Points, tickets and licence suspension in Alabama

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how points are added and how long they count.
• You can match common offenses to their point values.
• You can say how many points trigger a suspension and for how long.
• You can explain the stricter rules for GDL drivers.
• You can describe the difference between suspension, revocation and cancellation.

What you need to know and understand

• Points count toward suspension for two years from the date of conviction, but stay on your record.
• 12 to 14 points in two years brings a 60-day suspension, rising to 365 days for 24 points or more.
• Reckless driving and alcohol-related convictions carry 6 points.
• Failure to yield and passing a stopped school bus carry 5 points each.
• A GDL driver with a second moving violation or a 4-point offense faces an automatic 60-day suspension.
• Reinstating a suspended or revoked license costs at least $100 on top of other requirements.

Common offenses and their points

• Reckless driving or reckless endangerment with a vehicle: 6 points.
• Alcohol-related conviction not requiring revocation, or administrative per se: 6 points.
• Failure to yield right of way, or passing a stopped school bus: 5 points.
• Speeding 26 mph or more over the limit: 5 points. Speeding 1 to 25 mph over: 2 points.
• Wrong side of road or illegal passing: 4 points.
• Following too closely, or failing to obey construction zone markers: 3 points.
• Improper lane use, failure to signal, improper turn, unsafe operation or emergency vehicle violation: 2 points.

How long a points suspension lasts

Points within any two-year period are added up and the suspension grows with the total:

• 12 to 14 points: 60 days.
• 15 to 17 points: 90 days.
• 18 to 20 points: 120 days.
• 21 to 23 points: 180 days.
• 24 points or more: 365 days.

1. When you receive a suspension notice, read it carefully.
2. You may ask for a pre-suspension or administrative hearing in your county of residence, in writing or online.
3. When the suspension ends, pay the reinstatement fee and meet any other conditions before driving again.

Suspension, revocation and cancellation

A suspension takes your license away for a set time, then it can be reinstated. Suspensions can follow points, failing to answer a traffic summons or pay a fine, fleeing police, racing, failing to keep required SR-22 insurance, dropping out of school at ages 15 to 18, or a first DUI. A revocation is more serious: after it ends you must apply again and pass all the tests. It follows offenses such as vehicular homicide, a second DUI, hit and run causing injury or death, or three reckless driving convictions within 12 months. A cancellation happens when you were not entitled to the license, for example after fraud on your application.

Reinstatement costs at least $100. Failing to surrender your license on time adds $50, and drug-related reinstatements add $25.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring a ticket. Failing to answer a summons or pay can itself lead to suspension.
• Thinking points disappear after two years. They stop counting toward suspension but stay on your record.
• Forgetting that GDL drivers are suspended after a second moving violation, long before 12 points.
• Driving after a suspension ends without paying the reinstatement fee.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Alabama

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

Go deeper

• Alabama 50 Hours Driving
• Alabama GDL Law
• Alabama Hands-Free Law and Point System