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.
Current Alabama Law
Under the present law 16-17 year old Alabama driver's with a Graduated 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 enforecement 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 suspenson of the license.
Requirement for Each Stage of Graduated Driver License:
Stage I-Learner’s Permit
- At age of at least 15, obtain a learner’s license for at least six months and drive only with a licensed driver over the age of 21.
- Complete a minimum of 30 hours behind the wheel driving practice.
Stage II-Restricted Driver’s License for first six months of driving
- Must be 16 or older.
- May not drive between midnight and 6:00 a.m. with exceptions as noted (see above).
- Only one non-family occupant in the car.
- May not use any handheld communication devices while driving.
- Any violation of the above rules or a traffic ticket or car crash extends the time period for Stage II.
Stage III-Unrestricted or Regular License
- Must be age 17 or older. Those who are age 17 must have a Stage II license for at least six months before applying for Stage III license. Individuals who are age 18 and older may apply immediately for a Stage III license (passing score on road skills exam is required).
Enforcement:
Violations of any of the graduated driver license law restrictions will result in the restrictive period being extended by six months or until the licensee reaches age 18.
Violations of the above conditions are considered traffic violations, but the licensees will not be subject to any criminal penalties or court costs. No citation will be issued unless the licensee is stopped for a separate violation of the law and issued a citation or warrant for the separate violation. No points will be assessed for violation of the above restrictions.
If a licensee is convicted of a second moving traffic violation or is convicted of failure to give information, render aid, racing, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, illegal passing, driving on the wrong side of the road or any other offense where four or more points are assessed, his or her license will automatically be suspended for 60 days. This rule will also apply to other violations as designated by rules and regulations that may be imposed pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.
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
2010 GDL Talking Points
Federal Guidelines
Teen Crash Report
Nationwide Review of Graduated Drivers Licensing
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration