The Alabama Point System

Alabama assigns points to most moving traffic violations. Points stay on the ALEA driving record for two years, after which they age off automatically. Reach 12 points within 24 months and ALEA begins suspension proceedings. The schedule is tiered — more points within the same 24-month window translate into longer suspensions.

How points are assigned

Points reflect the seriousness of the violation rather than the dollar amount of the fine. Common assessments:

• 2 points — Speeding 1-25 mph over the limit; failure to signal a turn; failure to dim headlights; improper U-turn.
• 3 points — Improper passing; following too closely; failure to obey a traffic control device.
• 4 points — Improper passing on the right; reckless driving (lower-tier); speeding 26+ mph over the limit.
• 5 points — Reckless driving (higher-tier).
• 6 points — Passing a stopped school bus; failure to render aid after a crash.

Some serious offenses bypass points entirely and trigger immediate suspension or revocation: DUI, hit-and-run resulting in injury, vehicular homicide, racing on a public road, and habitual offender status. See the Alabama DUI laws page for those triggers.

Suspension thresholds

Alabama's tiered suspension schedule applies to drivers age 21 and older with point totals accumulated in any 24-month period:

• 12-14 points — 60-day suspension.
• 15-17 points — 90-day suspension.
• 18-20 points — 6-month suspension.
• 21-23 points — 1-year suspension.
• 24+ points — 2-year suspension.

ALEA sends a warning letter when the driver reaches roughly 8 points and a second warning when the threshold approaches. The driver can request an administrative hearing before any suspension takes effect.

Younger driver thresholds

Drivers under 21 are subject to lower point thresholds. Some Alabama provisional licenses trigger suspension proceedings at 6-8 points within 24 months. Holders of a learner's permit, Stage II Restricted, or full Class D under 21 should treat any point assessment as serious — see Alabama teen license stages for the graduated rules.

Defensive driving credit

Alabama allows drivers to remove some points from the active record by completing an ALEA-approved defensive driving course. The course can be taken once per 36-month period, removes a limited number of points (often 2-3), and only removes points already on the record (the credit isn't banked for future use). Insurance carriers don't always recognize the ALEA course for premium discounts; check with the carrier separately.

The course is offered online and in person across the state. Costs typically run $25-$75 and the format runs 4-8 hours.

Out-of-state convictions

Alabama is a member of the Driver License Compact, which means out-of-state convictions for serious moving violations get reported to ALEA and added to the Alabama record. Minor violations (low-level speeding, equipment) are sometimes not reported, but DUI, reckless driving, and any conviction resulting in a license suspension are reported across all member states. Out-of-state DUIs can also trigger Alabama suspensions and ignition interlock requirements.

Pulling your point total

The most accurate way to check your current point total is to pull a certified driving record through the ALEA MyDMV portal — see Alabama driving records. The record shows each conviction, the date, the original points, and the current count after any expirations.

Avoiding points before they're assessed

The most cost-effective strategy is to contest the ticket before conviction. Alabama district courts often allow plea negotiation to a no-points violation in exchange for a slightly higher fine. See Alabama traffic tickets for plea procedures and court appearance basics.

Insurance impact

Insurance carriers run their own point systems separate from ALEA's. Even violations that don't add ALEA points (or that age off after two years) can stay on a carrier's record for 3-5 years and affect premiums. The most consequential violations for insurance — DUI, reckless driving, speeding 20+ mph over — drive premiums up sharply. See Alabama car insurance for typical premium impact.

For a national perspective, see our driving safety overview.