Alabama's point system tracks violations on your driving record

Alabama assigns points to your driving record when you receive a traffic violation. The state uses these points to monitor your driving behavior and can suspend your license if points accumulate too quickly. Points stay on your record for a set time — usually two years from the violation date — but serious violations like DUI remain longer.

The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains your driving record and tracks all points. You can request a copy of your record by mail, online through their website, or in person at a local office. Knowing your current point total matters because you need to understand how close you are to suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama suspends your license when you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period.
  • Different violations carry different point values — speeding 1-10 mph over the limit is 2 points, while reckless driving is 6 points.
  • Points remain on your record for two years from the violation date, though some serious violations stay longer.
  • You can request a point reduction through traffic school, which removes up to 3 points if you complete an approved course.

Point values for common Alabama violations

Each violation type carries a specific point value. Speeding violations range from 2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving. Speeding 1-10 mph over the limit is 2 points; 11-20 mph over is 4 points; and 21 mph or more over the limit is 6 points.

Other common violations include following too closely (4 points), improper lane change (3 points), failure to yield (3 points), and reckless driving (6 points). DUI or DWI charges carry 8 points. Hit-and-run and driving with a suspended license each carry 6 points. The more serious the violation, the higher the point value.

You receive points only for violations you are convicted of or plead guilty to — a dismissed charge adds no points to your record. If you receive a ticket, you have the option to contest it in court before points are assigned.

When Alabama suspends your license for points

Your license is suspended when you reach 12 points within a two-year rolling period. This means the state counts points from violations that occurred within the past 24 months. Once you hit 12 points, the Department of Public Safety mails you a suspension notice with an effective date — usually 10 days after the notice is mailed.

The length of your suspension depends on how many times you have been suspended before. A first suspension lasts 60 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 90 days. A third or subsequent suspension within five years lasts 180 days. After your suspension period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges.

If you receive a violation while your license is already suspended, you face additional criminal charges beyond the suspension itself. Driving with a suspended license is a separate offense that can result in fines and jail time.

How to reduce points through traffic school

Alabama allows you to remove up to 3 points from your record by completing an approved traffic school course. You can use this option once every three years. The course is typically four hours long and covers safe driving practices and traffic laws.

To take traffic school, you must first receive permission from the court that handled your violation. Not all violations are may be able to access — serious offenses like DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run cannot be reduced through traffic school. You also cannot use traffic school if you have already used it within the past three years.

After you complete the course, the school sends a certificate to the court. The court then notifies the Department of Public Safety to remove the points. The process typically takes two to four weeks. You pay the traffic school directly — costs vary by provider but typically range from $50 to $150.

How long points stay on your record

Most traffic violations remain on your Alabama driving record for two years from the date of the violation. After two years, the points drop off automatically and no longer count toward suspension. However, the violation itself may still appear on your record for longer — some violations stay visible for three to five years even after points expire.

Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run stay on your record longer than two years. A DUI conviction remains for five years. Reckless driving and hit-and-run remain for three years. Even after points expire, these violations can affect your insurance rates and may be considered if you face future violations.

You cannot remove points before the two-year period ends except through traffic school. Paying a fine does not reduce points, and points do not decrease over time — they straightforward expire after the set period.

Checking your current point total

You can find your current point total by requesting your driving record from the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The easiest method is online through their website — you provide your driver's license number and date of birth, and you receive an when ready digital copy. There is a small fee, usually $5 to $10.

You can also request a record by mail by completing a form and sending it to the Department of Public Safety with payment. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. If you need your record when ready, visit a local driver's license office in person — they can print a copy on the spot.

Your record shows every violation on file, the date it occurred, the point value, and when the points will expire. Review it carefully to confirm accuracy. If you see a violation you do not recognize or believe is incorrect, contact the Department of Public Safety to dispute it.

What happens if you accumulate points while suspended

If you receive a traffic violation while your license is suspended, you face two separate consequences. First, the new violation adds points to your record as normal. Second, you face criminal charges for driving with a suspended license, which carries fines up to $500 and possible jail time.

A conviction for driving with a suspended license also adds 6 points to your record, compounding the problem. If you are already close to suspension, this single offense can push you over the limit again, extending your suspension period. The best approach is to not drive while suspended — use rideshare, public transportation, or ask someone else to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get points removed before two years pass?

Only through traffic school, which removes up to 3 points and can be used once every three years. Not all violations are may be able to access — DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run cannot be reduced. You must get court permission before enrolling in traffic school.

Does paying my fine reduce my points?

No. Paying the fine and serving any suspension are separate from points. Points remain on your record for two years regardless of whether you pay when ready or late. Only traffic school removes points before the two-year expiration.

What if I was found not guilty of a violation?

No points are added to your record if you are acquitted or the charge is dismissed. Points are assigned only after conviction or a guilty plea. Request a copy of your driving record to confirm the violation does not appear.

How do I know when my suspension will end?

The Department of Public Safety mails you a suspension notice with the effective date and length of suspension. A first suspension lasts 60 days, a second lasts 90 days, and a third or more lasts 180 days. After the suspension period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to restore your license.

Can I drive to work during a suspension?

Alabama does not issue restricted or hardship licenses during a suspension period. You cannot drive for any reason, including work, during your suspension. Driving while suspended is a criminal offense separate from the original violation.