The accident reporting threshold is changing in the new year. (CHAT NEWS TODAY)

By Jesse Gill

Alberta government changing minimum reporting threshold for collisions

Dec 15, 2023 | 5:12 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Alberta government is making a change to collision reporting to free up law enforcement to deal with bigger issues.

Beginning Jan 1st, the threshold for reporting collision damage is increasing from $2,000 to $5,000.

The province said traffic accidents happen and minor collisions strain police resources and clog up the justice system.

This change will allow police to spend more time improving public safety.

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David Smith, acting Sergeant for Traffic with the Medicine Hat Police Service said the change will make things more clear for drivers involved in a collision.

“So this will give a little more definitive answer to people if it’s going to be reportable or not, so it’s going to be a $5000 combined damage total,” Smith said.

“So that will be all property involved whether it’s two vehicles, the vehicle and the house, or pole or what not.” Smith added.

The province said increasing the threshold also better reflects current vehicle repair costs.