Alabama’s Traffic Violation Point System

The points and license-related penalties associated with traffic tickets in Alabama.

An Alabama traffic ticket generally results in the driver having to pay fines and fees. But the Alabama Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) also assigns a certain number of points for each recorded traffic violation in order to identify high-risk drivers. Too many points will result in license suspension.

How Does Alabama's Traffic Violation Point System Work?

For most traffic violations, the Alabama MVD will assign points to your driving record. The number of points generally depends on the seriousness of the offense (see chart below).

Getting too many points on your driving record can lead to license suspension. However, points don't stay on your record forever, and you might be able to obtain limited driving privileges during a point-related suspension (discussed below).

License Suspension for Getting Too Many Points in Alabama

The Alabama MVD will issue a notice of suspension once a driver accumulates 12 or more points within two years. The period of suspension depends on the current number of points the driver has on his or her record.

  • 12 to 14 points will result in a 60-day suspension
  • 15 to 17 points will result in a 90-day suspension
  • 18 to 20 points will result in a 120-day suspension
  • 21 to 23 points will result in a 180-day suspension, and
  • 24 or more points will result in a 365-day suspension.

The suspension will be effective ten days after issuance of the notice but can be stayed if the driver requests an administrative hearing. At the administrative hearing, the MVD is authorized to review the driver's record and modify the suspension. The MVD official can also grant a probationary period whereby the driver can avoid the suspension by abstaining from future traffic violations.

How Long Do Traffic Ticket Points Stay on Your Record in Alabama?

While traffic convictions always remain on a driver's record, points expire after two years. Also, a driver's points are cleared after completing a point-related suspension.

Does Alabama Allow Limited Driving Privileges During a Point-Related License Suspension?

Suspended drivers are able to apply for a hardship license to regain limited driving privileges for going to and from places like work and school. To obtain the license, the applicant must show a need for transportation. And any future traffic violations can result in revocation for the hardship license.

Point Values for Traffic Violations in Alabama

Here are the points assigned to some of the most common traffic violations.

Violation

Points Assessed

Any violation involving drinking and driving

6

Reckless driving

6

Failure to yield right-of-way

5

Passing stopped school bus

5

Driving on the wrong side of road

4

Illegal passing

4

Tailgating

3

Disregarding traffic control device

3

Speeding 1 to 25 miles per hour over limit

2

Speeding 26 or more miles per hour over limit

5

Drinking alcohol while operating

2

Admin per se (Administrative DUI suspension)

6

Failure to obey hazard signs

3

Emergency vehicle violation

2

Failure to signal

2

Coasting

2

Unlisted traffic violation

2

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