Alabama Driving Records

Alabama driving records, which are also called driving history reports or Alabama motor vehicle records, generally contain key information such as traffic violations, license status, and accident history. Managed generally by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), these DMV driving records help monitor driver behavior and determine penalties under the state's point system.

Keeping track of your driving record is important to avoid license suspension and higher insurance rates. Each state maintains its own records, and in Alabama, access is regulated by federal and state laws. Only authorized individuals or entities may request complete driving records for official use.

What Is an Alabama Driving Record?

In Alabama, a driving record is officially called a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and is processed specifically by the Driver License Department of the ALEA. Employers, insurers, and government agencies use an Alabama MVR to assess a driver's behavior and legal standing.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records?

In Alabama, the difference between official MVRs and public driving records lies in their source, validation, and use.

Official MVRs, issued by ALEA's Driver License Department, are typically validated and used for legal or administrative purposes, such as court proceedings or employment background checks.

Public driving records, which are generally provided by third-party services like RecordsFinder offer an alternative that compiles driver history from public sources. These records are usually useful for employers, insurers, or individuals needing quick access without going through ALEA's formal request process. However, because they are not verified by the state, they may not be accepted for official use.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Below are the most common reasons you may need an Alabama driving record:

• Legal and Administrative Uses: Driving records are often required for legal matters such as court cases, traffic citations, license reinstatements, and more.
• Regulated Positions: Certain professions, such as school bus drivers or rideshare operators, must undergo driving record checks. For example, the Alabama Child Protection Act and House Bill 190 require thorough background screenings for those supervising minors or transporting passengers.
• Commercial Driving Requirements: Employers hiring commercial drivers may review driving records as part of the pre-employment process and continue monitoring them regularly, as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This generally applies to commercial driver's license (CDL) holders operating in and out of Alabama.
• Insurance Purposes: Auto insurers in Alabama may use driving records to assess risk, determine policy eligibility, and set premium rates. Clean records may lead to lower premiums.
• Driver's License Applications and Renewals: The ALEA reviews driving history to determine eligibility for new licenses, renewals, and any restrictions or penalties.
• Personal Review: You may request your own Alabama driving records to monitor your status, verify information, and dispute any inaccuracies.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

An official Alabama driving record or MVR provides a detailed history of a motorist's driving behavior. The information included in an Alabama driver report typically covers the following:

• Driver's full name & personal information
• License status
• Accident or crash reports
• Convictions
• License suspensions
• Outstanding or issued traffic tickets
• Fines and sentences
• Medical information
• Social Security number (SSN)
• Driver's license number

Types of Driver Records Available in Alabama

Unlike other states that offer various types of driving records, Alabama, according to the ALEA Driver License Online Services page, only provides one type of driving record: the 3-Year Driver Record (MVR). It may be obtained in certified or non-certified versions.

A certified MVR is an official document with an official seal and signature, typically used for legal or administrative purposes. On the other hand, a non-certified MVR, while still accurate, is more commonly used for personal reference or other informal purposes.

Though Alabama only offers one type of driving record, it allows its residents to obtain a crash report, which generally contains detailed information about any accidents the driver has been involved in, including the incident's specifics and whether the driver was at fault.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Alabama

In Alabama, traffic violations are taken seriously and may result in fines, penalties, and points on a driver's record. The state enforces various laws to promote safety on its roads, and drivers must adhere to specific rules to avoid getting tickets.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

In Alabama, traffic violations are divided into moving and non-moving violations, each carrying potential penalties like fines, points on your driver's license, and, in some cases, license suspension or jail time.

Moving Violations

• Speeding: Speed limits in Alabama vary; 70 mph on interstates, 65 mph on multi-lane roads, and 55 mph on standard roads. A speeding ticket in Alabama may lead to fines of up to $500 and a potential license suspension.
• Running a Red Light: Considered a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
• Distracted Driving: Alabama's Hands-Free Law prohibits handheld device use. Fines start at $50 for the first offense.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): In Alabama, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most drivers over 21 years old is 0.08%. First-time DUI convictions may result in up to one year in jail, fines of $600 to $2,100, a 90-day license suspension, court-ordered evaluation, up to two years' probation, and an ignition interlock device.

Non-Moving Violations

• Expired Tags: Driving with an expired registration may result in fines.
• Parking Violations: Includes parking in handicapped spaces without a permit or in no-parking zones, leading to fines or towing.

What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

After receiving a traffic ticket in Alabama, take the following steps:

• Review the Ticket: Check the violation details, fine amount, and due date for payment.
• Decide How to Respond:
  • Pay the Fine: Accept responsibility and pay the fine online, by mail, by telephone, or in person.
  • Request a Hearing: Contest the ticket in court if you believe it was issued by error.
  • Attend Traffic School: For minor offenses, completing traffic school may reduce fines or prevent points on your record.
• Pay or Attend Court: Pay the fine by the due date or appear in court if contesting the ticket. Failure to take action may result in additional penalties.
• Consider Legal Help: For serious violations, you may consult an attorney to guide you through the process.
• Check Your Record: Ensure your driving record is updated after the ticket is resolved.

For more information on how to handle traffic citations, pay fines, and more, check the Alabama Traffic Service Center's website.

How Does the Alabama Point System Work?

In Alabama, the driver's license point system tracks traffic violations and assigns points based on the severity of the offense. Each violation may carry a different point value, typically ranging from 2 to 6 points.

For example, speeding 1 to 25 mph over the limit typically results in 2 points, while more serious violations like passing a stopped school bus or failure to yield the right of way carry 5 points. Other common violations, such as driving on the wrong side of the road, result in 4 points, while tailgating (following too closely) and ignoring traffic control devices generally result in 3 points.

Drivers [may accumulate up to 12 points within two years before facing a suspension. If the point threshold is reached, a suspension period ranging from 60 days to one year may be enforced, depending on the number of points accumulated. Typically, points are added to the driver's record for each conviction but may be removed if the driver avoids further violations.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

Per the Alabama driver's license point system, traffic violations remain permanently on a driver's history. However, the points associated with those violations, which determine whether a driver's license may be suspended, become irrelevant after two years. After this period, the points no longer contribute to suspension calculations, though the conviction itself stays on the record.

Note that while the conviction may not affect license status after two years, it could still impact a driver's auto insurance rates. Insurance providers often review driving records over a multi-year period, meaning that the violation could influence premium rates even after the points have expired.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

It is possible to have traffic violations sealed in Alabama, which prevents certain parties, like potential employers or landlords, from accessing the records.

To request the sealing of traffic violation records, individuals must apply along with a $250 processing fee to the court that handled the case. The court will then review the application and determine whether to seal the records, considering factors such as the severity of the offense.

If the court approves the sealing, the violation will not appear in background checks conducted through online databases or other sources.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

In Alabama, you may request your 3-year vehicle history through online, by mail, or in person, each option with specific requirements:

• Online Request:
  • Visit the ALEA Driver License Online Services page and click the "Purchase My Driver Record" option.
  • You will need to verify your identity by providing your Alabama License/ID/Permit number, the last six digits of your SSN (or an alternative option if you do not have one), your first and last name, date of birth, and residence zip code.
  • After submitting your information, you will be able to access your driving record online.
• Mail-In Request:
  • Download and complete the request form from the ALEA website or obtain it from an ALEA office.
  • Include the payment for the report via certified checks, cashier's checks, or money orders (personal checks are not accepted).
  • Mail the completed form and payment to the mailing address on the form.
• In-Person Request:
  • Visit an ALEA office or a local driver's license issuance site. You will find the nearest office through the online directory available on the ALEA Driver License Online Services page.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or other government-issued ID.
  • Depending on the office, payment can be made by cash, certified checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Alabama?

In Alabama, requesting a driving record or 3-year MVR from the ALEA typically costs $5.75 per request.

If you request your driving record by mail, processing usually takes between one week and 10 days, depending on postal handling times. Online requests are processed instantly once your identity is verified, while in-person requests are typically faster than mail and may offer same-day processing, depending on availability.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

In Alabama, you cannot obtain a full driving record for free, as there is typically a fee for accessing your MVR. However, you may review your driving history for free by accessing court records related to any traffic violations.

To do so, contact the clerk of the court that handled your case. You may view the court records for free, but fees may apply if you need copies or if the records are mailed to you. However, this method only covers traffic violation cases and does not provide a complete driving record.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

In Alabama, a bad driving record typically results from accumulating both moving and non-moving violations. Moving violations, such as speeding, running red lights, and DUI, are more serious and directly affect your driving skills.

These offenses add points to your driving record and may lead to fines, increased insurance rates, and possible license suspension if too many points accumulate (12+ points in 2 years).

On the other hand, non-moving violations, like parking tickets and expired tags, usually do not affect your driving ability, although they still result in fines. In Alabama, parking tickets do not appear on your driving record, and warnings are not recorded either.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A bad driving record in Alabama leads to higher insurance premiums, especially for DUIs, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents, which may double or triple rates. Insurers review 3-5 years of violations, and multiple offenses may require costly SR-22 insurance.

For employment, trucking and delivery companies check 3-7 years of driving history, often rejecting applicants with DUIs, suspensions, or excessive tickets. Even minor violations may disqualify drivers from jobs requiring clean records.

Defensive driving courses may help reduce points and improve insurability. Over time, maintaining a clean record lowers costs and restores job opportunities in driving-related fields.

Who Can Access Your Alabama Driving History?

In Alabama, driving histories are generally considered public under the Alabama Public Records Law, but access is restricted by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

This means that while certain details, such as violations or license status, may be available to the public, personal information like a driver's address, Social Security Number, or phone number is protected and will be redacted unless specific criteria are met.

Only authorized individuals or entities may access full MVRs, and they typically need to meet other requirements, such as submitting a completed "Request for Motor Vehicle Record Containing Personal Information". The DPPA allows full access to MVRs for various approved uses, such as:

• Government agencies or law enforcement conducting official duties
• Insurers using the information for claims, underwriting, or anti-fraud efforts
• Employers verifying commercial driver credentials
• Licensed private investigators acting within legal boundaries
• Entities involved in litigation or court proceedings
• Towing companies notifying vehicle owners
• Researchers or market analysts using anonymized data
• Any party with the written consent of the individual involved

Unauthorized use or misrepresentation may lead to penalties under both federal and state law.

FAQs About Alabama Driving Records

Below are answers to common questions about Alabama driving records.

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