Top Boating License

With more than one million acres of beautiful lakes and 1,600 miles of winding rivers, Alabama offers unlimited opportunities for boating. In 1997, the state instituted the Boating Safety Act that requires all boat operators to carry a vessel license. This law is one of the toughest in the nation and provides sanctions for drunken drivers and other offenses. When you go to your local driver's license office to apply for your vessel license, you will be given a written test. You can study for this test by studying the Boater's Handbook beforehand. Written tests are not required for those who were 40 or older on April 28, 1994, those who have successfully completed boating courses given by the U.S. Coast Guard or Power Squadron, and residents who have taken the "Boating Basics" course from the Alabama Marine Police. However, you must still have a "V" class added to your license to operate a boat. Documents needed to apply for a vessel license are the same as for your driver's license:

• Certified U.S. birth certificate.

• Social Security card.

• One other form of identification. This can include your valid driver's license, your marriage license, military ID, or a Veterans Administration card.

• $5 testing fee and $23 license fee. Checks are not accepted.

You must be at least 12 to operate a boat on Alabama waters. Students 12-14 will only be issued a vessel learner's license and must be accompanied by a vessel-licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age.

Top Seat Belt Law

Alabama is one of 21 states with an enforced seat belt law. You are required to wear your seat belt at all times when the vehicle is in motion, regardless of trip distance. If you don't buckle up, law enforcement officers can ticket you. African Americans and Latinos in Alabama are at great risk to be involved in a car crash. Studies show that minorities are less likely to wear seat belts. The state is expanding efforts to educate the minority population on the dangers of driving without seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for African Americans from birth to age 14, the second leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds, and the third leading cause of death among Latinos.

Top Car Seats

Use of proper child safety seats has reduced fatal injuries for infants by 71%. Toddler injuries have been reduced by 54%.

In Alabama, follow these requirements based on age and weight:

• Infants and children younger than 1 year old must ride in an infant-only, rear-facing safety seat. The seat's harness straps should rest at or below the shoulder level of the child.

• Toddlers age 1 to 4 should ride facing forward in a convertible seat using a lap belt, with harness straps at or above the shoulders.

• Children age 4 to 8 and weighing more than 40 pounds can be placed in a forward-facing booster seat, utilizing both the shoulder and lap belts of the vehicle. The shoulder strap should be snug across the chest and the lap belt should ride low and tight against the lap.

• All children 12 and under must ride in the back seat.

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