Highway Information
Alberta’s rules of the road may be a bit different than the ones you're used to. So here's a selection of Alberta highway and travel information to help you get around the province safely.
Alberta Highway Travel Information
For starters, Alberta is accessible from the east and west by two officially designated Trans-Canada routes. Hwy. 1 crosses Alberta in the South and the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Hwy. (Hwy. 16) crosses central Alberta. North-South Travel is provided on the Queen Elizabeth II Hwy., or you may want to take the scenic route through the mountain parks on the spectacular Icefields Parkway.
Now that you know where you’re going, consult our maps section (located in the top right, under the plan menu) to plot your start and end points. You'll get a handy route map that you can print out and take with you on the road.
An excellent resource for getting around the province is the Alberta Inter-community Public Transportation Guide. For a map of accessible rest stops in Alberta click here.
For other current Alberta road conditions across the province visit the Alberta Motor Association (AMA). The AMA is connected with several international automobile clubs, including the American Automobile Association (AAA), and members can receive reciprocal benefits.
For additional information on Alberta's roads and highways, including maps and current road conditions, visit Alberta Transportation.
Alberta Highway Traffic Laws and Regulations
Traffic Laws for Infant Car Seats
Infant car seats are mandatory in Alberta. Children who are less than 8 years or weigh less than 27 kg (60 lb) (whichever comes first) must travel in safety-approved car seats. Infants from birth to 9 kg (20 lb.) must travel in a rear-facing infant seat. Toddlers weighing from 9 kg (20 lb) to 18 kg (40 lb) must travel in a forward-facing child safety seat and those between 18 kg (40 lb) and 27 kg (60 lb.) should be strapped into a booster seat. It is recommended that all children under the age of 12 sit in the back seat of a vehicle with a front-seat airbag. Never place a rear-facing infant safety seat in a seating position equipped with an airbag.
Driving DocumentsDriver’s licenses from all countries are valid in the province for up to three months. An International Driving Permit, available in your home country, is valid in Alberta for one year. If you're driving to Canada from the United States, bring the vehicle registration forms and a free Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card from your insurance agent, or the policy itself. The minimum combined liability insurance in Alberta is $200,000. If you're driving a borrowed car, bring a letter of permission signed by the owner. If you're driving a rented car, bring a copy of the rental contract.
Gas and Oil
Gas and oil are sold in Canada by the litre (1.0 U.S. gallon = 3.78 litres). The price of gasoline will vary in each province and territory, and on the grade of gasoline purchased (regular unleaded, mid-unleaded, premium unleaded). Diesel fuel is commonly available on major highways and in larger urban centres. Propane is easily available in most centres.
Insurance
In case of accident involving death, injury, or property damage you are required to produce evidence of financial responsibility. You may also be asked to show proof of insurance if you are pulled over by an enforcement officer for any reason. The minimum liability insurance requirement is $200,000; it is suggested however, that $1,000,000 in personal liability and property damage insurance be carried.
Motorcycles
Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and to drive with headlights on. Riding two abreast is prohibited.
Seat Belts
Seat belt use is mandatory for all drivers and passengers in Canada.
Tire Requirements
In Alberta there are no provincial regulations requiring the use of either snow tires or chains. These tires are "needed when conditions warrant it." Generally, this implies the routes to ski resorts. While it is legal in Alberta to use snow road technology such as chains and studded tires, these are usually only needed for extreme driving conditions on highways. The Rubber Manufacturers Association follows a standard in making snow tires. Any tire marked, "Snow tires," "Mud and snow," or "M/S" meets the standard.
In British Columbia provincial law states that vehicles in the mountains must be equipped with either snow tires or chains from November 1 – April 30.
National Park Tire Requirements
The National Parks Highway Traffic Regulations state that snow tires or chains are required on highways in Mt. Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho, Banff, Jasper and Kootenay National Parks, as well as the Icefields and Banff-Windermere Parkways. This is signed to that effect during any period the highway is covered with snow or ice. Roads signed as requiring snow tires or chains include the access roads to all ski areas in the Parks. These restrictions do not apply on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #1) from the East Gate to Lake Louise.
Right Turns on Red Lights
You can make right turns on red lights, unless signs indicate you can't. You must come to a full stop, then proceed with caution if the way is clear.
Speed Limits
Speed limits in Alberta are in kilometres per hour (km/h). Highways have a speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph); except in our Rocky Mountain National Parks, which have limits of 90 km/h(56 mph) due to wildlife crossings. Most other rural highways and country roads have a speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph).
As of 2005, motorists cannot speed past construction workers. Under the new amendments, motorists passing stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks must drive at 60 kilometres per hour, or at the posted speed limit, whichever is slower. Motorists passing construction workers must obey posted speed limits or be subject to double the traffic fines for a regular speeding offence.
