SB32 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Quinton Ross

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, three-stage graduated licensing, age requirements for licensed driver accompanying driver with learner's permit, restrictions on persons 16 or 17 years of age with Stage II driver's license further provided for, operation of hand held communication devices prohibited, Secs. 32-5-64, 32-6-7.2, 32-6-8 am'd.

Summary

SB32 names the three stages of Alabama's graduated licensing and tightens rules for teen drivers, adding device restrictions, hours limits, and a path to move from Stage II to Stage III.

What This Bill Does

It renames the stages as Stage I-Learning Permit, Stage II-Restricted Licensing, and Stage III-Unrestricted or Regular License. It requires the Stage I supervising driver accompanying a learner to be 21 years old, and the seat partner beside the Stage I learner to be 21 or older. It prohibits Stage II drivers from using handheld devices and imposes night-time and passenger limits with several exceptions, plus penalties for certain violations. It also sets criteria for advancing from Stage II to Stage III after six months of holding Stage II with no moving violations, and outlines licensing rules and procedures for Stage I and Stage II learners.

Who It Affects

• Teen drivers (particularly those ages 16-17) who hold or will hold Stage I or Stage II licenses, facing new supervision requirements, device restrictions, hours limits, and potential upgrade timelines.
• Parents/guardians and other adult licensed drivers who supervise learners or Stage II drivers, and driving instructors or schools involved in issuing forms and verifying practice hours.

Key Provisions

• Rename the three graduated-licensing stages to Stage I-Learning Permit, Stage II-Restricted Licensing, and Stage III-Unrestricted (Regular) License.
• Stage I requires a supervising licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, and the accompanying seat partner for Stage I learners must be 21+.
• Stage II prohibits operating a motor vehicle while using a handheld communication device (cell phone or similar) for drivers with Stage II licenses.
• Stage II imposes restricted hours and passenger limits, with exceptions for occasions such as work, school events, religious activities, medical or emergency needs, or hunting/fishing activities (with proper documentation).
• If a Stage II driver commits a second moving violation or certain related offenses, their license is automatically suspended for 60 days and the restricted period is extended.
• A driver with Stage II privileges who has held the license for at least six months and has not had a moving violation in the previous six months can be deemed to have a Stage III (unrestricted) license.
• Stage I and Stage II licensing processes include required tests, forms, and fees, with Stage I licenses issued for four years and the option to upgrade to Stage II or Stage III without additional fees beyond the initial issuance.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles