Alberta Motor Association Impaired and Distracted Driving Rules 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a fully licensed driver in Alberta?
- 0.05 (50 mg per 100 mL)
- 0.08 (80 mg per 100 mL) (Correct answer)
- 0.10 (100 mg per 100 mL)
- Any detectable amount
Correct answer: 0.08 (80 mg per 100 mL)
Alberta's Criminal Code BAC limit for fully licensed drivers is 0.08 — driving at or above this level is a criminal offence.
Question 2: What BAC level triggers Alberta's Warning Range Suspension?
- 0.02
- 0.05 (Correct answer)
- 0.08
- 0.10
Correct answer: 0.05
A BAC of 0.05 to 0.079 triggers an immediate roadside warning range suspension in Alberta, even though it is below the criminal limit.
Question 3: What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under Alberta's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program?
- 0.05
- 0.08
- 0.03
- Zero — 0.00 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Zero — 0.00
GDL drivers — those with a Class 7 learner's or Class 5 GDL licence — must have a zero blood alcohol level while driving.
Question 4: Is it legal to hold and use a cell phone while driving in Alberta?
- Yes, if stopped at a red light
- Yes, if using speakerphone
- No — handheld use of electronic devices is prohibited while operating a vehicle (Correct answer)
- Only prohibited on highways
Correct answer: No — handheld use of electronic devices is prohibited while operating a vehicle
Alberta's distracted driving law prohibits holding or using a handheld electronic device while operating a vehicle, including when stopped at a red light.
Question 5: What is considered distracted driving?
- Only texting while driving
- Any activity that diverts attention from driving, including eating, grooming, or using devices (Correct answer)
- Talking to a passenger
- Using a GPS mounted on the dashboard
Correct answer: Any activity that diverts attention from driving, including eating, grooming, or using devices
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving, not limited to phones — it includes eating, applying makeup, or looking at maps.
Question 6: Which substances can lead to a drug-impaired driving charge in Alberta?
- Only alcohol
- Only illegal street drugs
- Cannabis, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances that impair driving (Correct answer)
- Only drugs listed in the Criminal Code
Correct answer: Cannabis, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances that impair driving
Drug-impaired driving laws cover any substance — legal or illegal — that impairs your ability to drive safely.
Alberta Motor Association Impaired and Distracted Driving Rules 1
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a fully licensed driver in Alberta?