Alabama Reckless Driving

Reckless driving in Alabama results in a fine of up to $200, possible jail time, and six points on your driving record. Repeat offenders have harsher penalties.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Alabama
labels reckless driving as a misdemeanor, and first convictions result in a maximum fine of $200, possible jail time, and six demerit points. Second and subsequent convictions will face increased punishments, including possible license suspension or revocation.
When it comes to reckless driving, it’s all about choice. Did you choose to go 15 mph over the speed limit? Did you choose to run the red light to save yourself two extra minutes? Choosing to obey the rules of the road will help keep you and your fellow drivers safe.
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How does Alabama define reckless driving?

Alabama defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle "carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of persons or property, or without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property."
In other words, reckless driving can be identified as any driving maneuver that creates an unsafe driving environment.
Some examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Ignoring safety laws
  • Continuously failing to use your turn signal when switching lanes
  • Failing to make a full stop at stop signs
  • Swerving from lane to lane
  • Ignoring speed limits
  • Passing a stopped school bus
These may seem like basic rules of the road, but they are designed specifically to create order and safety. Deviations from the rules, small or large, can be identified as reckless driving by local law enforcement.

What are the penalties for reckless driving in Alabama?

In Alabama, reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense and has increasingly harsh penalties for repeat offenders. Alabama has no intention of keeping dangerous drivers on their roads if they show continuous bad driving habits. All reckless driving offenses will be subject to the following penalties of jail time and/or fines.
First reckless driving offense:
  • Jail time: 5 to 90 days
  • Fines: $25 to $500
Second or subsequent reckless driving offense:
If you are charged with three reckless driving offenses within one year, your license will be revoked.
In addition to the penalties, each reckless driving offense will add six
demerit points
to the vehicle operator’s
Alabama driving record
.
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How long do points/convictions stay on my record?

When it comes to your driving record, Alabama forgives but never forgets: demerit points remain on your driving record for a lifetime
If you accumulate a certain amount of demerit points within a two-year window, your license will be suspended. This is how the system operates:
  • 12 to 14 demerit points = 60 day suspension
  • 15 to 17 demerit points = 90 day suspension
  • 18 to 20 demerit points = 120 day suspension
  • 21 to 23 demerit points = 180 day suspension
  • 24+ demerit points = 365 day suspension
The distribution of demerit points is dependent on the seriousness of the driving offense. Common penalties, like making an illegal U-turn, are worth two points. Reckless driving offenses are worth six points.
Even though demerit points exist forever, you MAY have the option of clearing certain tickets from your driving record by attending an
Alabama driving school
. Contact your local Department of Public Safety office for more information about your specific case.
Key Takeaway Demerit points will stay on your driving record permanently, although they can only be used to justify a license suspension for two years after the conviction.

Will reckless driving make my insurance go up?

A reckless driving conviction can cause your
auto insurance rates
to go up the next time your policy's
up for renewal
.
In Alabama, auto insurance companies raise their rates by an average of $895 annually for policyholders convicted of reckless driving. This is a 66% increase from local Alabama auto insurance rates.
The moral of the story—drive safe, save money.
Jerry
brought my insurance deductible down from $2,500 to $1,000 without me having to switch companies. I even had a ticket on my record. If it can help me, Jerry will definitely help you save money.” —Maxwell N.
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FAQs

Yes. Although you may just have to pay a fine, you could also go to jail for 5 to 90 days after a first-time reckless driving conviction. Jail sentences increase for repeat offenders.
First offenders must pay a minimum $25 fine and will be penalized with six driving record demerit points.
No. Reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor in Alabama, not a felony.
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