Registrar reconsideration

Overview

You can request a review from the Office of the Registrar, or get decisions reconsidered on permits and licensing.

Reconsidered decisions include:

• commercial vehicles
• dangerous goods
• privatized driver examiners
• safety fitness certificate reviews
• driver training schools
• driving instructors
• vehicle inspection administrative penalties
• Ignition Interlock Program reviews
• Driver Conduct Reviews

See the list of detailed Traffic Safety Act section numbers.

Effective December 1, 2020, Albertans who wish to have a decision reconsidered, are able to submit a Registrar Reconsideration application and supporting documents for review. Submit a completed application by email or mail. At this time, there is no application filing fee.

Upon review of your application, pursuant to section 34(4) of the Traffic Safety Act, the Registrar may confirm, cancel or vary the Registrar’s decision or action (which may result in the Registrar imposing a more or less severe penalty). You must comply with the conditions on your reconsidered decision.

If you have questions about payment options for your administrative penalty, see Payment for administrative penalties.

If you have questions about a first time impaired charge or vehicle seizure go to SafeRoads Alberta.

Grounds for reconsideration

You must submit a complete application no later than 30 calendar days after you received the initial decision. The initial decision letter includes the Registrar’s decision, rationale for the decision, and any relevant terms and conditions. Grounds for review include:

• an application that clearly demonstrates an error was made by the department on the initial decision,
• an application that clearly demonstrates new information that was not considered by the department when the initial decision was made, or both

You must also submit a detailed narrative of the issue to explain your grounds for a review as part of the supporting documentation for the application. The Registrar will review the case on its merit only. Arguments that will not be considered include:

• interlock device, alcohol breath-sensing test, failure due to the use of mouthwash or hand sanitizer
• your opinion of the validity of the decision
• your general remorse over the prohibitions or sanctions
• general arguments about the inconvenience, hardships, constraints and cost
• concerns associated with any embarrassment or stigma associated with the terms and conditions
• economic hardships

Before you apply

For reconsideration of a decision dated December 1, 2020 or later, carried out under the Traffic Safety Act:

1. Contact the appropriate department to discuss your concerns before applying to Registrar Reconsideration.
2. You may contact the department to discuss payment options for the administrative penalty.
3. If you have any questions about the legal interpretation, you may seek your own legal counsel.
4. To preserve the integrity of the Registrar Reconsideration process, only the Registrar has the ability to respond to correspondence pertaining to an application actively under review.
5. You must submit your application and all supporting material no later than 30 calendar days after you received the initial decision.
6. Only one reconsideration is allowed for each decision. Therefore, you must ensure that your application includes all the relevant information you want to be considered. Successful applications generally provide a credible case, supported by appropriate evidence addressing the issue. For example, supporting documentation, notarized documentation, and so on.
7. Note the information disclosed as part of the review can be used to determine driver fitness.
8. The Registrar will review the case on its merit only. You must submit supporting information that aligns with the grounds for review.
9. If your application is not filed within 30 days of your decision, or your application is closed due to incomplete information, you must comply with the conditions of your initial decision.
10. The Registrar does not award costs or provide financial relief from errors committed by any party carrying out the Registrar’s authority through the Crown in right of Alberta.

How to apply

Step 1. Review the policies and terms and conditions

Registrar Reconsideration policy statements

Registrar Reconsideration terms and conditions

Step 2. Determine eligibility

To determine if you are eligible for Registrar Reconsideration refer to Grounds for reconsideration.

Step 3. Complete an application package

Complete the Registrar Reconsideration application form and prepare all supporting documents.

If you need help with the application form, send any questions through the Registrar Reconsideration contact form.

Read and agree to the terms and conditions.

Step 4. Submit the application package

You may provide your application through a written or an oral submission.

• For a written submission, you must submit all supporting information as part of your written application.
• For oral submission, you may submit supporting information as part of your application. You will also have an opportunity to present your case to the Registrar orally (virtual meeting invite will be sent by Office of the Registrar). This meeting is for information gathering only.

Submit the completed application and all supporting documents to Registrar Reconsideration.

In some cases, the Office of the Registrar may request additional information to complete the review. If you do not provide the complete additional material or information requested within 30 days of the application date, the Registrar may close the application.

After you apply

After the Registrar receives the application, the Registrar will confirm, vary or cancel the original decision. The Registrar’s authority may confirm, cancel or vary the Registrar’s decision or action (which may result in the Registrar imposing a more or less severe penalty). You will be sent a letter explaining the rationale and the outcome of the Registrar’s reconsideration. You must continue to comply with the terms and conditions of the initial decision while the decision is being reconsidered by the Registrar.

The Registrar Reconsideration review decision is final and binding. However, they are subject to judicial review, which means you can appeal the final decision to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta within 30 days of receiving the outcome of the Registrar’s reconsideration.

Other review processes

See SafeRoads Alberta for:

• first time impaired charge
• suspensions
• vehicle seizures with Notice of Seizure issued under the Traffic Safety Act
• vehicle seizures and fines issued under the Provincial Administrative Penalties Act with an event or decision date December 1, 2020 or later

Contact

Connect with Registrar Reconsideration:

Registrar Reconsideration contact form