Photo: DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Under Alabama’s GDL law, a 16-year-old driver, or a 17-year-old who has held a license for less than 6 months, faces three limits. You may carry only 1 non-family passenger, you may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. (with exceptions), and you may not use any handheld communication device. Breaking a rule extends the restricted period by 6 months. This explainer is for Alabama teens with a Stage II license and their parents.
Key facts
- Law: Graduated Driver License Act (Act 2002-408, amended by Act 2010-735 from July 2010).
- Applies to: 16-year-olds, and 17-year-olds licensed for less than 6 months.
- Does not apply to: anyone 18 or older; 17-year-olds licensed 6 months or more; 16+ who are married and considered the head of household (the manual says “married or the head of household”); anyone legally relieved of minority status.
- Penalty for breaking a restriction: restricted period extended by 6 months or until 18. No points and no court costs.
- Second moving violation, or any 4-point offense: automatic 60-day suspension.
How many passengers can a 16-year-old have in Alabama?
One. You may not have more than 1 passenger other than parents, legal guardians or family members. The manual’s GDL summary words the exception as the parent, guardian or a supervising licensed driver aged at least 21. The limit was reduced from four in 2010.
| Who is in the car | Allowed on Stage II? |
|---|---|
| Your brother, sister or other family members | Yes, family members do not count toward the limit |
| 1 friend | Yes |
| 2 friends | No |
| 2 friends plus a parent or legal guardian | Check with ALEA. The GDL page excludes parents, guardians and family members from the count, but does not say how many others you can then carry. |
What is the Alabama GDL curfew?
You may not drive from 12 midnight to 6 a.m. unless a parent or legal guardian is with you, or one of these exceptions applies:
- You are accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, with your parent or guardian’s consent.
- You are driving to or from your regular place of work.
- You are driving to or from an event sponsored by a school.
- You are driving to or from an event sponsored by a religious organization.
- You are driving because of a medical, fire or law-enforcement emergency.
A late party, a movie or a friend’s house is not on the list.
Phones: no handheld devices at all
Stage II drivers must not use any handheld communication device while driving. That is stricter than the general hands-free law, which allows drivers 18 and older one swipe or tap on a mounted phone. Pull over and park before you touch your phone. Details of the adult law: Alabama hands-free law and point system.
What happens if you break GDL rules in Alabama?
- Your restricted period is extended by 6 months, or until you turn 18.
- It counts as a traffic violation, but there are no criminal penalties, no court costs and no points for the GDL restriction itself.
- Secondary enforcement only. You will not be cited for a GDL restriction unless you are stopped for a separate violation and cited or charged for that.
The 60-day automatic suspension
Your license is automatically suspended for 60 days if, while on a GDL license, you are convicted of any of these:
- A second moving traffic violation
- Failure to give information or render aid
- Racing
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer
- Reckless driving
- Illegal passing or driving on the wrong side of the road
- Any other offense that carries 4 or more points
Example: a speeding ticket of 26 mph or more over the limit carries 5 points, so one conviction is enough. A first ticket for 10 mph over (2 points) does not trigger it, but a second moving violation would.
When do the restrictions end?
| Your situation | When GDL limits stop |
|---|---|
| Licensed at 16 with no violations | At 17, once you have held the license 6 months (you can then apply for Stage III) |
| Licensed at 17 | After 6 months on the license |
| Broke a restriction | 6 months later than planned, or at 18 |
| Turned 18 | Immediately |
For the Stage III license, the GDL page lists $31.25 for a restriction-free duplicate when you present your Stage II license, as of November 2026.
Common questions
Can I drive my siblings to school on a Stage II license?
Yes. Family members are not counted in the 1-passenger limit.
Can I drive home from work at 1 a.m.?
Yes, if you are going to or from your regular place of employment.
Will a GDL violation put points on my record?
No. ALEA says no points are assessed for violating the GDL restrictions themselves. Any separate offense you are stopped for carries its own points.
Can a police officer pull me over just for having two friends in the car?
No. A GDL citation is only issued when you are stopped for a separate violation of the law.
Do the GDL rules apply if I get my first license at 18?
No. The GDL law does not apply to anyone 18 or older.
Can I use GPS on my phone?
The GDL rule bans using any handheld device. Set the route before you leave, mount the phone and do not touch it while driving.
More: learning to drive in Alabama, Alabama road skills test checklist and GDL laws by state compared.
Sources
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, “Graduated Driver License” (alea.gov)
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, “Alabama Driver Manual” (November 2024), GDL Summary (alea.gov)
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, “Driver License Point System” (alea.gov)
- Alabama Legislature, “SB301 Enrolled, 2023 Regular Session” (legislature.state.al.us)