The Ins and Outs of a License Suspension in Alabama
Did you know that getting too many traffic tickets could result in your license being suspended? That’s right. As a licensed driver, you are held to a point system where, in each occurrence of a traffic offense, you accrue points. The point system in Alabama is based on the seriousness of the traffic offense committed. If a driver accrues too many “points” in a two-year period, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (“ALEA”) might send you a letter in the mail saying you will lose your license.
It is important to note that the points accrue only after a conviction, not simply by being cited. Depending on how many points someone gets on their driving record in the two year period, their license may be temporarily suspended 60 days, up to an entire year.
Here is the breakdown of what some of the most common traffic offenses may cost you:
Speeding (1 to 25mph over speed limit) 2
Speeding (26 or more mph over speed limit) 5
Reckless driving or reckless endangerment involving operating a motor vehicle 6
Failure to yield right of way 5
Passing stopped school bus 5
Wrong side of the road/Illegal passing 4
Following too closely 3
Disregarding traffic control device (stop sign, traffic light, etc.) 3
All other moving violations 2
Improper lane 2
Drinking alcohol while operating a vehicle 2
Improper operation of motorcycle 2
Any conviction which resulted from a charge that involved the drinking 6
of alcoholic beverages and the driving of a motor vehicle but did not
require mandatory revocation of the driver license
As mentioned above, the range of suspension depends on how many points are on the driving record.
Per ALEA’s regulations, the following time limits apply:
12-14 points - 60 days
15-17 points - 90 days
18-20 points - 120 days
21-23 points - 180 days
24 and above points - 365 days
So, what happens if you get The Letter? When ALEA places a driver on notice that they have exceeded the allotted points in a two-year period, a letter will be mailed to the address on record. Within ten (10) days of receipt of the letter, the recipient must file a requiest for an administrative hearing. Once that request is filed, your suspension will not start until the hearing can be deducted. Do not show up to this hearing alone. It is vital that you have an attorney that can navigate the laws and advocate on your behalf.
If you qualify, your attorney may also be able to apply for you to receive a Hardship License. These licenses do not grant the same driving rights as a regular license, but it does allow someone to be granted driving privileges for the necessary trips in life. Though this is not a guaranteed right, having a skilled attorney by your side gives you the best chance possible for a positive outcome.
If you are facing a license suspension or are seeking license reinstatement, give us a call today at (334) 339-0667. We will fight to get you legally back on the road and moving in the right direction!