Alberta’s Zero Tolerance Policy: What It Means for Calgary Drivers

Who Is Affected by the Policy

GDL (Graduated Driver Licence) Drivers

Calgary residents holding a GDL licence—which includes Class 7 (Learner’s) and Class 5-GDL (Probationary)—are strictly prohibited from having any alcohol or drug content in their system while driving. This is in line with Alberta’s broader commitment to road safety for new and inexperienced drivers.

Zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC): Any detectable alcohol can result in an immediate suspension.
Zero tolerance for cannabis and other drugs: Even trace amounts can lead to penalties.
Immediate consequences: Includes a 30-day licence suspension and a 7-day vehicle seizure.
No exemptions: Unlike fully licensed drivers, GDL drivers cannot legally drive with any amount of alcohol or THC in their system, regardless of how small.

Commercial Vehicle Operators

Drivers operating commercial vehicles in Calgary—whether they’re local delivery drivers, truckers, or bus drivers—are held to an even higher standard of sobriety under the Zero Tolerance Policy.

Applies to all commercial classes: Includes Class 1, 2, and 3 licence holders.
Frequent roadside checks: Especially near high-traffic industrial areas like Foothills Industrial Park and commercial routes like Stoney Trail or Barlow Trail.
Drug and alcohol testing: Random or post-incident tests may be administered.
Immediate sanctions: Any amount of alcohol or drugs can lead to licence suspensions and other penalties, even if the substance was consumed off duty.

Given Calgary’s position as a transportation and logistics hub in Western Canada, strict enforcement among commercial drivers is a key component of public safety.

Drivers Under 21

All drivers under the age of 21, regardless of licence class, are subject to the Zero Tolerance Policy. This reflects the province’s focus on preventing impaired driving incidents among young adults—many of whom are still gaining driving experience.

No legal allowance for alcohol or cannabis: Regardless of whether they’re of legal drinking or cannabis consumption age in Alberta.
Applies to both private and public roadways: Enforcement can occur during routine traffic stops or roadside checks.
Campus and nightlife proximity: With several post-secondary institutions like the University of Calgary and SAIT, as well as a vibrant nightlife in downtown Calgary, this policy helps deter unsafe behaviours among young adults.

Substances Covered Under the Law

Alcohol (0.00 BAC Limit)

Under the Zero Tolerance Policy, specific drivers—including GDL holders, commercial drivers, and anyone under 21—must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.00% at all times when behind the wheel.

No exceptions: Even one drink can trigger a violation.
Applies across Calgary: Whether you’re driving through downtown, on Crowchild Trail, or in suburban neighbourhoods like Seton or Evanston.
Immediate consequences: Failures may result in a 30-day licence suspension and a 7-day vehicle seizure.

With frequent Checkstops in Calgary—especially around long weekends and festive seasons—GDL and commercial drivers must remain completely sober to stay compliant.

Cannabis and Illegal Drugs

Calgary drivers under Zero Tolerance must also ensure they are entirely free from THC and other illegal substances while driving.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive compound in cannabis is detectable for hours or even days after use, depending on the method of consumption.
Other illegal substances: Cocaine, methamphetamines, and opioids are included in roadside drug screening protocols.
Calgary enforcement: Calgary Police Service (CPS) uses Approved Drug Screening Equipment (ADSE) and can issue immediate penalties based on test results.

With recreational cannabis being legal in Canada, many Calgary residents may assume some level of THC is permitted. But for drivers under Zero Tolerance, any detectable THC is illegal behind the wheel.

Prescription Drugs Affecting Driving

Even legal medications prescribed by a physician can lead to a Zero Tolerance violation if they impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Includes sedatives, anti-anxiety meds, and opioids: Drugs like lorazepam, oxycodone, and certain antihistamines can impair alertness and coordination.
Drivers are responsible: You must ensure that your prescribed medication does not affect your driving ability.
Doctor’s advice is key: Always consult your physician or pharmacist about whether your medications may impair your driving and increase your legal risk.

In Calgary, where commuting long distances is common and road conditions can be unpredictable (especially in winter), impaired driving from prescription drugs remains a serious safety concern.

Penalties for Violations

Immediate Roadside Licence Suspension

The first and most immediate penalty for a Zero Tolerance violation is the automatic suspension of your driver’s licence at the roadside.

30-day suspension: This is standard for a first offence and applies immediately upon testing positive for a prohibited substance.
Enforced on the spot: Calgary Police officers and Alberta Sheriffs are authorized to suspend your licence instantly, with no need for a court conviction.
Impact on employment: For commercial drivers and young professionals in Calgary who rely on their licence for work or school, this can be highly disruptive.

Vehicle Seizure (Up to 30 Days)

In addition to a licence suspension, your vehicle may also be seized and impounded for up to 30 days.

Applies to first-time and repeat offenders: Even one mistake can leave you without your vehicle for a month.
Costs add up: Towing and impound fees must be paid before your vehicle is released.
High-risk areas: Zero Tolerance enforcement is especially active in zones like downtown Calgary, 16 Avenue NW, Macleod Trail, and the Calgary Ring Road.

Monetary Fines and Demerit Points

Violating the Zero Tolerance Policy can also lead to hefty fines and the accumulation of demerit points on your driving record.

Fines vary by violation: Even a first offence can result in several hundred dollars in penalties.
Demerit points: GDL drivers are allowed fewer points before their licence is suspended, meaning one incident could push you over the limit.
Long-term consequences: Insurance premiums can increase dramatically following a violation, especially in Calgary where rates are already among the highest in Alberta.

For many, these financial burdens far exceed the cost of alternative transportation options, like Calgary Transit or rideshare services.

How Calgary Police Enforce the Law

Random Check Stops and Roadside Screening

One of the most common methods used by Calgary Police to enforce the Zero Tolerance Policy is random roadside checks, often referred to as Checkstops.

Frequently set up in high-traffic areas: Locations such as Memorial Drive, Deerfoot Trail, and near entertainment districts like 17th Avenue SW are popular enforcement zones.
No suspicion needed: Officers can stop drivers at random and request roadside breath or drug screening tests.
Especially active during holidays: Long weekends, Stampede season, and festive periods often see an increase in Checkstop programs across the city.

Use of Oral Fluid Drug Screening Devices

In addition to traditional breathalyzers for alcohol detection, Calgary Police now use oral fluid drug screening devices to detect cannabis and other impairing drugs.

Approved Drug Screening Equipment (ADSE): These handheld devices can detect THC, cocaine, methamphetamines, and other drugs through a saliva sample.
Fast results: Officers can obtain results within minutes at the roadside, leading to immediate licence suspension and vehicle seizure if substances are detected.
Legally authorized under federal law: These devices meet standards under Canada’s Cannabis Act and Criminal Code.

Administrative vs. Criminal Consequences

Alberta’s Zero Tolerance Policy is enforced primarily through administrative penalties, which differ from criminal charges in both process and outcome.

Administrative penalties: These include roadside licence suspensions, vehicle impoundments, and fines. They are immediate and do not require a court appearance.
Criminal charges: These may apply if the driver exceeds legal limits or refuses testing. In such cases, the consequences are far more severe, including a criminal record, court proceedings, and possible jail time.
Why this matters in Calgary: The administrative approach allows for faster enforcement, reducing the burden on Calgary’s court system while keeping impaired drivers off the road.

For most Zero Tolerance violations in Calgary, the result is not a criminal record, but the consequences—financial, practical, and reputational—can still be life-altering.

Defending a Zero Tolerance Charge in Calgary

Challenging Test Accuracy or Procedural Errors

One of the most common defences involves challenging the reliability or administration of the roadside tests.

Breathalyzer or drug screening calibration: Devices must be properly maintained and calibrated. If not, the test results may be inadmissible.
Officer error: If Calgary Police failed to follow proper roadside testing protocols or lacked the legal authority to conduct a stop, the results can be contested.
Timing of the test: Delays in testing could affect the accuracy of results, especially with alcohol or short-acting medications.

A skilled DUI lawyer will review whether the CPS followed all procedures under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act and the Cannabis Act.

Arguing Lawful Medical Use

Drivers who test positive for substances may have a legitimate reason—such as prescription medication use—but that alone doesn’t exempt them under Zero Tolerance rules. However, it can form the basis of a defence in some cases.

Valid prescription: If you were using a legally prescribed medication (e.g., painkillers or anxiety medication), this may explain the test result.
No impairment observed: A defence may argue that, although the substance was present, it did not impair your ability to drive.
Medical cannabis: While still risky under Zero Tolerance, medical documentation and expert testimony may support your case.

Hiring a Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyer

The most effective way to protect your rights is to hire a local Calgary criminal defence lawyer who understands the nuances of Alberta’s Zero Tolerance laws.

Local experience matters: Calgary lawyers are familiar with how CPS conducts roadside stops and how local judges interpret the law.
Help with appeals: A lawyer can guide you through the appeal process if you believe your roadside suspension or vehicle seizure was unjustified.
Negotiating outcomes: In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate reduced penalties or alternative resolutions, especially for first-time offenders.

Look for a defence lawyer in Calgary with experience in impaired driving, drug charges, and administrative penalties—this expertise can significantly impact the outcome of your case.