Introduction

When it comes to road safety and maintaining a good driving record, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) plays a significant role in ensuring these objectives are met. ALEA is responsible for monitoring and enforcing traffic laws, investigating car accidents, and maintaining Alabama driving records. This blog post will delve into the various responsibilities and services provided by ALEA and how they ultimately contribute to safer roads in the state of Alabama.

The Role of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Along with the overall responsibility of ensuring public safety and upholding traffic laws, ALEA has numerous specific duties that are essential to promoting a safe driving environment. These tasks include:

1. Issuing Driver's Licenses

One of ALEA's primary duties is to issue driver's licenses and maintain driver records within Alabama. These records help keep track of each driver's violations and help classify drivers based on their risk level. Additionally, ALEA is responsible for administering driving tests and ensuring that only qualified individuals are granted driving privileges in the state.

2. Traffic Law Enforcement

Another critical task that ALEA undertakes is enforcing traffic laws to minimize the number of driving violations on the road. Some of the most common traffic laws are related to speeding, seatbelt usage, passing in a no-passing zone, and driving under the influence (DUI).

This enforcement is carried out through a combination of traffic patrols, checkpoints, and specialized divisions such as the Motorcycle Unit, Traffic Homicide Unit, and the Helicopter Unit.

3. DUI Enforcement

Driving under the influence remains a significant problem on the roads of Alabama. ALEA is committed to combating this issue by providing specialized DUI enforcement units, such as the Impaired Driving Enforcement (IDE). These units are trained to detect intoxicated drivers and ultimately ensure they are held accountable for their actions on the road.

4. Crash Investigation and Reporting

Another essential obligation of ALEA is to investigate traffic accident scenes and report their findings in a timely manner. This helps insurance companies to process claims quickly and can also provide crucial information for legal proceedings or future accident prevention measures.

Alabama's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

One of the ways ALEA promotes safer roads in Alabama is through the implementation of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. The GDL stages include:

1. Learner's Permit (Stage I)

Minimum age of 15

Supervised driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old

At least 30 hours of supervised driving practice

Mandatory holding period of at least six months

2. Restricted License (Stage II)

Minimum age of 16

Unsupervised driving during day hours

No driving from midnight to 6 a.m., with some exceptions

Required to pass a road skills test

No more than one non-family member passenger under 21 years old

Mandatory use of seat belts for driver and all passengers

3. Unrestricted License (Stage III)

Minimum age of 17

Completion of Stages I and II

No restrictions on unsupervised driving

This program ensures a controlled and monitored introduction to driving, fostering safer habits for young drivers.

Accessing Your Alabama Driving Record

Alabama residents can obtain a copy of their driving record, also known as a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). An individual's driving record contains crucial information, including past traffic violations, accidents, and points assessed. Accessing one's driving record has various advantages, such as verifying information, checking for errors, and ensuring you meet the requirements for car insurance discounts.

To obtain a copy of your Alabama driving record, you can:

1. Visit the ALEA Driver License website: [ALEA eServices](https://www.alabamainteractive.org/dl_renewal/welcome.action)

2. Complete and submit the online request form

3. Pay a small processing fee and receive your driving record online instantly

Points System and Driving Record

Alabama utilizes a points system based on the severity of specific traffic violations. Accumulating points on your driving record can lead to increased insurance premiums, suspension of your driver's license, or even the requirement to complete a defensive driving course. The following are some examples of the points assigned to different traffic violations:

Speeding (1-25 mph over the limit): 2 points

Speeding (26+ mph over the limit): 5 points

Failure to yield right of way: 5 points

Reckless driving: 6 points

DUI: 6 points

Drivers who accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period face having their license suspended, with the length of suspension varying based on the total number of points accrued.

Final Thoughts

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency plays a pivotal role in ensuring the roads of Alabama remain safe for all drivers. By enforcing traffic laws, providing education through the Graduated Driver Licensing program, and maintaining driving records, ALEA helps reduce accidents and ultimately saves lives.