Alabama Driver Handbook
Alabama DMV Handbook Summary
The Alabama driver handbook is long. We pulled out the most important rules — the ones most likely to appear on your test — and explained them in plain, simple English.
Covers the key rules from the official Alabama DMV handbook
Practice These Rules Now
🚗 Speed Limits You Must Know
Unpaved roads (unless otherwise posted)35 mph
County paved roads (no signs posted)45 mph
Default speed limit (other locations)55 mph
Posted highways (maximum)65 mph
Interstate highways (maximum)70 mph
🛑 Right of Way Rules
4-way stop — who goes first?First to arrive, or rightmost if tied
Uncontrolled intersectionYield to vehicle on your right
Turning leftYield to oncoming traffic
Entering a roundaboutYield to vehicles already inside
Pedestrians at crosswalkAlways yield — they have right of way
Emergency vehicles with sirenPull over right and stop
📏 Safe Following Distance
Normal conditions2 seconds
Unpredictable trafficMore than 2 seconds
Applies at all legal speeds2 seconds minimum
⚠️ Alcohol & DUI Laws
First DUI fine (minimum)$600
First DUI fine (maximum)$2,100
First DUI license suspension90 days
Second DUI license suspension (within 5 years)1 year
Second DUI jail time (maximum within 5 years)1 year
Fourth DUI classificationClass C felony
Refusing chemical test suspension90 days
🅿️ Parking Rules
From a fire hydrant15 feet minimum
At a crosswalk or intersection20 feet minimum
In front of a drivewayNever — always illegal
On a sidewalkNever — always illegal
Double parkingNever — blocking traffic is illegal
Handicap spaces without placardNever — heavy fine
📵 Cell Phone & Distracted Driving
Texting while drivingIllegal (primary offense)
Handheld phone calls (adults)Legal
Hands-free calls (adults)Legal
Key DMV Words to Know
Right of way
The right to go first. When you 'have the right of way,' other drivers must wait for you.
Yield
Slow down and let other cars or people go first. It is NOT a complete stop, but you must wait if needed.
Merge
Smoothly move your car into another lane of traffic. You must match the speed of traffic and find a safe gap.
Pedestrian
A person who is walking — not in a car or bike. Pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks.
Crosswalk
A marked area where people can safely walk across the street. Always stop for pedestrians here.
School zone
An area near a school where you must drive more slowly to keep children safe.
Roundabout
A circular road junction where you drive around a center island. Cars inside the roundabout have the right of way.
Blind spot
An area around your car that you cannot see in your mirrors. Always turn your head to check blind spots before changing lanes.
BAC (Blood Alcohol Content)
A measure of how much alcohol is in your blood. In most US states, 0.08% BAC is the legal limit for driving.
DUI / DWI
Driving Under the Influence / Driving While Intoxicated. This means driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. It is illegal and very dangerous.
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