What Happens When Your License Is Suspended in Alabama

A suspended license in Alabama means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle on any public road during the suspension period. Unlike a revocation, which is permanent, a suspension has an end date — once you meet the requirements to reinstate your license, you can drive again.

The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all license suspensions. When your license is suspended, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining why it happened, how long the suspension lasts, and what you must do to get your license back. The suspension becomes effective when ready in most cases, even if you disagree with the reason.

Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Alabama. You can be arrested, fined, and face jail time. Your vehicle can also be impounded. For this reason, it is critical to understand why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to reinstate it.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama suspends licenses for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, and failure to pay child support or court-ordered fines.
  • The suspension notice from DPS will tell you the exact reason, the length of the suspension, and the reinstatement requirements you must complete.
  • You cannot legally drive during a suspension, and driving anyway can result in arrest, criminal charges, and vehicle impoundment.
  • Reinstatement usually requires paying outstanding fines or fees, completing a required course or program, and submitting proof to DPS before your driving privileges are restored.

Common Reasons for License Suspension in Alabama

Alabama suspends licenses for many different reasons. The most common is accumulating too many points on your driving record. Alabama uses a point system where traffic violations add points to your record. If you reach 12 points within a two-year period, your license is automatically suspended for 60 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 90 days, and a third suspension lasts 120 days.

DUI (driving under the influence) convictions trigger an when ready suspension. A first DUI offense results in a suspension of at least 90 days. A second DUI within five years brings a one-year suspension. These suspensions happen separately from any criminal penalties you may face in court.

Unpaid traffic fines and court-ordered fines also cause suspension. If you do not pay a fine by the important date, DPS will suspend your license. The same applies to unpaid child support — Alabama suspends the licenses of people who fall behind on court-ordered child support payments. Failure to appear in court for a traffic or criminal case can also trigger suspension.

Other reasons include failing to maintain auto insurance, being convicted of certain drug offenses, and not paying a judgment from a traffic accident. Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically after a set period; others require you to take action before your license is restored.

How Long a Suspension Lasts

The length of your suspension depends on the reason. Point-based suspensions follow a set schedule: 60 days for the first suspension, 90 days for the second within five years, and 120 days for the third. These suspensions lift automatically once the time period ends, provided you have no other active suspensions.

DUI suspensions are longer. A first offense is at least 90 days; a second offense within five years is one year; a third is three years. These do not lift automatically — you must complete reinstatement steps before you can drive again.

Suspensions for unpaid fines, child support, or court judgments remain in place until you pay what you owe. There is no set time limit; the suspension continues until the debt is resolved. If you are unsure how long your suspension will last, contact the Alabama DPS at 334-242-4611 or visit their website to look up your case.

What You Must Do to Reinstate Your License

Reinstatement steps vary depending on why your license was suspended. For point-based suspensions that have expired, you may be able to reinstate online through the Alabama DPS website or by mail. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $20 for most suspensions) and provide proof that any other requirements have been met.

For DUI suspensions, the process is more involved. You must complete an alcohol and drug education program (AADEP) approved by the state, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide proof of completion to DPS. Some people are also required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. You cannot reinstate until all of these steps are finished.

If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you must pay the full amount owed. Once payment is made, contact DPS with proof of payment. For suspensions related to failure to maintain insurance, you must show proof of current, continuous coverage from the date of the violation forward.

After you complete all requirements, submit your reinstatement request to DPS. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. Once approved, your license is restored and you can legally drive again.

Driving on a Suspended License: What the Law Says

Driving while your license is suspended is illegal in Alabama. The penalties depend on whether this is your first offense and the reason for the suspension. A first offense can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $200 to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail.

In addition to criminal penalties, your vehicle can be impounded, and you may face additional fines for the impound and storage. Your insurance company may also drop your coverage or raise your rates significantly. A conviction for driving on a suspended license adds points to your driving record, which can lead to further suspension.

If you are stopped by police and your license is suspended, be honest about it. Provide your ID and explain the situation. Do not attempt to hide the suspension or provide false information, as that can result in additional charges.

How to Check Your License Status in Alabama

You can check whether your license is currently suspended by contacting the Alabama DPS directly. Call 334-242-4611 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.

You can also visit the DPS website and use their online license status lookup tool. This tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked, and in some cases provides information about the reason and length of the suspension. If the online tool does not give you all the details you need, a phone call to DPS will get you a complete explanation.

If you receive a suspension notice in the mail but believe it is an error, contact DPS when ready. Bring any documentation that supports your case — proof of payment, proof of insurance, court documents, or anything else relevant to your situation. DPS can review your case and correct errors if they find one.

Reinstating Your License After Multiple Suspensions

If you have been suspended more than once, reinstatement becomes more complex. Each new suspension adds to your record, and the waiting periods and requirements increase. For example, if you accumulate points again after your first suspension lifts, your second suspension lasts 90 days instead of 60, and your third lasts 120 days.

If you have multiple active suspensions (for example, one for points and one for unpaid fines), you must resolve all of them before your license is restored. You cannot reinstate for one reason while another suspension remains in place. Contact DPS to find out all the reasons your license is currently suspended and what you must do to address each one.

Some people find it helpful to work with a traffic attorney if they have multiple suspensions or complex circumstances. An attorney can review your case, help you understand your options, and represent you if you need to contest a suspension or negotiate a payment plan for fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Alabama does not issue hardship or restricted licenses during most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid fines or child support, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court or child support agency, which could lead to the suspension being lifted. Contact the agency that imposed the suspension to ask about payment plan options.

What if I was suspended for a DUI but I need to drive to work?

DUI suspensions in Alabama are strict, and hardship licenses are not available during the suspension period. Your only option is to complete the required alcohol and drug education program and any other reinstatement requirements as quickly as possible. Some people use rideshare, public transportation, or carpool arrangements during the suspension period.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license in Alabama?

The reinstatement fee is $20 for most suspensions. However, if your suspension was due to unpaid fines, you must also pay those fines. If it was a DUI suspension, you must pay for the alcohol and drug education program, which typically costs $200 to $400. Contact DPS or the agency that suspended your license for a complete breakdown of all costs.

If my suspension period has ended, does my license automatically come back?

For point-based suspensions, your license is automatically restored once the suspension period ends, as long as you have no other active suspensions. For DUI and other suspensions, you must complete reinstatement steps and submit proof to DPS before your license is restored. The suspension does not lift on its own.

Can I appeal my license suspension?

Yes, you have the right to request a hearing to contest your suspension. You must request the hearing within a certain timeframe (usually 10 days from the suspension notice). Contact the Alabama DPS or the agency that suspended your license to find out how to request a hearing and what documentation you should bring.