The Lethbridge Police Service has launched a crackdown on speeding throughout April, designating traffic violations as the primary focus of its monthly enforcement program. This initiative comes as officials respond to a surge in dangerous driving, following a year where unsafe speed contributed to nearly one-third of all fatal crashes in major cities across Alberta.
Drivers in the community should be aware that new, higher traffic fines introduced by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors on March 13, 2026, are now being actively enforced. Under the updated provincial rules, standard speeding tickets start at $105 for just 1 km/h over the limit. Penalties climb quickly from there, with a 10 km/h violation now resulting in a $144 fine, while driving 50 km/h over the posted limit carries a $774 penalty.
Authorities are reminding motorists that posted speed limits are intended for ideal road conditions. If weather, traffic, or road circumstances are poor, police can issue a ticket even if a driver is traveling at or below the posted maximum. Additionally, speeding fines double in construction zones and when passing emergency responders or tow trucks with flashing lights. In these specific areas, motorists are required to slow down to 60 km/h or less to ensure the safety of workers on the road.
This enforcement effort complements a broader push by the City of Lethbridge Transportation Department to reduce collisions and fatalities. The city is currently working on a long-term safety project aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, continuing a tradition of annual Lethbridge Police Service initiatives that have targeted high-risk driving behaviours since 2022.
