Traffic stops, insurance and window tint

Key points

1. When stopped by police, keep both hands on the steering wheel so they are easily seen.

   Source: Handbook p. 67

   “Keep both hands on the steering wheel to ensure they are easily seen.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 67

2. At a traffic stop you need your license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

   Source: Handbook p. 68

   “Driver License Proof of Insurance Vehicle Registration”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 68

3. Liability insurance must be at least $25,000 for one person's injury or death, and $50,000 for two or more.

   Source: Handbook p. 68

   “$25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person; $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons; and $25,000 for damage or destruction of property.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 68

4. An insurance violation can bring up to $500 the first time and up to $1,000 after, and a six month suspension.

   Source: Handbook p. 68

   “may be fined up to $500 for the first violation and up to $1,000 for the second or subsequent violation and/or a six month driver's license suspension.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 68

5. Only the upper 6 inches of the front windshield may be tinted.

   Source: Handbook p. 68

   “only the upper 6 inches of the front windshield may be tinted with a transparent material.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 68

6. Passenger car side and rear windows must allow at least 32 percent light transmission.

   Source: Handbook p. 68

   “all windows (side and rear) may have tinting that allows at least 32 percent light transmission.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 68

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Alabama practice test

1. 1. Under Alabama's Mandatory Liability Insurance law, what offense does a person commit by operating a motor vehicle without liability insurance?

   1. A Class C felony
   2. A Class C misdemeanor
   3. No offense unless a crash occurs
   4. A parking infraction handled by the county
   Show answer

   A Class C misdemeanor. Section 32-7A-16, as amended by Act 2023-479, makes it a Class C misdemeanor to operate a motor vehicle without a liability insurance policy, bond, or cash deposit. The offense does not depend on a crash, so driving uninsured is itself the violation, and it is not a felony or a parking matter. The same section lets an officer move or impound a vehicle when the operator cannot show insurance and registration after a stop or a crash. Alabama's minimum policy is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injury, and $25,000 for property damage.

2. 2. How much of the front windshield may be tinted in Alabama?

   1. The entire windshield at 32 percent
   2. The lower half
   3. None at all
   4. Only the upper 6 inches, with a transparent material
   Show answer

   Only the upper 6 inches, with a transparent material. On all vehicles regardless of classification, only the upper 6 inches of the front windshield may be tinted with a transparent material. On passenger cars all side and rear windows may have tinting that allows at least 32 percent light transmission, and on SUVs, trucks and vans the front seat side windows follow the same 32 percent rule with darker tint allowed behind the driver.

3. 3. What minimum light transmission must Alabama passenger car window tint allow?

   1. At least 5 percent
   2. At least 32 percent
   3. At least 90 percent
   4. At least 70 percent
   Show answer

   At least 32 percent. On passenger cars such as sedans, coupes and station wagons, all side and rear windows may have tinting that allows at least 32 percent light transmission. Front seat side windows of SUVs, trucks, vans and RVs are subject to the same 32 percent restriction, with darker tint permitted behind the driver. Only the upper 6 inches of the windshield may be tinted.

Source: the Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 6: Traffic Laws. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.