Alberta road rules cover far more than basic traffic signs and right-of-way principles. Many licensed drivers remain unaware of specific regulations that carry fines and demerit points when violated. Calgary motorists benefit from knowing these lesser-known driving laws Calgary streets and provincial highways require.
Distracted Driving Extends Beyond Phones
Most drivers know that using a handheld phone while driving violates Alberta law. However, the distracted driving regulation covers activities beyond texting and calling that catch many drivers unaware.
Grooming While Driving
Applying makeup, shaving, or other personal grooming while operating a vehicle falls under distracted driving prohibitions. These activities divert attention from the road and hands from the steering wheel. Fines match other distracted driving penalties.
Reading & Writing
Reading any materials including maps, documents, or books while driving violates the regulation. Writing notes or addresses while the vehicle is in motion carries the same penalties. Pull over safely to consult directions or make notes.
Eating & Drinking
While not always enforced, eating and drinking while driving can constitute distracted driving if it affects your vehicle control. Officers use discretion, but consuming meals while operating a vehicle risks citation, particularly if an incident occurs.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way Rules
Alberta law grants pedestrians specific protections that many drivers misunderstand or ignore. Violating pedestrian rights carries fines and endangers vulnerable road users.
Unmarked Crosswalks
Crosswalks exist at every intersection regardless of painted lines or signs. When sidewalks or pathways reach an intersection, a legal crosswalk exists even without markings. Pedestrians crossing at any intersection corner have right-of-way once they enter the roadway.
Approaching Occupied Crosswalks
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in any crosswalk, not just wait for them to finish crossing. Proceeding through a crosswalk while a pedestrian still occupies any portion violates Alberta road rules. Wait until the pedestrian reaches the far curb before proceeding.
Passing Stopped Vehicles at Crosswalks
When a vehicle stops at a crosswalk, approaching vehicles must also stop before passing. The stopped vehicle likely yielded to a pedestrian you cannot see. Passing creates danger if a pedestrian assumes all traffic will stop.
Proper Use of Turn Signals
Turn signal laws require specific timing that many drivers fail to meet. Simply activating signals does not satisfy legal requirements.
Signal Distance Requirements
Alberta law requires activating turn signals at least 100 meters before turning on roads with speed limits over 60 kilometers per hour. In slower zones, signals must activate at least 30 meters before turning. Brief last-second signals violate these requirements.
Lane Change Signals
Lane changes require signaling before beginning the maneuver. Signaling while already changing lanes fails to provide the advance warning signals are designed to give. Other drivers need time to react to your intentions.
Rules Around Emergency Vehicles
Emergency vehicle response laws extend beyond simply pulling over for sirens. Specific requirements protect emergency workers and affect traffic around incident scenes.
Move Over Law
When approaching stopped emergency vehicles with lights flashing, drivers must move to a lane not adjacent to the emergency scene if multiple lanes exist. On two-lane roads where moving over is impossible, slow to 60 kilometers per hour while passing the scene.
Following Distance
Driving closer than 150 meters behind an emergency vehicle responding with lights and sirens violates Alberta regulations. Keeping distance allows emergency vehicles room to maneuver and prevents traffic complications at their destinations.
Blocking Emergency Access
Failing to yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles carries penalties. This includes hesitating to pull over promptly when emergency vehicles approach. Clear the path immediately regardless of what intersection controls show.
School Zone & Playground Rules
Speed restrictions around children carry specific hours and conditions that drivers often misunderstand.
When Limits Apply
School zone reduced speeds apply on school days from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless signs specify different times. Outside these hours, regular speed limits apply even if zone signs remain visible.
Playground Zones
Playground zone restrictions differ from school zones. The 30 kilometer per hour limit applies from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset every day, including weekends and holidays. Many drivers incorrectly assume playground restrictions only apply during school hours.
Headlight Requirements
Driving without proper headlight use violates Alberta road rules in conditions beyond simple darkness.
Daytime Running Lights Are Not Enough
When headlights are required, full headlights must activate, including rear lights. Daytime running lights only illuminate the front of vehicles, leaving rear lights dark. In low visibility conditions, vehicles with only daytime running lights are difficult to see from behind.
One Hour Before Sunset
Headlights must activate one hour before sunset, not at sunset itself. This rule catches many drivers who wait until darkness seems obvious. Check sunset times and activate headlights appropriately.
Adverse Weather
Any conditions limiting visibility require headlights regardless of time. Rain, fog, snow, and dust conditions all mandate headlight activation. Visibility distance below 150 meters triggers this requirement.
Right Turn Rules
Right turns involve specific regulations beyond stopping at red lights before turning.
Right on Red Prohibitions
While right turns on red are generally permitted after stopping, some intersections prohibit this movement with signs. Drivers must obey posted prohibitions. Additionally, right on red remains prohibited in Quebec if you drive there, though this does not apply to Alberta road rules locally.
Turning Into Correct Lane
Right turns must be completed into the right-most lane of the receiving street unless markings direct otherwise. Turning wide into middle or left lanes violates proper turning procedure and creates collision capacity with other turning traffic.
Driving Laws Calgary Enforcement
Calgary Police Service and Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol enforce provincial traffic regulations throughout the city and surrounding areas. Enforcement priorities vary, but ignorance of laws provides no defense when cited. Knowing these regulations protects your license, your wallet, and other road users sharing Calgary streets.
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