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By Kenneth Cheung

TRAFFIC BYLAW

North Battleford raises traffic fines, targets violations in bylaw overhaul

Mar 26, 2025 | 1:00 PM

North Battleford is shifting gears on traffic enforcement, increasing fines and rolling out new restrictions to keep roads safer.

City council voted Monday to amend its traffic bylaw, introducing higher penalties for infractions and tighter rules on vehicle use, parking, and cycling.

The amendments to Bylaw 2178, the first update since 2012, bring local fines in line with those in 18 other municipalities in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

The changes also introduce stricter penalties for repeat offenders, along with new rules for heavy vehicle training and U-turns in school zones.

Higher fines for traffic offences

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City manager Randy Patrick said the fine increases are intended to encourage compliance rather than generate revenue.

“We don’t want to actually have fines, we want to have people just obey the law, but if they choose not to, then the fines have to be reflective of the kind of the costs [and] what they were in the past to a person,” he noted.

“We’re just trying to keep it even and if fines get too low, people just disregard them.”

Key changes include:

• Fines that were $20 increase to $40.

• Fines that were $40 rise to $70.

• Fines that were $80 go up to $100.

• Parking in a fire lane or handicap space now costs $300, up from $150.

• Using engine retarder brakes and operating an unregistered vehicle now carry fines of $300 and $400, respectively.

Repeat offenders will face escalating penalties: a second offence within a year will result in double the fine, while third and subsequent offences will triple it.

New traffic and parking rules

The bylaw also introduces new restrictions on heavy vehicle training and parking.

• Heavy vehicle testing is now banned in certain areas, including downtown, school zones and near Battlefords Union Hospital during peak hours.

• U-turns in school zones are prohibited while reduced speed limits are in effect.

• Vehicles cannot park within 1.5 metres of a driveway.

• Recreational vehicles must be parked directly adjacent to the owner’s property and cannot extend slide-outs, projections, or use cords, hoses or hookups.

• Sleeping in an RV outside a designated campground is now prohibited.

• Parking any vehicle or item on city-owned property, whether vacant or not, now carries a $100 fine.

Stricter rules for cyclists

The bylaw also introduces new restrictions on bicycles, including electric bikes.

Riders are now prohibited from:

• Operating recklessly or negligently.

• Carrying more people than the bike is designed for.

• Riding with obstructed vision or without at least one hand on the handlebars.

• Cycling at night without proper front and rear lights.

Public awareness campaign planned

Lindsay Holm, director of protective services, said the new fines are comparable to those in other municipalities.

“The fines listed in the bylaw have been compared with numerous other municipalities and are well within the comparable range,” Holm said in a report to council.

The bylaw amendments take effect immediately. The city plans to inform residents and commercial operators through public notices and enforcement efforts.

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com