Some people keep sunglasses in the car. Some use a sun visor. One Calgary driver went a completely different direction.
What Happened
On Sunday March 15, Calgary police pulled over a vehicle in the 400 block of 52 Street S.E. after spotting fabric mounted over the front driver and passenger side windows. When officers approached, the driver had a simple explanation the curtains were installed to block the sun.
Police weren't buying it.
The Problem
Curtains on your windows might keep the glare out. They also block your view of the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians which is exactly why they're illegal. Officers determined the driver's view was obstructed, issued a ticket on the spot, and ordered the curtains removed immediately.
"Safe driving means clear visibility and responsible choices to protect everyone on the road," Calgary Police said.
What the Law Says
Under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act, Section 115, police can charge any driver who permits anything to obstruct their clear vision while driving. The same law that covers distracted driving also covers physical obstructions inside the vehicle meaning curtains, unsecured items, or anything else blocking your line of sight can land you a ticket. Distracted driving violations in Alberta carry a fine of $390 and three demerit points.
Worth Noting
Alberta's sun glare is genuinely brutal, especially in late winter when the sun sits low on the horizon. Sunglasses, sun visors, and tinted windows are all legal options. The curtains did not make the cut.
Source: Calgary Police Service — x.com/CalgaryPolice, March 16, 2026 Alberta Traffic Safety Act, Section 115 — alberta.ca
