Motor Vehicle Felonies: Reckless Driving, DUI, Suspended License & More
An MVR check may reveal serious driving-related crimes. Learn more about the different types of motor vehicle felonies.
Guide To Alabama MVR & Driving Record Checks
Alabama driving records are often used by employers to gain insight into a candidate’s driving history and determine eligibility to operate a vehicle or machinery. Motor vehicle reports in Alabama may help employers create a safer work environment, promote public safety, mitigate risk, and save on insurance. This guide covers what employers should know about an Alabama MVR search.
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Get StartedWhat Is An Alabama MVR?
An Alabama driving record, also known as a motor vehicle record (MVR), provides detailed information about an individual’s driving history within the state of Alabama. This may include license type and status, accident history, and vehicle-related incidents, like DUIs.
There are two main types of Alabama motor vehicle records: a three-year driver record and full driver abstract. Both reports provide the same information, but a three-year driver’s record contains driving history for the past three years, while a driver’s abstract includes an individual’s entire driving history in Alabama.
Why Should Employers Order Alabama MVR Reports?
Many employers choose to conduct MVR reports in Alabama during the pre-employment screening process to help identify potential areas of risk in a candidate’s driving history, especially for positions that involve operating company vehicles or machinery. Conducting Alabama driving record checks can also help your organization maintain the ability to have a commercial auto insurance policy and prevent increases to insurance premiums.
In some cases, Alabama motor vehicle reports may be required by law. For example, Alabama House Bill 190 requires employers to conduct a criminal background check and MVR check on rideshare drivers. Candidates are disqualified from the role if the results show a history of more than three minor traffic violations or one major violation during the past three years. Under the law, serious traffic violations include fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, and driving with a revoked or suspended license.
Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates employers conduct motor vehicle record checks during the hiring process and annually thereafter if the organization operates vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds, vehicles that seat nine or more passengers, or vehicles that carry hazardous materials.
Commercial driving positions federally regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) are also required to undergo a DOT background check. This includes a check of driving records from the previous three states where a candidate held a license or permit.
How To Check Driving Records in Alabama
Obtaining an Alabama driving record can be done directly through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) subscription service or printable form or by partnering with a third-party provider, like GoodHire. A full Alabama driver’s abstract is only available to the candidate and can be requested in-person by visiting an ALEA Driver License Office.
Many employers choose to partner with a third-party provider, like GoodHire, to speed the process. Turnaround times for MVR checks with GoodHire are often the same day, helping you to hire quickly. Plus, you can search in multiple states for a more comprehensive report.
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Get StartedWhat Information Shows Up On A Driving Record?
An Alabama driving record may include driver license status and class, license issue and expiration dates, Alabama driving record points, and details about driving history such as traffic violations, accidents with citations, and convictions within the previous three years.
What Federal Laws Apply In Alabama?
The Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) is a federal law that protects driver license, vehicle registration, and driving record information privacy. To comply with the law when obtaining an MVR report, Alabama employers must typically gain written permission from candidates. However, the law does make exceptions, such as for commercial driver licenses.
Employers that are unsure which Alabama driving record laws apply may want to follow the strictest guidance available and consult with legal counsel to mitigate the risk of legal liability.
Get An Alabama MVR check with GoodHire
By partnering with GoodHire, you can make informed hiring decisions with fast, accurate Alabama MVR checks. GoodHire also offers 100+ screening options for comprehensive background checks, including criminal searches, employment and education verifications, and credit history. Plus, our user-friendly online platform and built-in compliance tools help simplify the process. Get started.
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Disclaimer
The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.