Alabama Traffic Violations

A traffic violation is when a person violates a law while they drive a motor vehicle. Traffic violations can be classified as misdemeanors (i.e., speeding tickets) and as serious misdemeanors (i.e., reckless driving, DUI) to felonies (i.e., vehicular homicide).

Understanding how the state of Alabama handles traffic violations is crucial for anyone who drives a motor vehicle because you can be fined. You can also have your driving privileges suspended, and pay increased automobile insurance premiums, and you must keep yourself and others safe while driving.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Alabama?

Title 32 of the Alabama Code helps to protect the safety of all road users while helping drivers to be kept safe from any potential legal ramifications that may occur as a result of their actions. If a driver violates any laws as outlined in Title 32 of the Alabama Code, then it is considered a traffic violation and a traffic violation can be a misdemeanor, felony, or DUI.

A DUI offense is defined in Alabama by means of the adult category as being 0.08% or above, or for those under 21 years of age, it is 0.02%. In addition, for commercial use, 0.04% or greater. DUI attracts severe consequences including jail time and a greater level of punishment imposed upon second-time offenders.

Types of Traffic Violations in Alabama

There are different types of traffic violations in Alabama, including the following.

• Speeding: Driving over the posted speed limit. Points are added to your record, and fines or penalties increase with higher speeds over the limit.
• Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle with willful disregard for safety, such as weaving through traffic, running red lights, or street racing. Penalties include fines, jail time, and possible license suspension.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher (for adults), or impaired by drugs. Penalties include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, and possibly jail.
• Failure to Yield/Right-of-Way Violations: Not giving the right of way to other vehicles, pedestrians, or emergency responders, which can cause accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Using mobile phones or other distractions while driving reduces driver focus.
• Hit and Run: Leaving the scene after causing an accident, especially with injury or death, leading to severe fines and prison time.
• License and Insurance Violations: Driving without a valid license, expired license, or without required insurance.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating or not maintaining a safe distance behind another vehicle.
• Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossings or Stop Signs: Ignoring signs and signals requiring a full stop can cause accidents.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Alabama

Drivers who break Alabama's traffic laws face penalties like fines, points on their license, or suspension of driving privileges. The punishment depends on the offense and record.

The amounts of fines vary by violation and location. For example, a first offense for reckless driving may involve fines of $25 to $500 and up to 90 days.

Alabama penalizes points per traffic violation. For instance, speeding up to 25 mph is 2 points; reckless driving is 6 points. To have 12 or more points in 2 years can result in suspension of the license.

Judges have the power to suspend licenses for serious offenses or accumulation of violations. Drivers may be required to attend traffic school in certain situations to prevent or reduce punishment.

DUI-specific penalties. Alabama applies a 10-year lookback for repeat offenses. A first DUI can lead to up to 1 year in jail, fines between $600 and $2,100, and a 90-day license suspension. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency manages suspensions and reinstatements. Offenders may enter an Ignition Interlock Program to reduce penalties. Higher BACs (≥0.15%), accidents, or injuries raise penalties and suspension lengths.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Alabama

Traffic violations in Alabama are handled by Municipal or District Courts where the citation was issued. Most courts offer online portals to search cases by case number, citation number, or defendant's name. People can also visit the Clerk of Court's Office to view or request copies of traffic records stored in the court system.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) keeps Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) showing traffic convictions, license status, suspensions, and accidents. Drivers can request their MVR online through ALEA's portal, visit a local Driver License Office, or mail in the Motor Vehicle Record Request Form (Form DL-100). A small fee applies for these services.

A traffic docket shows details like the court, case number, violation, charge, defendant, hearing date, and final decision. An MVR provides a complete overview of a driver's record, including tickets, convictions, accidents, and license status.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Alabama?

According to ALEA, points from a conviction drop off after two years for suspension purposes. But the conviction itself stays on your driving record even after those two years.

ALEA provides a 3-year Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for regular uses like employment or insurance. A more detailed driver abstract might also be available through ALEA or other authorized requests. The 3-year MVR is specifically mentioned in ALEA's Driver License Manual and online services. Insurance companies usually look back at records from three to five years, but their practices can be different from one insurer to another.

Alabama also allows expungement in certain situations. Under Ala. Code § 15-27-1, a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor, traffic violation, or municipal ordinance violation can petition the circuit court for expungement of the record if the provisions of the statute are satisfied. This may include when the charge was dismissed or acquitted, or when waiting periods and other stipulations are fulfilled on specific misdemeanor convictions.

Expungements of felonies are under other, stricter guidelines. Note expungement is a favor granted by a court, not one given by ALEA.