What the Alabama point system does
Alabama tracks driving violations on your record using a point system. Each time you commit a traffic violation, the state assigns points to your license. Accumulate too many points within a set time, and the state will suspend your license — meaning you cannot legally drive until the suspension ends and you meet reinstatement requirements.
The system is designed to identify unsafe drivers and remove them from the road temporarily. It is not a fine or a punishment you pay money for; it is a record that affects whether you keep your driving privileges. Understanding how points work helps you see the real cost of traffic violations beyond the ticket itself.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama assigns points for traffic violations; accumulating 12 or more points within two years triggers a mandatory license suspension.
- Different violations carry different point values — speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit is 2 points, while reckless driving is 6 points.
- Your license suspension length depends on how many points caused the suspension: 12 to 17 points means 30 days, 18 to 23 points means 60 days, and 24 or more points means 90 days.
- Points remain on your record for two years from the violation date, but you can reduce them by completing a defensive driving course.
- To reinstate your license after suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee and meet any other court-ordered requirements.
How many points each violation costs
Alabama assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Minor speeding infractions carry fewer points than serious moving violations. Here are the common violations and their point values:
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1–10 mph over the limit | 2 |
| Speeding 11–15 mph over the limit | 3 |
| Speeding 16–25 mph over the limit | 4 |
| Speeding 26+ mph over the limit | 6 |
| Reckless driving | 6 |
| Following too closely | 3 |
| Improper lane change | 3 |
| Failure to obey traffic signal | 3 |
| Driving with suspended or revoked license | 6 |
If you receive a ticket, the officer or the citation itself will show the point value. You can also contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to ask about a specific violation.
When your license gets suspended
Your license is suspended automatically when you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period. You do not have to be convicted in court for points to count — points are assigned based on the violation record, whether you pay the fine, contest it, or plead guilty.
The length of your suspension depends on how many points triggered it. If you reach 12 to 17 points, your license is suspended for 30 days. If you reach 18 to 23 points, the suspension is 60 days. If you reach 24 or more points, the suspension is 90 days. The suspension begins on the date the state mails you notice.
During a suspension, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended license is itself a violation that carries 6 points and can result in criminal charges.
How points stay on your record
Points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the violation. After two years, the points drop off automatically — you do not have to do anything. However, if you accumulate new violations before the old points expire, they all count toward the 12-point threshold.
One way to reduce points before they expire is to complete a defensive driving course approved by the state. Completing the course removes up to 3 points from your record. You can use this reduction once every three years. The course is not free, and you must pay the provider directly, but it can help you avoid suspension if you are close to the 12-point limit.
How to reinstate your license after suspension
Once your suspension period ends, your license does not automatically become valid again. You must take steps to reinstate it. First, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The fee amount varies depending on the reason for suspension, but you can contact the department to learn the exact amount owed.
Second, you must meet any other requirements imposed by the court. Some violations come with court-ordered conditions — for example, you may be required to complete a substance abuse program or attend traffic school. You cannot reinstate your license until these are finished.
After you pay the fee and meet all requirements, you can explore for reinstatement. You will need to visit a Driver License Office in person with proof of payment and any completion certificates. Your license will be reinstated once the office processes your process.
What happens if you get suspended again
If you accumulate 12 or more points a second time within three years of your first suspension, Alabama may revoke your license instead of suspending it. A revocation is more serious than a suspension — it means your license is cancelled, and you must reapply for a new one after a waiting period. The waiting period is typically one year, though it can be longer depending on the circumstances.
To reapply after revocation, you must pass the written test and road test again, just as you did when you first received your license. You will also pay a new license fee. Avoiding a second suspension is important because it can add months to the time you cannot drive legally.
How to check your current points
You can find out how many points are on your record by contacting the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division. You can call them, visit their website, or go in person to a Driver License Office. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
You can also request a copy of your driving record, which will list every violation and the points assigned. This record is useful if you want to verify that points have been removed after two years or if you are disputing a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove points by paying a fine?
No. Paying the ticket fine does not remove points from your record. Points are assigned based on the violation itself, not on whether you pay. The only ways to reduce points are to wait two years for them to expire or to complete a defensive driving course, which removes up to 3 points.
Do points from out-of-state violations count in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama recognizes violations from other states through the Interstate Compact on Drivers Licenses. Points from out-of-state tickets are added to your Alabama record and count toward the 12-point suspension threshold. You should report any out-of-state violations to avoid surprises.
What if I was not driving when the violation occurred?
If you believe the violation was issued in error or that you were not the driver, you can contest it in court. You must do this before the points are assigned. Contact the court listed on your citation to request a hearing. If you win, the violation is dismissed and no points are added.
Can I get my license back early if I complete a defensive driving course?
No. A defensive driving course removes up to 3 points from your record, but it does not shorten an active suspension. You must wait out the full suspension period. However, completing the course before you reach 12 points can prevent a suspension from happening in the first place.
How much does the reinstatement fee cost?
The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division to learn the exact amount for your situation. You must pay the fee before you can reinstate your license.