Alabama Driving Laws
Updated: October, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in Alabama – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs website.
Speed Limits
In Alabama, the maximum speed limit for cars is 70 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 70 mph. Speed limits vary by state and, in some cases, county-by-county. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
Alabama allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 15. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16. An Intermediate License allows you to drive yourself without a qualified co-pilot in the car. However, driving restrictions still apply including the time-of-day you can drive and the maximum number of passengers allowed.
In Alabama, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 17.
License Renewal
Alabama requires you to renew your license every 4 years.
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of Alabama enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Workers must be present and there must be signs idicating road work is in progress in order for Work Zone Enhancements to be enforced. In Alabama, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. Driving while above the legal limit is called Driving Under the Influence. Driving while above certain BAC is called Driving while intoxicated and carries a heavier penalty. In Alabama, driving with a BAC above 0.15% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Most states do not allow cellphone use while driving. In Alabama, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned to novice drivers only. Handheld devices bans prohibit talking on the phone without a hands-free system.
Texting while driving is banned in Alabama. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In Alabama, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
Alabama requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered primary, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in Alabama is $25.00. Seatbelt use laws depend on the driving experience of the driver and which seat of the car a passenger is sitting in.
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
