Reader’s Question:

I just want to know how long does a moving violation stay on driver’s record in Alabama?

Ben

Thank you for asking Ben.

Alabama Driver’s Manual and DPS states different point amounts that is being assessed by the state for different traffic violation. It also is noted that after 2 years of a moving conviction, it loses its point count for suspension purposes but remains on a driver’s record.

There is no information that violation are taken off your AL driving record after any certain period of time. A normal moving conviction remains on a driver’s record for a period of 3 years. but loses its point count for suspension purposes after two years.

Some offenses, may stay on a driving record for a longer period of time. The DPS noted however that it applies differently from person to person on the time period depending upon the circumstances surrounding the DUI and its conviction.

If you have any more questions reagrding an Alabama driving record you may contact the the AL Department of Public Safety (DPS) directly.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Can I drive a vehicle without insurance in Birmingham AL?

Paul

Thank you for asking Paul.

All motor vehicles operated on public highways in Alabama must have a minimum liability insurance coverage. Minimum liability insurance required for all motor vehicles being operated. Trailers are exempted from the insurance requirements.

The Minimum Liability Insurance (MLI) law requires motor vehicle owners to have liability insurance in the following minimum amounts:

* $20,000 for death or bodily injury to one person;
* $40,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons; and
* $10,000 for damage or destruction of property of others.

To avoid facing severe penalties, you must not drive without insurance. You may the use the website to get more information on whats the best policy for you.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I purchased a car for my son and I just want to know if it can be registered under his name? What is the minimum age requirement for registering vehicles? I live in Alabama.

Samantha

Thank you for asking Samantha.

Generally, a juvenile cannot go into a contract therefore it is less possible that an individual can be a sole owner of a motor vehicle. Normally a minor cannot own property until he/she turns 18 and become an adult. The minor’s parents technically own the property in most cases. For instance if a parent will co-sign on a loan for a vehicle, the juvenile can purchase a vehicle, but the parent will still be the legal owner.

Those states that will allow a minor to register a vehicle normally will require a parent or guardian to sign on any legal documents or contracts since they are still a minor.

Theres no information in the Alabama driver manual that state age restrictions on a person who wants to register a car in their name. To get more information on the minimum age requirement for car ownership in Alabama you will need to contact the AL Motor Vehicle Division.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Is there an age restriction when purchasing a car with finacing? I live in Alabama

Tommy

Thank you for asking Tommy.

I didnt find any information from the Alabama Department of Revenue website that states any law regarding minimum age requirement to own a car.

The state of Alabama does not have limitations on the age one must be to purchase a vehicle. A dealership and financing company will probably have extra requirements if you are a minor. For registration, financing and insurance contracts or legal documents will be signed and if you are a under 18 then usually they will require you to have a parent or guardian sign on the forms with you.

If you are looking to purchase a vehicle as a minor then you may verify with the dealership you wish to buy the vehicle from to see what rules they follow.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I live in Alabama and I just want to know If I am required to list everyone in my household?

Jim

Thank you for asking Jim.

Insurance company’s guidelines differ so if it depends on your insurance company’s policy you are required to list everyone in your household as a motorist. A state’s insurance regulator will allows car insurance providers all resident drivers of an insured vehicle in rating of a car insurance policy. It would still include a teenager in the household even if they only have learner’s permit.

An insurance company usually will require you to list all of your household’s licensed drivers on your policy. They will likely be operating the vehicles listed on the insurance policy so the motorists need to have car insurance coverage on them. Some insurance providers may also permit you to not include drivers in your household however that person would not have insurance coverage if they did operate your car and got involved in an accident.

You can contact the AL Department of Insurance or your insurance company to get more information about car insurance.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Im only 17 and I just want to know if I can get car insurance in Alabama on my own.

Rica

Thank you for asking Rica

A minor of under 18 typicaly would need to get a parent or guardian to sign on with their car insurance policy with them. Once you turn 18 you can acquire your own insurance policy.

Insuranceprovider’s rules and guidelines varies for a teenage drivers so I would suggest that you may shop around for coverage. You should be able to get car insurance in Alabama for a car you own at age 18.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

My husband got involved in an accident but he was not at fault. He received some minor injuries. What do we need to do to cover the medical expenses? We live in Alabama.

Mylene

Thank you for asking Mylene.

It is best to contact the at fault party’s insurance carrier first about making a claim for these that are related to the bodily injuries caused in the accident. The medical expenses were paid for by another entity but it does not necessarily mean that the at fault party is not to pay for other kind of damages caused by the accident.

Generally, there are no set amounts for certain injuries or damages in which there are no medical costs associated since insurance providers are the ones who determine settlements on a several factors using their own internal guidelines that adhere to state laws.

If you need more information regarding the claim after you have placed it with the at-fault’s insurance provider you may try to contact the AL Department of Insurance for help. You may also consult with a lawyer to better understand the Alabama laws regarding your situation.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I just want to know if the law requires the insurance providers to pay for minor damage? Ilive in Alabama.

Harry

Thank you for asking Harry.

According to the Alabama Department of Revenue website “no person shall operate, register or maintain registration of, and no owner shall permit another person to operate, register or maintain registration of, a motor vehicle designed to be used on a public highway unless the motor vehicle is covered by a liability insurance policy”

The Alabama Department of Revenue goes on to say that the type of liability insurance required in Alabama is Bodily Injury (BI) and Property Damage (PD). The minimum amounts required are $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. The policy must be issued by an insurance company qualified to issue motor vehicle liability insurance in Alabama.

The law requires a driver to carry liability insurance, not pay a certain amount if you get rear-ended and have whiplash. It be best to place an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s bodily injury policy. You then would obtain a settlement that would be based on what your medical bills are and other damages. Depending upon how high your medical expenses are from the accident, you could be paid up to the limits of the other party’s BI limits.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

My teenager son’s license got suspended due to receiving too many tickets. The suspension is for 60 days. Will he still be able to get an insurance? We live in Alabama.

Kim

Thank you for asking Kim.

If your teenager son is already on your insurance policy or has his own auto insurance, the insurance company may permit the current insurance policy to stay in effect or active through his suspension or revocation since it is only for 60 months If he does not currently have car insurance or his insurance provider has declned him because of the suspension, or bad driving record, then it possible that he will have a hard time obtaining car insurance during his suspension period.

Since insurance providers rules and guidelines are different your son may need to contact different insurance carriers and shop around for insurance company that will accept him and provide his needs. If he cannot find a company to insure him, due to the suspension or being a high risk, he may contact the Alabama Department of Insurance.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I received a speeding ticket in Alabama. I am licensed in SC. Will this be reported back to my home state?

Ria

Thank you for asking Ria.

Alabama and South Carolina are both members of the Drivers License Compact. This means that the Alabama should report your speeding violation back to your home state or the state in which you are licensed.

In Alabama speeding in excess of posted limits is a 2 point offense. Since you live in South Carolina and do not have an Alabama license, normally it would be your home state which is the South Carolina that would assign points to your driving record.

According to Title 56 of the Motor Vehicle division of the SC Code of Law, traffic offenses for an out of state violation would be a violation in South Carolina as well can be recorded against the driver in SC.

Goodluck!

MariCAR