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By rdnewsNOW staff

Phased-In Period Begins Dec. 1, 2025

Alberta aiming to crack down on dangerous truckers

Nov 26, 2025 | 4:27 PM

Alberta’s government says it is taking further action to improve road safety by enforcing stricter measures on bad truckers.

The province is introducing a new requirement for commercial carriers to provide driver experience records for Class 1 tractor-trailer truck drivers when they move to another job. Officials say this allows a driver’s record to follow the driver, not the company, which means good truck drivers will be recognized for their clean record, while the bad truck drivers who damage bridges, drive recklessly and rack up violations will be held accountable.

The government says a phase-in period will run from Dec. 1, allowing carriers time to become familiar with the requirement and the standardized form. By June 1, 2026, carriers are expected to be in full compliance.

“We’ve heard from Albertans that bad truck drivers are still on our roads and there seem to be gaps in accountability in the industry,” states Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, in a press release. “This new measure will add transparency by having an individual trucker’s driving experience ensure a driver’s record follows them, so companies know exactly who the good and bad drivers are before they get behind the wheel.”

Over the last year alone, the Alberta government says it has shut down five fraudulent driver training schools, removed 13 unsafe carriers, revoked 12 instructor licences, and issued more than $100,000 in penalties to those who failed to meet safety standards.

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With this change, the province says insurers will also be able to assess driver experience more effectively, providing an opportunity for commercial carriers to access more affordable insurance options through standard insurance providers, further reducing barriers for drivers seeking careers in the industry.

“The driver experience record regulations will improve transparency for driver history, elevating those that operate with accountability and professionalism,” says Ryan Chambers, president, Chambers Transportation Group. “It will help experienced drivers get recognized and insured fairly while improving overall safety, and support a stronger, more competitive trucking industry in Alberta.”

The government says this new requirement will strengthen driver accountability and allow commercial carriers to make better-informed hiring decisions, putting more safe and experienced Class 1 truck drivers on the job in Alberta. Officials say the standardized driver experience record was developed in consultation with the commercial carrier and insurance industries.

The province says it will continue to consult with the commercial trucking industry on further measures to target non-compliant drivers and carriers that put road users at risk.

Alberta government quick facts

• As of June 1, 2026, commercial carriers will be required to provide driver experience records for Class 1 tractor-trailer truck drivers operating vehicles 11,794 or more kilograms.
• In 2024, the average insurance premium paid by commercial carriers for an inter-urban commercial vehicle in Alberta through the Facility Association was just over $9,000.
  • The Facility Association is Alberta’s ‘insurer of last resort’, ensuring all commercial carriers and drivers can obtain commercial vehicle insurance.