valid and cannot be lifted when ready, request written permission to drive for a specific purpose (court, lawyer, Registry). Put your request in writing and include the dates and reason. If permission is denied or you cannot wait for approval, do not drive. The cost of an offense — jail time, fines, impound fees, and a criminal record — far exceeds the cost of taking a taxi, using transit, or asking someone else to drive.
If you are facing charges for driving while suspended, contact a lawyer when ready. A lawyer can review the circumstances, determine whether the suspension was issued lawfully, and represent you in court. Some charges can be reduced or withdrawn if the suspension was improper or if you have a valid defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my vehicle back before the impound period ends?
No. The impound period is mandatory — 30 days for a first offense, 90 days for a second or subsequent offense. You cannot retrieve the vehicle early, even if you pay the fine or post bail. You are responsible for all storage and towing costs during the entire impound period.
Will a driving while suspended conviction show up on a background check?
Yes. A conviction is a criminal offense and will appear on a criminal record check. Even a conditional discharge (no conviction recorded) will show on your driving record and be visible to insurance companies and employers who conduct driving record checks. It will remain visible for years.
What if I was not aware my license was suspended?
Lack of awareness is not a legal defense. Alberta sends suspension notices by mail to your registered address. If you did not receive notice, you are still responsible for knowing your license status. You can check your license status online through Alberta Transportation or by calling the Registry office. If you believe you did not receive proper notice, a lawyer can help you challenge the suspension itself.
Can I drive to work during my suspension if I have no other way to get there?
Not without written permission. Hardship is not a legal exception to a suspension. You must request written permission from a peace officer or the Registrar, and permission is not may provide. If denied, you must find alternative transportation — transit, carpooling, or a taxi — even if it is inconvenient or expensive.
How long does a driving while suspended conviction stay on my record?
The conviction stays on your criminal record permanently. For insurance and driving purposes, it typically affects your record for three to five years or longer, depending on the insurer. If you accumulate multiple offenses, the impact on your driving privileges and insurability can be permanent.