Alabama Driving Records

Maintaining a clean driving history is essential for any driver in Alabama. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) manages and updates driving records, which detail a driver’s traffic violations, license status, and accident history.

Alabama uses a point system to track violations, where accumulating too many points can lead to a license suspension. This system highlights the importance of staying informed about records to avoid potential penalties.

Alabama complies with the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which limits access to personal information in driving records. Although the state has an Open Records Law, driving records are not classified as fully public documents. Access to complete records is restricted to authorized individuals or entities.

Types of Driving Records Available in Alabama

In Alabama, driving records come in the following types, each serving different purposes:

Full Driver’s Abstract

The Full Driver’s Abstract or the Driver History Record offers an extensive account of an individual's driving history. Issued by the ALEA, the certified document provides detailed information on:

Traffic infractions, including speeding, reckless driving, and other offenses
Records of any motor vehicle accidents involving the driver
Current information on the status of the driver’s license
Details on points accrued from violations

Three-Year Driver's Record

The ALEA also offers a more focused Three-Year Driver's Record, which provides the following information:

The driver’s name, date of birth, and license number
An overview of the driver’s record from the last three years, covering:
- Traffic violations or convictions, such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence (DUI)
- Any motor vehicle accidents, including fault and outcomes
- Recent license suspensions, revocations, or reinstatements
Current license status

Certified vs. Non-Certified Records

In Alabama, driving records are categorized as certified or non-certified based on their official validation and intended use.

A certified driving record is an official document verified by ALEA, featuring a signature and seal, making it appropriate for legal or administrative purposes like court proceedings or official licensing.

On the other hand, a non-certified driving record lacks formal validation but provides detailed information about a driver’s history. It is typically used for personal review or informal purposes and may not be accepted where official authentication is required.

How To Request an Alabama Driving History Report?

Individuals can request their driving history through online, mail-in, or in-person options, each with its own set of requirements and procedures.

Online Process

The most efficient method to obtain an Alabama driving history report is through the ALEA online portal. To request a report online, drivers must follow these steps:

Log in with a User ID or create an account on the ALEA website.
Provide a valid Alabama driver's license or state-issued ID number.
Provide the driver’s first and last name, date of birth, last six digits of Social Security Number (SSN), and residence zip code.
Complete payment for the report using a credit or debit card.

After submitting the required information and payment, the ALEA will process the request and deliver the driving history report electronically.

Mail-In Process

To request an Alabama driving history report by mail, follow these steps:

Download and complete the request form from the ALEA website or obtain it from their office.
Include payment for the report.
Mail the completed form and payment to the Driver License Division of the ALEA.

Acceptable methods are certified or cashier's checks or money orders. Personal checks are not accepted.

Keep in mind that this process may take longer due to postal processing and handling times.

In-Person Process

To request a driving history report in person, visit an ALEA office or a local driver’s license issuance site. Residents can find the nearest office through the ALEA online directory. In-person requests are typically processed faster than mail-in requests.

For an in-person request, drivers must fill out a request form. The following are also required:

Valid photo ID: A current driver’s license, state-issued ID, or other government-issued photo identification
Payment method: Cash, certified or cashier's checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards, depending on the office (personal checks are not accepted)

Costs Associated With Obtaining Records

Obtaining a Full Driver’s Abstract in Alabama costs $15. For a more focused report, a three-year driving record is available for $5.75. If the record cannot be found or the information is incorrect, a new request must be made for an additional $5.75 fee.

Uses of Alabama Driving Records

Driving records in Alabama serve various purposes and are governed by specific regulations. These records can be requested for the following reasons:

Legal and Administrative Uses

Driving records are essential in legal contexts, such as court cases, insurance claims, and adherence to motor vehicle regulations. They help verify driving history and check compliance with legal standards.

Commercial Driving Requirements

For drivers of commercial vehicles, particularly those operating across state lines, compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations is mandatory. Employers must review driving records during pre-employment screening and periodically afterward to maintain adherence to FMCSA guidelines.

Regular checks are crucial for commercial drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Drivers can find more information on the Frequently Asked Questions page for CDLs.

Regulated Positions

Certain jobs in Alabama necessitate additional scrutiny of driving records.

For instance, school bus drivers and ridesharing drivers must have their driving records reviewed. The Alabama Child Protection Act mandates background checks for those supervising children. Meanwhile, Alabama House Bill 190 requires checks for ridesharing drivers with specific criteria for disqualification based on traffic violations.

Insurance Purposes

Insurance companies use driving records to evaluate risk, determine coverage options, and set premiums. They rely on this information to make informed decisions about policyholders.

Driver's License Applications and Renewals

The ALEA uses driving records to verify eligibility for new licenses or renewals and to apply necessary restrictions or conditions.

Personal Review

Individuals can access their driving records to monitor their driving history, check for any inaccuracies, and stay informed about their driving status.

Restricted Uses

Driving records in Alabama contain sensitive personal information and are subject to strict regulations regarding their use. Unauthorized access, misuse, and public disclosure of these records can result in significant legal penalties.

Understanding Alabama Driving Laws

Alabama enforces various driving laws designed to maintain public safety on its roads. The following are some of the most critical laws every driver in Alabama should be aware of:

Speed Limits

In Alabama, speed limits vary based on the type of road and its usage:

Interstate highways: 70 miles per hour (mph)
Roadways with four or more lanes: 65 mph
Standard roads: 55 mph unless otherwise posted
County roads: 45 mph unless indicated otherwise
Unpaved county roads: 35 mph
Residential areas: 25 mph
School zones: 15 mph

Seat Belt and Child Safety Laws

Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times. Under the Child Restraints Law, children under 15 must also be properly secured in child safety seats or booster seats according to their age and size.

For infants, a rear-facing seat is mandatory until they are at least one year old or weigh 20 pounds. As they grow, they should transition to a forward-facing convertible seat until they reach five years of age or 40 pounds. Booster seats are needed for children up to six years old. Once a child turns six, they must use a standard seat belt.

Failure to follow these regulations can result in a $25 fine for each violation.

Distracted Driving

Starting June 15, 2023, Alabama's Hands-Free Law mandates that drivers cannot hold a cell phone or any electronic device while driving. Texting while driving is strictly prohibited to minimize distractions and enhance road safety.

Violations of this law result in fines and points on the driver's license: $50 and one point for a first offense, $100 and two points for a second offense, and $150 and three points for a third offense. More than three offenses could lead to a driver's license suspension.

Insurance Requirements

The Mandatory Liability Insurance Law (MLI) mandates that all motor vehicles operated on public roads must have liability insurance. This requirement ensures financial protection for drivers in the event of an accident. As stipulated in the Alabama Code 32-7A, the minimum coverage amounts are:

$25,000 for injury or death to a single person
$50,000 for injury or death to multiple people
$25,000 for property damage

Certain vehicles, such as trailers, government vehicles, and those covered under commercial liability policies, are exempt from this insurance requirement. A detailed list of exemptions can be found in Alabama Code Section 32-7A-5.

License Requirements for Residents and Foreign Nationals

Driver requirements in Alabama vary by residency status.

New residents must obtain an Alabama driver’s license within 30 days of moving, providing proof of identity, residency, and SSN.

Those relocating from another state should visit a local Department of Public Safety office to exchange their out-of-state license for an Alabama one, presenting their previous license along with proof of residency and identity.

Foreign nationals can drive in Alabama with a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and their home country's license. Upon establishing residency, they must apply for an Alabama license, which may require passing written and driving tests based on their driving history.

The Points System in Alabama

Alabama utilizes a driver license points system to monitor and penalize drivers for traffic violations. Points from a traffic conviction remain on a driver’s record for two years, but after this period, they no longer contribute to the suspension calculation.

Point Assignment

Each traffic violation is assigned a specific number of points, ranging from two to six points, depending on the severity of the offense.

Point Thresholds

Drivers in Alabama can accumulate a maximum of 12 points within a two-year period before their license is suspended. Depending on the number of points accumulated, the suspension period can range from 60 days to one year.

Some common traffic violations and their corresponding point values in Alabama include:

Speeding (1 to 25 mph over the limit): 2 points
Failure to yield the right of way: 5 points
Passing a stopped school bus: 5 points
Driving on the wrong side: 4 points
Following too closely: 3 points
Ignoring traffic control devices: 3 points
Other moving violations: 2 points

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Alabama

Driving offenses in Alabama are divided into criminal and civil categories, each carrying different consequences and legal repercussions.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses, commonly called felonies or misdemeanors, are severe infractions that can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and license suspension. Here are some criminal driving offenses in Alabama:

DUI

In Alabama, a DUI occurs when a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is 0.04%, and drivers under 21 are subject to zero tolerance for alcohol.

DUI penalties can include hefty fines, jail time, mandatory alcohol education programs, ignition interlock device requirements, and suspension of the driver’s license.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle in a manner that shows a blatant disregard for safety. Penalties for reckless driving may involve fines, imprisonment, and a significant number of points on the driver’s record, potentially leading to license suspension.

Hit and Run

Leaving the scene of an accident without providing contact information or aiding the injured is a criminal offense. Depending on the severity of the damage or injury, penalties for hit-and-run incidents include fines, imprisonment, and potential revocation of the driver’s license.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses or traffic infractions generally involve less severe traffic rule violations and are addressed with fines and points on the driver’s record rather than criminal charges. Some of the most common civil driving offenses include the following:

Improper turns, including failing to signal or turning incorrectly

Failing to yield the right of way at intersections or stop signs
Speeding
Failure to obey traffic signals

Alabama Driving Statistics and Goals

Key driving statistics in Alabama from a Forbes study include:

4th lowest in DUI arrests per capita, with 94.75 per 100,000 drivers.
12th in total fatal accidents per 100,000 drivers, at 21.14.
12th in fatal accidents involving drunk drivers, with 5.86 per 100,000.
9th in fatal accidents involving drowsy drivers, at 0.99 per 100,000.
10th worst for speed-related accidents, with 5.59 per 100,000.
20th for distracted driving accidents, at 1.19 per 100,000.

Alabama aims to enhance road safety through its Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Driving Records

The following are some common questions concerning drivers in the state:

Who Can Request a Driving Record?

Drivers, employers, insurance companies, and certain government agencies can request driving records. Requests must be made through authorized channels and often require consent from the driver.

How Can Drivers Reduce Points From Their Records?

Drivers can have points removed from their record by completing a state-approved driver's education course or by going a certain period of time (usually 12 or 24 months) without any additional violations.

How To Remove a Violation on Alabama Driving Records?

To remove a violation from an Alabama driving record, an individual may seek expungement if they were found not guilty. Under Alabama’s Expungement Law, individuals can have their arrest records related to traffic offenses cleared if they were not convicted.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are some useful links for drivers in Alabama and for accessing driving records:

Additional information about driver records, crash reports, and driver license reinstatements: https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-records-crash-reports-and-driver-license-reinstatements
Information on obtaining and renewing driver licenses and driving records: https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license
Guidance on vehicle registration and title services: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/division/motor-vehicle/
Information on how to handle traffic violations and pay fines: https://traffic.alacourt.gov/

Counties in Alabama

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Alabama
How To Request an Alabama Driving History Report?
Uses of Alabama Driving Records
Understanding Alabama Driving Laws
The Points System in Alabama
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Alabama
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Alabama Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources