Alabama · Handbook chapter 2 · 3 min read
Chapter 2: How you can lose your license
Cancellation, revocation and suspension of an Alabama license, the reinstatement fees, the offenses that bring mandatory revocation, and the Alabama point system with its suspension schedule.
Why this chapter matters
A license is a privilege that ALEA can take away. The point values and suspension periods are exact numbers that often appear on tests, and knowing them shows how quickly a few tickets can add up.
Four ways to lose a license
- Cancellation: the Director finds you were not entitled to the license, for example because of false information or fraud on the application.
- Revocation: after certain convictions. When the revocation ends you must apply again and pass the complete examinations.
- Suspension: for a set period, after which the license is reinstated if it has not expired and all conditions are met.
- Disqualification: applies to commercial drivers.
Reinstatement fees
- A reinstatement fee of at least $100 applies to any canceled, suspended, revoked or disqualified license.
- Add $50 if you did not surrender your license on time, $25 after drug-related convictions, and $50 after a suspension for unpaid child support.
Offenses that require revocation
- Manslaughter or homicide while driving.
- A second or later DUI conviction, for alcohol or controlled substances.
- Using a vehicle to commit a felony.
- Failing to stop, give aid or identify yourself after a crash causing injury or death.
- Lying under oath about license or vehicle matters.
- Three reckless driving convictions within 12 months.
- Unauthorized use of someone else's vehicle.
Reasons for suspension
Frequent serious violations, habitually reckless or negligent driving, letting someone misuse your license, offenses in another state, fleeing police, racing, failing to answer a traffic summons or pay, withdrawing from school between ages 15 and 18, failing to keep SR-22 insurance when required, unpaid child support, medical reasons, a first DUI or drug offense, and 2 or more moving violations on a graduated license.
The point system
| Offense | Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless driving or reckless endangerment | 6 |
| Alcohol-related driving charge without mandatory revocation; admin per se | 6 |
| Failure to yield the right of way | 5 |
| Passing a stopped school bus | 5 |
| Speeding 26 mph or more over the limit | 5 |
| Wrong side of the road or illegal passing | 4 |
| Following too closely | 3 |
| Ignoring a traffic control device (stop sign, light) | 3 |
| Ignoring construction zone markers, flaggers or officers | 3 |
| Speeding 1 to 25 mph over; improper lane; improper turn; failure to signal; coasting; emergency vehicle violations | 2 |
Suspension schedule (points within two years)
| Points | Suspension |
|---|---|
| 12 to 14 | 60 days |
| 15 to 17 | 90 days |
| 18 to 20 | 120 days |
| 21 to 23 | 180 days |
| 24 or more | 365 days |
Points stop counting toward suspension two years after the conviction, but the conviction stays on your record. You may ask for a hearing in your home county when a suspension is proposed.
Frequently asked questions
How many points lead to a suspension in Alabama?
12 points within two years brings a 60-day suspension, rising to 365 days at 24 points or more.
How many points is speeding?
2 points for 1 to 25 mph over the limit and 5 points for 26 mph or more over.
What is the reinstatement fee?
At least $100, with extra fees in some cases.
Can reckless driving cost me my license?
Yes. Three reckless driving convictions within 12 months require revocation, and each conviction is 6 points.
Based on the Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), published by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division, and the ALEA Driver License Point System page.