Alabama driving law, answered
Every answer here comes from Alabama Driver Manual and, where the manual is silent, the Code of Alabama: Title 32, Chapter 1: General Provisions, Title 32, Chapter 5: Regulation of Operation of Motor Vehicles, Generally, Title 32, Chapter 5A: Rules of the Road, Title 32, Chapter 5B: Alabama Safety Belt Act of 1991, Title 32, Chapter 5C: Window Tinting, Title 32, Chapter 6, Article 1, Divisions 1-2: Drivers' Licenses and the Driver License Compact, Title 32, Chapter 6, Article 2, Division 1: License Tags and Plates Generally, Title 32, Chapter 6A: Autocycles, Title 32, Chapter 7: Motor Vehicle Safety-Responsibility Act, Title 32, Chapter 7A: Mandatory Automobile Liability Insurance, Title 32, Chapter 8, Articles 1-2: Uniform Certificate of Title Act, Title 32, Chapter 10: Motor Vehicle Accidents, Title 32, Chapter 12: Motorcycles and Motor-Driven Cycles, Title 32, Chapter 19: Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices, Title 40, Chapter 12, Article 5, Division 1: Motor Vehicles, Title 28, Section 28-1-5: Minimum age for purchase of alcoholic beverages, with the page or the section it is in.
Statutes fetched on 6 October 2026; manuals fetched on 14 September 2026. How the answers are made
How far from a fire hydrant must you park?
Parking is not allowed within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Firefighters need to reach the hydrant and run a hose from it without a car in the way.
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a crosswalk at an intersection must you park?
Parking is not allowed within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection. A parked car close to a crosswalk hides people stepping off the curb from drivers who need to see them.
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you park in or near an intersection?
Parking is not allowed within an intersection, on a crosswalk or a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway. Each of these blocks people who have every right to use that space.
In front of a driveway.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a stop sign or traffic signal must you park?
Parking is not allowed within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign or traffic control signal at the side of a roadway. A car parked right beside a sign or signal hides it from drivers approaching it.
Within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a railroad crossing must you park?
Parking is not allowed within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. A car parked near the tracks can block the view of a train or of the crossing itself.
Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a fire station driveway must you park?
(2) Stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or passengers: a. In front of a public or private driveway; b. Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; c. Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; d. Within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway; e. Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of the entrance (when properly signposted); f. At any place where official signs prohibit standing.
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-137(a)(2)
As of 6 Oct 2026
When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
When you follow or meet a school bus or church bus stopped on the road with its stop signal arm extended and red lights flashing, you must stop and remain stopped until the arm is retracted and the lights are off. Children getting on and off may run across the road without looking.
Remain stopped until the stop signal is retracted and red lights are turned off.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What must you do when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?
When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, or a wrecker with flashing amber lights, on a road with four or more lanes, you must vacate the lane closest to it. People working beside traffic are struck by cars that pass too close.
When approaching emergency vehicles stopped with flashing emergency lights, or wreckers displaying flashing amber lights, motorists on roadways with four or more lanes must vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle or wrecker.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far behind a fire truck answering an alarm may you follow?
Only vehicles on necessary official business may follow within 500 feet of an emergency vehicle on an emergency run. An emergency vehicle may stop suddenly, and others at the scene need room to work.
Only vehicles on necessary official business are permitted to follow within 500 feet of emergency vehicles on an emergency run.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you turn on your headlights?
Headlights are also required whenever visibility is limited so that you cannot see clearly for at least 500 feet. Rain, smoke or fog in daylight can hide your car as well as darkness can.
According to state law, headlights (not parking lights only) must be turned on from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise and during other periods of limited visibility when you cannot see clearly for at least 500 feet.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?
You must dim your headlights when within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. High beams blind an oncoming driver, who could then crash into you.
You must dim your headlights when within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must wear a seat belt?
Alabama's safety belt law requires every occupant, regardless of age, to be restrained, and the belt should be drawn snugly across the hip bones. A belt low and tight across the hips holds the body by its strongest bones in a crash.
Alabama’s safety belt law requires that each occupant, regardless of age, be restrained.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must a child ride in a car seat?
An infant rides in an infant-only seat or a convertible seat facing the rear until at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds. Facing the rear spreads crash forces across a baby's back, protecting a neck too weak to hold its head.
Infant-only seat or convertible seat used in the rear-facing position until an infant is at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the legal blood alcohol limit for adult drivers?
Under Alabama law it is unlawful to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more, or while under the influence of alcohol. At .08 every driver is impaired, but a driver can be under the influence and arrested below it too.
Under Alabama law, it is unlawful to drive with a concentration of .08 percent or more alcohol in the blood, or while under the influence of alcohol.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21?
It is unlawful for a person under 21 to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .02% or more. Drinking is illegal under 21, so the limit is set near zero for young drivers.
Persons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What happens if you refuse a breath or blood alcohol test?
A driver arrested for DUI who refuses a chemical breath test when directed by an officer will have their license suspended. Refusing the test does not avoid the consequences; it brings its own suspension.
A driver under arrest for Driving Under the Influence, who refuses to submit to chemical breath tests when directed by an officer, shall have his driver license suspended.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you text while driving?
Alabama law prohibits using a wireless device to write, send or read a text message, instant message or e-mail while driving. Reading or typing takes your eyes off the road for seconds at a time, and at highway speed that is the length of a football field.
Alabama’s new law prohibits using a wireless device to write, send or read a text message, instant message or e-mail while operating a motor vehicle.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far before a turn must you signal?
Signal your intention at least 100 feet before making a turn, and keep the signal on until you are ready to turn. A signal given early lets drivers and pedestrians around you see what you are about to do and make room.
At least 100 feet before making the turn, signal your intentions.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn right on a red light?
You may turn right after stopping for a red light if you are in the proper lane, yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign prohibits it. A turn on red is allowed only after a full stop and only when the way is clear.
You may make a right turn after stopping for a red light if you are in the proper lane for such turn.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn left on a red light onto a one-way street?
You may turn left after stopping at a red light only from a one-way street onto another one-way street with traffic moving from right to left, yielding to traffic and pedestrians. That is the one left turn that does not cross the path of oncoming cars.
You may make a left turn after stopping if you are driving on a one-way street and the street
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a highway outside town when no sign is posted?
The statutory speed limit in other locations not otherwise covered is 55 miles per hour. 55 is the default for the open road when no other limit applies.
55 miles per hour in other locations
As of 14 Sep 2026
When may you pass another vehicle on the right?
(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions: (1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn; (2) Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle.
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-83(a)
As of 6 Oct 2026
May you have an open container of alcohol in the car?
(b) It is unlawful for a person to have in his or her possession alcoholic beverages in an open container in the passenger area of a motor vehicle of any kind on a public highway or right-of-way of a public highway of this state.
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-330(b)
As of 6 Oct 2026
How old must you be to get a learner's permit?
Any person 15 years of age may obtain a restricted Learner License to learn to drive safely; the test for it is taken from the Alabama Driver Manual. Starting at 15 gives a new driver a full year of supervised practice before they can drive alone.
Any person 15 years of age may obtain a restricted Learner License for the purpose of learning to safely and effectively operate a motor vehicle.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long must you hold a learner's permit before a license?
A driver 16 but under 18 who has held a learner license for six months, or until their 18th birthday, may take the road test. Six months of supervised driving builds the experience a new driver needs before driving alone.
DRIVER LICENSE - Any person 16 years of age but under 18 years of age who has held a Learner License (to include a comparable license issued by another state) for six months or until their 18th birthday and has developed the necessary skills to safely operate a motor vehicle may present himself to his local driver license examiner for the road test.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must ride with you when you drive on a learner's permit?
After a 15-year-old learner turns 16, they may drive with any licensed driver in the seat beside them. At 16 the law relaxes who can supervise, but a beginner still needs a licensed driver beside them.
After the holder’s sixteenth birthday, the holder may operate a motor vehicle with any licensed driver occupying the seat beside the driver.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What hours may a provisional driver not drive?
A restricted driver may not drive between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or a licensee 21 or older with parental consent, or driving to or from work, a school or religious event, or an emergency. Late-night driving is when tired, inexperienced and impaired drivers meet on the road.
The student may not operate a vehicle between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian unless:
As of 14 Sep 2026
How many passengers may a new provisional driver carry?
A 16-year-old, or a 17-year-old licensed for less than 6 months, may not have more than one non-family passenger other than the parent, guardian or a supervising licensed driver at least 21. Each extra friend in the car adds distraction, and crash risk for teen drivers rises with every passenger.
May not have more than 1 nonfamily passenger other than the parent, guardian or supervising licensed driver at least 21 years of age.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the penalty for littering from a vehicle?
(c)(1) Whoever willfully and knowingly operates, owns, or causes to be operated on a public highway, road, street, or public right-of-way, a motor vehicle in any manner or in any condition that litter is caused or allowed to be deposited upon the highway, road, or street or public right-of-way, is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor pursuant to Section 13A-7-29, the criminal littering statute. (2) The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency shall adopt rules to implement this subsection.
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5-76(c)
As of 6 Oct 2026
What is the fine for a first drunk-driving conviction?
The fine for a first DUI conviction in Alabama ranges from $600 to $2,100. The fine is set high enough that a single drink-driving trip can cost more than a used car.
Penalty for a first conviction is a fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail or by both fine and imprisonment.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long can you be jailed for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first DUI conviction carries a fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail, or both, and the license is suspended for 90 days. Even a first conviction costs a driver money, freedom and three months of driving.
In addition, the driver license will be suspended for 90 days.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long is your license suspended for a first drunk-driving conviction?
A first DUI conviction carries a fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail, or both, and the license is suspended for 90 days. Even a first conviction costs a driver money, freedom and three months of driving.
In addition, the driver license will be suspended for 90 days.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you install an ignition interlock after a drunk-driving conviction?
(i)(1) When the court imposes the use of an ignition interlock device as required by Section 32-5A-191, the court shall require that the person provide proof of installation of a device to the court or a probation officer within 30 days of the date the defendant becomes eligible to receive an ignition interlock-restricted license from the agency. If the person fails to provide proof of installation within that period, absent a finding by the court of good cause for that failure which is entered into the court record, the court may revoke the person’s probation where applicable after a petition to revoke probation has been filed and the defendant has been given notice and an opportunity to be heard on the petition. The court in which the defendant is convicted shall notify the agency that the defendant is restricted to the operation of a motor vehicle only when an approved ignition interlock device is installed and properly operating. Nothing in this subsection shall permit a person who does not own a vehicle or otherwise have an ignition interlock device installed on a motor vehicle to operate a motor vehicle without an approved ignition interlock device installed and properly operating.
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-191.4(i)
As of 6 Oct 2026
At what blood alcohol level do drunk-driving penalties increase?
(i) When any person convicted of violating this section is found to have had at least 0.15 percent or more by weight of alcohol in his or her blood while operating or being in actual physical control of a vehicle, he or she shall be sentenced to at least double the minimum punishment that the person would have received if he or she had had less than 0.15 percent by weight of alcohol in his or her blood. This subsection does not apply to the duration of time an ignition interlock device is required by this section. If the adjudicated offense is a misdemeanor, the minimum punishment shall be imprisonment for one year, all of which may be suspended except as otherwise provided for in subsections (f) and (g).
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-191(i)
As of 6 Oct 2026
For how many years does a prior drunk-driving conviction count against you?
(p)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (2), a prior conviction for driving under the influence from this state, a municipality within this state, or another state or territory or a municipality of another state or territory shall be considered by a court for imposing a sentence pursuant to this section if the prior conviction occurred within 10 years of the date of the current offense. (2) If the person has a previous felony DUI conviction, then all of the person’s subsequent DUI convictions shall be treated as felonies regardless of the date of the previous felony DUI conviction.
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-191(p)
As of 6 Oct 2026
How many points on your license lead to a suspension?
Under the Alabama point system, 12 to 14 points in a 2-year period bring a 60-day suspension. Points add up to show a pattern of unsafe driving, and the first step of the schedule takes the license for two months.
12-14 Points in a 2-year period 60 days
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the fine for texting while driving?
The fine for texting while driving is $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second and $75 for a third or later, and each offense puts a two-point violation on your record. Points add up toward a suspension, so a texting habit can cost the license itself.
The fine for violating the law is $25 for a first-time offense, $50 for a second offense and $75 for a third or subsequent offense.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must wear a protective helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle?
(a) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he or she is wearing protective headgear that complies with standards established by Section 32-12-41.
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-245(a)
As of 6 Oct 2026
How much light must a tinted side or rear window let through?
On passenger cars, side and rear windows may have tinting that lets through at least 32 percent of light; on SUVs, trucks, vans and RVs the front side windows are held to the same 32 percent, and darker tint is allowed behind the driver. Front windows have to stay clear enough for you to see out and for others to see the driver.
On passenger cars such as sedans, coupes and station wagons, all windows (side and rear) may have tinting that allows at least 32 percent light transmission.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How much distance must you leave when passing a bicycle?
Alabama law requires you to pass a person on a bicycle with not less than three feet between your vehicle and the person. A rider can wobble or swerve around a pothole, and three feet leaves room for that without a collision.
Alabama state law requires that you pass a person on a bicycle with a distance of not less than three feet between your motor vehicle and the person on a bicycle.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Must a vehicle driving slower than other traffic keep to the right lane?
(b) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-80(b)
As of 6 Oct 2026
What is the minimum liability insurance coverage for bodily injury or death of one person and property damage?
Liability insurance must cover at least $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person. Medical bills after a crash run high, and the minimum is set so one victim is covered.
$25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person;
As of 14 Sep 2026
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