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Sections & Units
Our Mission:
"To optimize public safety
in the City of Calgary"
Traffic Section
Traffic Education Unit
What you may not know . . .
What you may not know about driving in Calgary
If it's been a long time since your driver's test or driving course, there may be a few traffic laws you don't know. Here are some of the traffic bylaws that help keep our roadways safe. If you would like more information about Calgary's traffic bylaws, please call the Roads Department at (403) 268-1636.
Intersection Safety
Stop correctly at traffic signals and stop signs.
At traffic lights and stop signs, drivers must stop at the marked stop line. If there isn't one, you must stop before entering the crosswalk area.
Crosswalks exist at every intersection, whether it is marked or not. An unmarked crosswalk is the extension of the sidewalk lines across the roadway.
The fine for stopping on a crosswalk or failing to stop before entering a crosswalk or an intersection is $115.
Stop for pedestrians.
Every intersection without traffic lights is a pedestrian crosswalk, whether marked or not, and pedestrians have the right of way. Vehicles must yield when a pedestrian is approaching. Once the pedestrian has gone past and is walking away from you, you may proceed. The fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or passing another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk travelling in the same direction is $575. Pedestrians have a responsibility to ensure it is safe to proceed before crossing at a crosswalk.
Pedestrians only have the right-of-way at traffic signals when they are crossing with the green light, the walk indication or flashing "walk" signal.
The fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or passing another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk is $575.
Pedestrians may be unpredictable. Be alert for people unexpectedly stepping in front of your car, crossing against lights or jaywalking.
Stop before you cross.
Before you enter a roadway from a driveway or alley you must stop your vehicle before crossing the sidewalk and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Similarly, if you're entering a driveway or alley you must yield to pedestrians. The fine for failing to stop before crossing the sidewalk when exiting a driveway or alley is $115.
Don't back up through intersections.
In urban areas drivers aren't allowed to back their vehicles into an intersection or over a crosswalk. The penalty for doing so is $115.
Stop before turning at red lights.
Unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise, you may turn right on a red light from a two-way street onto another two-way street or from a one-way street onto another one-way street. You must stop before entering the intersection or crosswalk, then can proceed when it's safe to do so. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles that have a green or yellow light and pedestrians who have a walk signal. It's a good idea to take a second look for pedestrians before proceeding.
Speed limits
Standard speed limit
The standard speed limit on Calgary's roadways is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted. The speed limit in alleys is 15 km/h.
Playground and school zones
The playground zone speed limit is 30 km/h and is in effect from 8:30 a.m. until one hour after sunset. The school zone speed limit is 30 km/h and is in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day school is in session. Remember that Calgary has schools in session all year.
Passing is prohibited in playground zones and school zones, regardless of the speed of the other vehicle and may result in a $172 fine.
Did you know...
Pull over for emergency vehicles
When an emergency vehicle is approaching or overtaking you, you must pull over to the nearest curb and stop, clear of any intersection. Failing to yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle slows its response and can result in a $172 fine.
"U" turns
In urban ares, including Calgary, "U" turns aren't permitted on a roadway between intersections, where signage prohibits making a "U" turn, at traffic signals or at an alley intersection. The penalty for making an illegal "U" turn is $115.
Seatbelts
The fine for not wearing your seatbelt as a driver or passenger is $115.
Obscured windows
Be sure you can see through all your windows before you drive. Don't be tempted to clear off only a small patch of frost or dirt on your windshield - the fine for driving with your windows obscured by snow, frost, steam, dirt or any other material is at least $115.
Opening car doors
Be careful when you open your car door. If you open your car door when it is unsafe to do so, you may be fined $115.
Cover up
Material carried in a truck or trailer must be securely covered to ensure loose material doesn't fall off or blow away. The fine for improperly loading or covering material in a truck or trailer ranges depending on the size of the vehicle, but you may be fined between $200 and $2,000.
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