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Graduated Driver’s License

Alabama highways are among the deadliest in the nation for teen drivers, second only to the state of Wyoming. According to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, in 2008, teen drivers in Alabama were at fault in 27,261 crashes, resulting in 116 deaths.

Research shows that persons who begin driving under conditions that control the number of passengers, restrict night driving, and forbid certain distracting behavior such as cell phone usage, have fewer crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

Alabama Graduated Drivers License Law

Under the present law (enacted in July 2010) 16-17 year old Alabama driver's with a Restricted License:

  • may not have more than one non-family member under the age of 21 in the car
  • may not drive while operating any non-essential handheld communication device
  • may not operate a vehicle between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless...
    • accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
    • accompanied by a licensee 21 years of age or older with parental consent
    • going to or from their place of work
    • going to or from a school-sponsored event
    • going to or from a religious-sponsored event
    • driving due to a medical, fire or law enforcement emergency
    • driving to or from hunting/fishing activities in possession of required licenses

Violations will result in an extension of the graduated license period and/or suspension of the license. 

To better understand the law, watch this video.

Requirement for Each Stage of Graduated Driver's License

What is VOICES doing?

  • VOICES supports strengthening the current teen driving law to match federal recommendations.
  • VOICES led the successful effort that resulted in the 2002 passage of Alabama’s first graduated teen driver’s licensing law and the 2009 which went into effect in July 2010. VOICES worked with pediatricians to educate parents about new laws involving child passenger safety.
  • VOICES partnered with the Departments of Public Safety and Health as well as the Probate Judges to develop GDL educational materials to be available at driver’s licensing sites for parents and teens.
  • VOICES is speaking at meetings and civic clubs around the state to call attention to the GDL issue.

Learn More

Alabama's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Factsheet
Alabama's Graduated Driver's License Law - Video
FAQ - The Learner's License and Restricted License
Graduated Driver's License Form
Nationwide Review of Graduated Drivers Licensing
Schedule Road Skills Test
(Alabama Dept of Public Safetty) Synopsis of GDL Act#2010-735 Effective July 2010 
Summary - 2010 Alabama Graduated Drivers Licensing Law
Teen Crash Report

 

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VOICES for Alabama's Children
P. O. Box 4576
Montgomery, AL 36103-4576

Phone: 334.213.2410
Fax: 334-213-2413
Email: vfac [at] alavoices.org

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