Minimum Driving Age
The minimum age to obtain a learner’s permit in Alabama is 15. At 16, drivers can apply for a restricted license. Once they turn 17 and have held the restricted license for at least six months, they may qualify for an unrestricted license.
Source: Alabama Public Health – Graduated Driver License
Learner’s Permit Rules
Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older. Driving is not permitted between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a qualifying adult. Only one non-family passenger is allowed during this time.
Source: Alabama Public Health – Teen Driving
License Types
Alabama issues several types of licenses:
- Class D for standard passenger vehicles
- Class M for motorcycles
- Class V for water vessels
Source: ALEA – Driver Licenses
Required Documents for Driving
To obtain a license or permit, drivers must present two forms of ID (one with a photo), a Social Security card, proof of school enrollment or graduation (if under 19), two proofs of residency, and a $5 testing fee.
Source: ALEA – Document Requirements and Fees
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
Seatbelts are mandatory for all front-seat passengers. Child restraint laws include:
- Rear-facing car seats for children under 1 year or 20 lbs
- Forward-facing car seats for children ages 1–5
- Booster seats for children ages 5–6
- Seatbelts for children ages 6–15
Sources:
Child Restraints Law
ADPH – Car Seats
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
Texting while driving is banned for all drivers. Drivers under 18 may not use any handheld device. Alabama’s hands-free law, effective June 15, 2024, prohibits holding a phone while driving. Fines and points increase with each offense.
Sources:
Alabama Code § 32-5A-350
Alabama Public Radio – Hands-Free Law
DUI/DWI Thresholds and Penalties
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% for adults. First-time DUI offenses may include jail time up to 1 year, fines up to $2,100, license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock devices, and substance abuse education.
Sources:
Alabama DUI Defense
FindLaw – Alabama DUI Laws
Speed Limits
Standard limits across Alabama are as follows:
- 70 mph on interstates
- 65 mph on four-lane roads
- 55 mph on two-lane roads
- 45 mph on county roads
- 35 mph on unpaved roads
- 25 mph in residential zones
- 15 mph in school zones
Source: ALEA – Speed Limits
Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws
Reckless driving includes behaviors like tailgating, rapid lane changes, and excessive speeding. These offenses can lead to fines, jail time, and license suspension depending on the severity.
Source: Law Injury – Road Rage
Points System
Alabama uses a points-based system to monitor driver behavior. Accumulating points within a two-year period can lead to license suspension. For example, 12 points result in a 60-day suspension, and 24 or more points result in a one-year suspension.
Source: ALEA – Driver License Point System
Insurance Requirements
Drivers must carry miWant to register your ride without the DMV drama?
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- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Sources:
Alabama Department of Insurance – Auto Insurance FAQ
Alabama Department of Revenue – Insurance Requirements
Renewal Frequency and Testing
Driver’s licenses must be renewed every four years. Online renewal is available under certain conditions. Drivers may be subject to vision or knowledge testing if flagged for issues during the renewal process.
Source: ALEA – License Renewal
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