Seat belts, child seats and phone laws in Alabama

By the end of this topic you can

• You can make sure everyone in your car is legally restrained.
• You can choose the right type of child restraint by age and weight.
• You can explain the Hands-Free Law and its fines and points.
• You can explain the stricter phone rule for Stage II drivers.
• You can set up your phone before you drive so you are not tempted to touch it.

What you need to know and understand

• Alabama's seat belt law requires every occupant, of any age, to be restrained.
• Children through age 15 must be in a child restraint or seat belt suitable for their size.
• Violations of the child restraint law bring a fine and points on the driver's record.
• Alabama's Hands-Free Law has been enforced since June 2024.
• Hands-Free Law convictions within 24 months: first $50 and 1 point, second $100 and 2 points, third $150 and 3 points.
• Stage II GDL drivers may not use any handheld communication device while driving.

Buckling up everyone

The driver should buckle up before starting the engine and check that every passenger has done the same. Wear the lap part of the belt snugly across your hip bones, not your stomach. Sit upright with your back against the seat, because slouching makes belts and airbags work less well.

Child restraints by stage

Alabama's child restraint law covers the front and back seats of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans and vans with 10 or fewer seats.

1. Rear-facing infant or convertible seat until the child is at least 1 year old or 20 pounds.
2. Forward-facing seat until the child is at least 5 years old or 40 pounds.
3. Booster seat until the child is 6 years old.
4. Seat belt until age 15, and beyond under the general seat belt law.

Phones and the Hands-Free Law

Under the Hands-Free Law, physically holding a phone or other wireless device while driving is a violation when your driving shows the effects, such as drifting between lanes without signaling, swerving or other improper driving. Alabama also bans writing, sending or reading text messages, instant messages and emails while driving. The safest habit is simple: do not hold your phone at all while the car is moving. Our Alabama hands-free law guide goes deeper into the fines and points.

Teen drivers face a stricter rule. On a Stage II restricted license you may not use any handheld communication device while driving, and a violation extends your restricted period by six months or until you turn 18.

Other distractions and fatigue

• Set your music and navigation before you move off.
• If you must make a call, pull off the road and stop first, or let a passenger handle it.
• Avoid eating, intense conversations and reaching for objects while driving.
• Take a break about every 100 miles or two hours on long trips, and stop when you feel drowsy.

Common mistakes

• Letting back-seat teens ride unbelted. Every occupant must be restrained.
• Moving a child out of a booster seat too early. Keep the booster until at least age 6.
• Holding a phone at a red light on a Stage II license. Any handheld use while driving breaks the GDL rules.
• Thinking a quick text on a quiet road is harmless. A few seconds looking down means driving blind.

Test yourself: Seat belts, child seats and phone laws in Alabama

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Alabama Hands-Free Law and Point System
• Alabama GDL Law
• Alabama Permit Practice Test