As spring brings warmer weather and clearer roads, the Bonnyville RCMP reminds motorists to adhere to speed limits on highways and rural roads for the safety of all travellers.
In Alberta, standard speed limits are established for different types of roadways to ensure safe travel. Unless otherwise indicated by signage, the following speed limits apply:
- 100 km/h on provincial highways located outside urban areas
- 80 km/h on provincial highways located within city limits
- 80 km/h on rural roads outside urban areas
- 50 km/h on roads within urban areas unless otherwise posted
Sergeant Parke of the Bonnyville RCMP emphasizes the importance of reducing speed, especially on rural roads with unique risks such as livestock crossings, wildfire encounters, unmarked intersections, blind curves, and varying road surfaces. Parke states, “Our rural roadways have enough potential hazards without adding the dangers involved with speeding.”
In 2023, the Bonnyville Detachment jurisdiction saw over 500 tickets issued to motorists for speeding violations. Fines and demerits for speeding offenses vary based on the extent of the violation:
- Exceeding the speed limit by up to 15km/h results in 2 demerits and fines up to $126.
- Speeding by 16 to 30km/h results in 3 demerits and fines up to $249.
- Exceeding the speed limit by 31-50km/h results in 4 demerits and fines up to $495.
Fines are doubled when construction workers or emergency responders are in the area.
To prevent speeding incidents, the RCMP advises motorists to plan their travel routes to allow sufficient time, minimize driving distractions, and remain vigilant of posted speed limits, especially in playground and construction zones.