Vehicle Operator’s Legal Duties and Obligations Under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act
Anyone who drives a vehicle in Alberta must operate the vehicle in accordance with the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, vehicle operators must obey traffic laws, maintain a registered and insured vehicle, and follow specific duties during a collision, such as remaining at the scene, providing assistance, and exchanging information. Other legal obligations include ensuring the vehicle is in safe condition and that the operator is licensed and competent. Vehicle operators who fail to follow the rules of the Traffic Safety Act may be subject to fines or other penalties. Some of the important legal requirements expected from all vehicle operators in Alberta include having a valid Operator’s License, insurance and vehicle registration.
When an accident occurs, all parties involved in the accident have the right to get the insurance and registration information from the other vehicles involved in the accident.
Operator’s License Requirement and Conditions
- All vehicle operators must have a valid Operator’s License
- The operator of a vehicle can only operate a vehicle of a class or type authorized under that Person’s class of Operator’s License
- No vehicle operator can operate a vehicle contrary to any restriction or condition listed on that Person’s Operator’s License
- At all times a vehicle operator must have their Operator’s License with them when driving
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Insurance and Registration
Vehicle operators are not permitted to operate a vehicle in Alberta that does not have valid insurance and registration. Vehicle operators should always have in their possession the vehicle’s registration and insurance when they are driving the vehicle in public roads in Alberta. Vehicles on private property, such as on a farm, do not require insurance or registration.
The Traffic Safety Act also states that no person shall have a motor vehicle on a highway. This means that no person can park or have in their possession an uninsured vehicle on any public road.
Vehicle Operator’s Obligations under the Traffic Safety Act when an Accident Occurs
When a vehicle operator is involved a collision they must remain at the scene and render reasonable assistance to others if they are able to do so. Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, a vehicle operator involved in an accident must remain at the scene, render assistance, and provide specific information to the other driver and to the police. This information includes their name and address, operator’s licence number, vehicle owner’s details, licence plate number, and insurance information. They must also give a written statement to the police if requested, as failing to do so can result in fines or penalties.
If anyone suffers any loss or injury, the vehicle operator must produce and provide the following information to the party who has suffered a loss:
- Their name, address and phone number
- Their Operator’s License
- The Registration for the vehicle
- The insurance Slip or information for the vehicle
Under the Traffic Safety Act, the vehicle operator also has a legal obligation to give a written statement to the Police regarding how the collision occurred. Failing to give the Police a written statement can result in fines or other penalties.