Fleeing or Eluding an Officer
Ala. Code § 13A-10-52 — eluding in a car is a felony, but driving at the limit to the nearest safe place is not
- Intentionally fleeing, by any means, from someone known to be an officer who is known to be trying to make an arrest is a Class A misdemeanor.
- Intentionally fleeing or trying to elude an officer in a motor vehicle after a signal to stop is a Class D felony.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
| When | Grade |
|---|---|
| WhenThe flight causes a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian, or physical injury, or crosses into a neighboring state | GradeClass C felony |
| WhenA child under 14 is in the vehicle, or the person is on bail, probation or parole, or has a prior conviction for fleeing | GradeClass C felony |
| WhenThe flight causes serious physical injury or death, or runs more than 20 miles per hour over the limit | GradeClass B felony |
| WhenThe person strikes or tries to strike an officer or an officer's vehicle, or has two or more prior convictions | GradeClass B felony |
A conviction brings a license suspension of 6 months to 2 years. A second within 5 years carries at least 90 days of confinement, and a third within 7 years at least 180 days.
Driving on to a safe place. It is not a violation to keep traveling at or below the speed limit, with or without the flashers on, intending to stop at the nearest safe place.
Sources for this section (1)
- Ala. Code § 13A-10-52 — Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement Officer
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.