Driver’s License Points System in Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama Ticket Defense Attorney

The driver’s license point system in Alabama can sneak up on you fast. You may think a few traffic tickets are no big deal, but they add up and can eventually cost you your license. At The Stoves Law Firm, P.C., we represent drivers all over Alabama who are shocked to learn their license is suspended because of points.

If you are trying to understand how the driver’s license points system in Alabama works or how to prevent a suspension, here is what you need to know now. If you are from out of state and were convicted of an offense in Alabama and are wondering if anything can be done to reverse you Alabama traffic conviction, let us know and we can discuss your options with you.

What Is the Driver’s License Points System in Alabama?

The driver’s license points system in Alabama is a way for the state to track your driving record and penalize repeat traffic offenders. Every time you are convicted of a moving violation, points are assessed against your driving record. the more serious the violation, the more points you receive.

Over time, if you collect enough points, your license will be suspended. The system is designed to identify and punish drivers who are repeatedly breaking traffic laws.

How Points Are Assigned Under Alabama Law

According to Alabama Administrative Code Section 32-5A-195, points are assessed for violations that happen both in and outside the state.

• Speeding (1-25mph over speed limit) 2 points
• Speeding (26 or more mph over speed limit) 5 points
• Reckless driving or reckless endangerment involving operating a motor vehicle 6 points
• Failure to yield right of way 5 points
• Passing stopped school bus 5 points
• Wrong side of the road/illegal passing 4 points
• Following too closely 3 points
• Disregarding traffic control device (stop sign, traffic light, etc.) 3 points
• All other moving violations 2 points
• Inability to control vehicle 2 points
• Improper lane 2 points
• Drinking alcohol while operating a vehicle (open container or consuming while driving, short of a full DUI) 2 points
• Admin per se 6 points
• Improper operation of motorcycle 2 points
• Fail to obey construction/maintenance zone markers/flagman/police officer/restricted lane 3 points
• Emergency vehicles 2 points
• Fail to signal/use incorrect turn signal 2 points
• Making improper turn 2 points
• Coasting 2 points
• Unsafe operation 2 points
• Any conviction which resulted from a charge that involved the drinking of alcoholic beverages and the driving of a motor vehicle but did not require mandatory revocation of the driver’s license 6 points

These are just a few examples. Even less serious violations still carry points, and they do not disappear quickly.

How the Driver’s License Points System in Alabama Triggers a Suspension

If you receive 12 or more points in a two-year period, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency may suspend your license. The length of the suspension increases based on how many points you have:

• 12 to 14 points in a 2 year period – 60 days
• 15 to 17 points in a 2 year period – 90 days
• 18 to 20 points in a 2 year period – 120 days
• 21 to 23 points in a 2 year period – 180 days
• 24 points or more in a 2 year period – 365 days

Keep in mind, this is not something a judge controls. This is handled administratively by the Department of Public Safety. You may not even realize your license is suspended until you are pulled over. After a traffic conviction is 2 years old, it loses its point count for suspension purposes but remains on a driver’s record. Please be aware of this very important fact: many people call us and say that they know that the conviction isn’t on their record after 2 years. This just simply isn’t true as a conviction only counts for points for 2 years but it remains on your lifetime driving history forever.

Can You Fight a Suspension From the Driver’s License Points System in Alabama?

Yes, if you received notice that your license is about to be suspended, you have the right to request a hearing. This is your opportunity to contest the points or suspension. At The Stoves Law Firm, P.C., we represent clients in these hearings and fight to keep their license active or shorten the suspension period. Be aware that there are very strict and short time limitations so if you have received a notice of intended suspension, contact us today.

How Long Do Points Stay on your Record In Alabama?

Under the driver’s license points system in Alabama, points remain on your record for two years from the date of the traffic conviction. That means you must go two full years without new points to clear the slate. If you pick up another violation before that last conviction date is two years old, the clock resets and the new points can push you over the suspension threshold.

How to Check Your Points and Prevent a Suspension

The best way to protect your license is to stay informed. You can request a copy of your Alabama driving record and see how many points you have. If you are approaching the danger zone, now is the time to act.

Can You Remove Points or Take a Class to Clear Them?

No, Alabama does not automatically allow you to remove points by taking a defensive driving course. In some cases, a court might allow you to attend a class in exchange for a dismissal or reduction of charges. However, this typically needs to be negotiated before the ticket is finalized. If you pay a ticket in Alabama thinking that you will take driving school late to “remove the points” in Alabama then you are making a mistake.

Do Not Wait Until You Lose Your License

How The Stoves Law Firm, P.C. Can Help

The driver license points system in Alabama is unforgiving. It does not care if you are a good person or if the violations were minor. Once the points add up, the system kicks in, and your license can be taken away. At The Stoves Law Firm, P.C., we may be able to obtain some relief through the hearing process but it isn’t guaranteed and you must do through the process.

If you are close to a suspension or just received a notice from ALEA, do not wait. Contact The Stoves Law Firm today for your free consultation or call us today at (205) 823-7233.