Alabama driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Alabama asks, answered in two or three sentences from Alabama’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
Alabama law says you must carry your license and show it when an officer asks, so you can be charged. It's a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $100. You won't be convicted if you later show the court or the officer's office a license that was valid that day.
Sources: Ala. Code § 32-6-9 · Ala. Code § 32-6-18 · as of 6 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
An officer can pull you over and give you a ticket just for texting. The fine is $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second and $75 after that. Each one also puts 2 points on your record.
Sources: Alabama driver’s manual p. 32 · Ala. Code § 32-5A-350 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
Breaking any of your provisional license restrictions, like the curfew, extends your restricted period. It runs 6 months longer, or until you turn 18.
Sources: Alabama driver’s manual p. 84 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
You can have 1 friend in the car, not counting family or a parent, guardian or licensed driver at least 21. This applies while you're 16, or 17 and licensed less than 6 months.
Sources: Alabama driver’s manual p. 84 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
If you're under 18, you need to hold your learner license for 6 months, or until you turn 18, before taking the road test. A learner license from another state counts toward those 6 months.
Sources: Alabama driver’s manual p. 10 · Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division — Graduated Driver License · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need liability insurance on any car you drive on public roads. Alabama law also accepts a liability bond or a cash deposit instead, at no less than the state's minimum amounts.
Sources: Alabama driver’s manual p. 68 · Ala. Code § 32-7A-4 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
You must stop right away and help anyone who is hurt, calling for medical help if needed. If someone is hurt or damage reaches $500, and the at-fault driver was uninsured, send a written crash form within 30 days.
Sources: Alabama driver’s manual pp. 37, 38 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Alabama driver’s manual p. 29 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, Alabama law bars you from writing, sending or reading texts while operating a car on a public road. It allows emergency calls, phone use while parked on the shoulder, or preset navigation.
Sources: Ala. Code § 32-5A-350 · as of 6 Oct 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Alabama law says the fine for speeding in a school zone is double what it would be outside one. That doubling applies only during the times posted on the school zone signs.
Sources: Ala. Code § 32-5A-185 · as of 6 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
Your learner license can be suspended or revoked for breaking the terms it was issued on. Breaking any GDL restriction also adds 6 months to your restricted period, or keeps it until you turn 18.
Sources: Alabama driver’s manual pp. 10, 84 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Alabama driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Alabama’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question