Calgary Police Service cracking down on distracted driving

CPS is watching for distracted drivers this month. Officers will be watching for drivers using cell phones and applying makeup while behind the wheel.

On Monday morning, Calgary Police Service traffic unit members set up two locations to target distracted drivers.

“We’re trying to make sure people pay more attention to what’s on the road so we can reduce the collisions with pedestrians and with other drivers,” said Sgt. Sean Sherman.

Sherman and other members of the traffic unit issued 16 tickets and four warnings to drivers at the two downtown locations.

The Alberta Traffic Safety Calendar marks February as Distracted Driving Month.

“Because of cell phones, obviously, distracted driving has become a bit of an issue,” said Sherman.

“People tend to want to text while driving, and sometimes people don’t understand the laws either—that you’re not even allowed to hold the device when you’re talking into it. We’re starting to see a lot more of that lately.”

Distracted driving comes with a $300 fine and the loss of three demerit points.

A driver could get a ticket if they’re caught:

• using handheld devices to call, text or email;
• using other electronic devices (laptops, video games, cameras, video displays, portable audio players);
• entering information into GPS units;
• reading printed materials;
• writing or sketching; or
• personal grooming.

In addition to running targeted distracted driving exercises on foot, officers are also looking for distracted drivers while in police cruisers.

“This week is when we’re actually going out there and making a concerted effort to deal with that specific offence in a greater number,” said Sherman.

In 2025, there were 1,850 distracted driving tickets issued.

There were 2,165 tickets issued in 2024 and 2,284 in 2023.