Alabama Car Inspection Laws
When you own a car in the state of Alabama, you have certain obligations. One of those involves keeping your car up-to-date under and in compliance with the state’s car inspection laws. When a car isn’t maintained properly or fails a car inspection, it can pose a threat to the driver, passengers, and other motorists on the road.
So, to avoid that, here’s everything you need to know about Alabama’s car inspection laws in a nutshell.
If you have additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Mobile car accident lawyers at Lattof & Lattof, PC today.
Table of Contents
Does Alabama Require Cars to Have Annual Safety Inspections?
Many states require motorists to put their vehicles through an annual test to prove their roadworthiness. These inspections usually occur about the same time those drivers are due to renew their registrations. The state of Alabama does not force residents to undergo a yearly vehicle safety inspection.
They can renew their tags without having to go through any form of testing.
When Does the State of Alabama Require Vehicle Inspections?
Alabama does not have any annual inspection requirements, regardless of the make or model year of the vehicle in question. However, that does not mean that the state never forces drivers to get their cars tested.
The Yellowhammer State only requires a safety inspection in the following scenarios:
- When a person wishes to sell their vehicle to another party
- When a person wishes to transfer the ownership of their car, and
- When a person wishes to rebuild salvaged vehicles
State law also mandates that certain commercial vehicles undergo safety testing from time to time.
Where Does the State of Alabama Conduct Car Safety Inspections?
Many jurisdictions in the United States require motorists to take their cars to a private mechanic or auto technician to get them inspected. The state of Alabama, however, does not rely on third parties to process its tests.
Motorists who need to get a vehicle inspected in the Yellowhammer State must visit a Motor Vehicle Title and Tag Office. This government authority has branches in rural and metropolitan areas throughout the state.
What Should Drivers Bring to a Car Inspection in the State of Alabama?
When Mobile drivers take their car to a Motor Vehicle Title and Tag Office to undergo testing, they should bring the following documents with them:
- Proof of Ownership: Officials usually accept paper and electronic copies of a motorist’s certificate of title.
- Proof of Insurance: Drivers must show a copy of a car insurance policy that is valid, and that meets Alabama’s minimum coverage requirements.
- Photo Identification: A valid Alabama driver’s license is the state’s preferred form of identification. However, motorists can also show a passport or Green Card.
Government officials regularly turn away Alabama motorists who forget to bring these documents with them to their inspection.
What Happens During Vehicle Inspections in the State of Alabama?
The primary goal of Alabama vehicle inspections is to evaluate the safety and roadworthiness of a car. To accomplish this objective, testers review several aspects of the automobile, including:
- The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- The make
- The model
- The color
- The number of cylinders
- The odometer reading
- Any visible damage to the car
Vehicles that undergo these tests in the state Alabama receive inspection stickers that signify their roadworthiness.
Do Vehicles in Alabama Have to Undergo an Annual Emissions Test?
In an effort to reduce pollution and improve air quality, many states make motorists put their vehicles through an annual emissions test. As with the standard safety inspection, these examinations typically occur before the driver can renew their tag.
In the state of Alabama, emissions tests are not required annually. Drivers may re-register their cars and trucks without putting it through an examination of this nature.
What to Do If You Get into an Accident with an Uninspected Vehicle
Getting into a collision with a car that has not gone through its mandatory state inspection can be a terrifying experience. However, it does not have to ruin your life. In most instances, you can safeguard your future by:
Seeking Immediate Medical Attention (If Necessary)
When you get into a car accident on an Alabama road, your health must be your top priority. So, as soon as the dust settles, you should take a few minutes to examine your body for signs of injury. You should be especially vigilant for:
- Deep lacerations
- Unusual protrusions
- Numbness, and
- Lack of mobility
If you believe you require medical treatment, call emergency services and ask for an ambulance as quickly as possible. If you cannot reach your cell phone, you can have a third party call on your behalf.
Contacting Your Car Insurance Company
Once you have received the medical care you require, you must grab your phone and contact your car insurance company to tell them that you were in an auto accident. During your call, you should avoid providing them with any information that they might use against you if you make a claim. Typically, you only need to tell them:
- That you got into a crash
- When the collision occurred, and
- Where the accident happened
Should they ask you for any additional information, you may tell them that you would prefer not to answer.
Calling the Police
When you finish speaking with your insurance company, you must contact the police to tell them that an accident occurred. They will send an officer to your location to put together a detailed crash report.
When writing this report, the officer might ask you to provide a statement. If they do, you should try to give them as much factual information as you can. You might need to use the report as evidence in a personal injury suit at a later date.
Gathering Evidence from the Scene of the Crash
If you think you might want to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver, you would be wise to gather evidence before you leave the crash scene. You can start by speaking to witnesses and asking them to provide you with their contact information, in case you need them to testify in your case.
You can also take a couple of minutes to take plenty of photos and videos of the crash scene. Doing so can help to prevent the defendant from lying about anything that happened before, during, or after the accident.
Calling a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Lawyer
When you have the evidence you require, you would be smart to contact a skilled personal injury attorney, like those at Lattof & Lattof, PC, as quickly as you can. They will be able to help your fight for compensation by:
- Providing you with astute legal advice and guidance as required
- Communicating with the defendant’s insurer on your behalf
- Putting together an effective legal strategy for your case
- Taking care of the administrative side of your lawsuit
- Speaking with relevant experts about the nuances of your case
- Looking for relevant evidence that might help your case
- Providing you with an overview of the Alabama legal system
- Helping you understand the legal options that are available to you
- Review the details of your crash and assessing your damages
- Launching an investigation into the cause of your crash
- Giving you honest answers to all of your legal questions
- Negotiating a settlement with the other party’s insurer
- Arguing on your behalf in court, if required
Are you ready to have a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer from Lattof & Lattof, PC, help you with your fight for damages? Then please reach out to us today to set up a free initial consultation at our law offices in Mobile, AL. We have been handling cases involving uninspected vehicles for many years, and we are ready to go to battle for you.
How Much Compensation Will You Get for Your Collision with an Untested Car?
The amount of compensation you are likely to receive at the conclusion of your personal injury lawsuit depends on a wide range of factors, such as:
- The cost of your initial medical treatment
- The fees associated with your rehabilitation
- The expenses you will incur for your ongoing healthcare needs
- The cost to repair or replace your personal property
- The amount of time you missed from your job
- The impact your injuries will have on your ability to work
- The mental anguish you endured because of your injuries
- The effect your injuries will have on your overall quality of life
- The limits on the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy
If your injuries are minor, and you can continue your career, your payout is likely to be modest. However, if your injury left you with permanent health issues, your compensatory award will probably be much more sizable.
Would you like to have one of our skilled lawyers take a look at your case and provide you with an estimate of its worth? If so, please contact us at your earliest convenience to arrange a meeting at our Mobile law offices. We have years of experience in the legal field, so you can feel confident that our assessment is highly accurate.
Want More Details About the Alabama Car Inspection Laws? Contact Our Mobile Law Firm Today
If you want more information about the Alabama car inspection laws or an attorney to help you file suit against a motorist in an untested vehicle, you can always count on Lattof & Lattof, PC. We have the statutory knowledge and legal experience required to give you the assistance you need. Reach out to our car accident attorneys in Mobile today to learn more about our services.
