Vehicle Registration:
Individuals relocating to Alabama
who have a valid registration from another jurisdiction have 30 days from the
date entering the state to register the vehicle. There is no
requirement to re-register active duty member-owned vehicles bearing current
tags of member's state of domicile. Vehicles registered in name of
dependents must be registered within 30 days. Individuals must register vehicles
with the probate judge office. Pre-1975 models require bills of sale or other
evidence of ownership; 1975 and later models require certificates of title.
When registering vehicles, you must bring the vehicle with you (they
verify the serial number) and you must bring your title and proof of
insurance. If there is a lien, bring a photocopy of title with lien
holder's address and the loan number along with current
registration. There is no emission testing in
Alabama.
Insurance:
All vehicles registered or operated in
Alabama are required to be covered by a liability insurance policy.
The
insurance must provide a minimum of $20,000 for injury liability for one person
in an accident, $40,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $10,000 for
property damage in an accident. An insurance company qualified to issue motor
vehicle liability insurance in Alabama must issue the policy.
Driver's License
Newcomers have 30 days after establishing
residency to obtain a license, however, valid state of domicile licenses for
military members and dependents will be honored. Learner's permit can
be obtained at age 15 in Alabama and licenses at age 16. Learner's
permits, license or out-of state applications must be made at the Drivers
License Examining Station in Montgomery.
There are several restrictions
on the issuance of driver's licenses to drivers under the age of 18. A person
under 18 may not apply for a regular driver's license until the person has held
a temporary instruction or learner's permit for six months. If the
applicant is 16 years old, he shall submit verification of a parent or legal
guardian's approval and verification of his completion of at least 30 hours of
behind-the-wheel practice or a state-approved driver's education
course. Anyone issued a driver's license after Oct. 1, 2002, who is
either 17 and licensed for less than six months or 16 years old shall have a
restricted license. With a restricted license, a teen cannot operate a vehicle
if there are more than four people in the car not including a parent or
guardian. The licensee also cannot drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless a
parent, guardian or a licensed driver over 21 is with him, or unless he is
driving to or from work, a school-sponsored event, a religious event, or in an
emergency situation.
Traffic:
Wear of seatbelts is an Alabama
State Law is mandatory for on-base driving. Stiff penalties will be enforced for
those not wearing seatbelts. Drivers are responsible for their passengers.
Accidents:
According to state law, traffic violations are
classified as misdemeanors unless otherwise stated by law. The penalty for a
first-time misdemeanor traffic offense is not more than $100 or 10 days in jail;
for conviction of a second offense committed within one year after the date of
the first offense, the driver can be punished by not more than $200 or by
imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both. For conviction of a third or
subsequent offense committed within one year after the date of the first
offense, the punishment is a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment of up to three
months, or both.
For felony traffic convictions, the driver can be
sentenced to not less than one year or more than 10 years, a fine of up to
$5,000, or both.
A person can be arrested for DUI if his blood alcohol is
.08 percent or more, if he is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled
substance, or both, or under the influence of any substance that impairs mental
and/or physical faculties enough to render him incapable of driving
safely.
For a person under the age of 21, the legal blood alcohol limit
is .02 percent. If convicted of a first-time offense, the person under 21 shall
have his license suspended for 30 days and the state will not disclose records
of the conviction, except to the court, law enforcement agencies and the
person's employer. The person also shall be fined and ordered to attend and
complete a DUI or substance abuse court referral program.
Helment
Laws:
No one is allowed to operate or ride on a motorcycle in the state
of Alabama without a protective helmet that complies with the following
standards: Specifically designed for motorcycle use; has a hard exterior shell
of non-shatterable material, resistant to impact and penetration; has a firmly
secured shock absorbent cradle for the head, designed to support the helmet and
maintain separation between the head and outer shell; has impact-resistant,
absorbent padding or cushioning material of substantial thickness in all areas
where the head is near or may come in contact with the outer shell; has a
permanently attached, adjustable chin strap. If it has a visor, the visor must
be flexible or have a snap-on type and be no more than a quarter-inch above the
surface of the exterior shell.
For more information on Alabama Motor
Vehicles, visit Contacts/Links.