Alabama permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 68 Alabama numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

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  • Alcohol & drugs

    For a driver 21 or older, at what blood alcohol concentration is it illegal to drive in Alabama?

    .08 percent or more

    In Alabama it is unlawful to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more, or while under the influence at any level.

    Alabama Driver Manual, page 35

  • Fines, points & penalties

    What are Alabama's minimum liability insurance limits?

    $25,000 per person, $50,000 per crash, $25,000 property

    Alabama's Mandatory Liability Insurance Law requires at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.

    Alabama Driver Manual, page 70

  • Speed limits

    If no other limit is posted, what is the statutory speed limit in an Alabama urban district?

    30 mph

    Alabama's statutory limit in an urban district is 30 mph unless a different limit is posted.

    Alabama Driver Manual, page 62

Every Alabama number, by topic

Official test facts and Alabama laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversalea.gov
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Under Alabama law, it is unlawful to drive with a concentration of .08 percent or more alcohol in the blood, or while under the influence of alcohol.
0.02%BAC limit for drivers under 21alea.gov
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Commercial vehicle operators whose blood alcohol content is .04% or more. • Persons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more.
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclealea.gov
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Commercial vehicle operators whose blood alcohol content is .04% or more. • Persons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more.
$600 to $2,100 · one year · 90-dayDrunk driving (DUI)Fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail, or both, plus a 90-day license suspensionalea.gov
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Penalty for a first conviction is a fine of $600 to $2,100, up to one year in jail or by both fine and imprisonment. In addition, the driver license will be suspended for 90 days.
under 21Drunk driving (DUI)The limit is.02 for drivers under 21 (and school bus and daycare drivers) and.04 for commercial driversalea.gov
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Commercial vehicle operators whose blood alcohol content is .04% or more. • Persons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more.
.08 percentFor a driver 21 or older, at what blood alcohol concentration is it illegal to drive in Alabama?Answer: .08 percent or moreAlabama Driver Manual, page 35
Quote
Under Alabama law, it is unlawful to drive with a concentration of .08 percent or more alcohol in the blood
.02 percentWhat is the blood alcohol limit for an Alabama driver under 21 years old?Answer: .02 percentAlabama Driver Manual, page 35
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Persons under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol content is .02% or more.
.04 percentWhat is the blood alcohol limit for someone driving a commercial vehicle in Alabama?Answer: .04 percentAlabama Driver Manual, page 35
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Commercial vehicle operators whose blood alcohol content is .04% or more.
90 daysBesides a fine and possible jail time, what happens to the driver license after a first DUI conviction in Alabama?Answer: It is suspended for 90 daysAlabama Driver Manual, page 35
Quote
In addition, the driver license will be suspended for 90 days.
48 hours · 20 days · one-yearA driver is convicted of DUI for the second time within 10 years. Which penalty does Alabama require?Answer: 48 hours in jail or 20 days of community service, and a one-year revocationAlabama Driver Manual, page 35
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A mandatory 48 hours jail or 20 days community service and one-year revocation of driver license is required after a second conviction.

Fines, points & penalties

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$50 · $100 · $150 · 24 monthsPhone useFines of up to $50 for a first conviction, $100 for a second and $150 for a third within 24 months, with 1, 2 and 3 pointsalea.gov
Quote
First conviction, $50 fine and 1 point; second conviction, $100 fine and 2 points; third conviction, $150 and 3 points on driver’s record within a 24-month period.
15 mphMove Over lawWith two or more lanes in your direction: vacate the closest lane, or if unsafe, slow to at least 15 mph below the posted limitalea.gov
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If it is not safe to move over, the driver shall slow to a speed that is at least 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.
15 mph · 25 mph · 10 mph · 20 mphMove Over lawOn a two-lane road: move as far away as possible within your lane and slow to 15 mph below the limit (limit 25 mph or more) or to 10 mph (limit 20 mph or less)alea.gov
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slow to a speed that is 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater or travel at 10 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less
$25,000 · $50,000 · $25,000What are Alabama's minimum liability insurance limits?Answer: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per crash, $25,000 propertyAlabama Driver Manual, page 70
Quote
$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.
$500An owner is convicted for the first time of driving without the required liability insurance. What is the maximum fine?Answer: $500Alabama Driver Manual, page 70
Quote
may be fined up to $500 for the first violation and up to $1,000 for the second or subsequent violation
60 daysUnder the Alabama point system, how long is the suspension for a driver who builds up 12 to 14 points in a 2-year period?Answer: 60 daysAlabama Driver Manual, page 21
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12-14 Points in a 2-year period 60 days
$100Your license was suspended and the suspension period has ended. What is the minimum reinstatement fee in Alabama?Answer: $100Alabama Driver Manual, page 19
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must pay a reinstatement fee of not less than $100 in addition to meeting other requirements of state law
$50 · 1 pointUnder Alabama's Hands-Free Law that took effect in June 2024, what is the penalty for a first conviction?Answer: $50 fine and 1 pointAlabama Driver Manual, page 18
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First conviction, $50 fine and 1 point; second conviction, $100 fine and 2 points

Speed limits

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 mphSpeed limits: Business & residence districts30 mph in an urban districtalea.gov
Quote
STATUTORY SPEED LIMITS INCLUDE: 30 miles per hour in an urban district 35 miles per hour unpaved road 45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted) 55 miles per hour in other locations
15 mphSpeed limits: School zonesSet and posted locally (ALEA lists 15 mph)alea.gov
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35 MPH All non-paved county roads 25 MPH Residential areas 15 MPH School zones
55 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways55 mph on other roadsalea.gov
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STATUTORY SPEED LIMITS INCLUDE: 30 miles per hour in an urban district 35 miles per hour unpaved road 45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted) 55 miles per hour in other locations
45 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways45 mph on county paved roadsalea.gov
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STATUTORY SPEED LIMITS INCLUDE: 30 miles per hour in an urban district 35 miles per hour unpaved road 45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted) 55 miles per hour in other locations
35 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways35 mph on unpaved roadsalea.gov
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STATUTORY SPEED LIMITS INCLUDE: 30 miles per hour in an urban district 35 miles per hour unpaved road 45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted) 55 miles per hour in other locations
70 mphSpeed limits: Interstates70 mph on interstatesalea.gov
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70 MPH Interstate 65 MPH Roadways with four or more lanes 55 MPH Other roadways unless otherwise marked 45 MPH County roadways unless otherwise marked
65 mphSpeed limits: Interstates65 mph on other highways with four or more lanesalea.gov
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70 MPH Interstate 65 MPH Roadways with four or more lanes 55 MPH Other roadways unless otherwise marked 45 MPH County roadways unless otherwise marked
30 mphIf no other limit is posted, what is the statutory speed limit in an Alabama urban district?Answer: 30 mphAlabama Driver Manual, page 62
Quote
30 miles per hour in an urban district
35 mphWhat is the statutory speed limit on an unpaved road in Alabama?Answer: 35 mphAlabama Driver Manual, page 62
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35 miles per hour unpaved road
45 mphUnless a different limit is posted, what is the statutory speed limit on an Alabama county paved road?Answer: 45 mphAlabama Driver Manual, page 62
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45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted)
70 mphWhat is the highest speed limit the Alabama manual lists, and where does it apply?Answer: 70 mph, where posted on interstatesAlabama Driver Manual, page 62
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70 miles per hour where posted on interstate
15 mphOn a four-lane highway, you approach a utility truck parked on the roadside with flashing lights while its crew works. What does Alabama's Move Over Act require?Answer: Move out of the lane next to it, or slow to 15 mph under the limit if you cannotAlabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Division website
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wrecker, utility service vehicle, maintenance, construction, or survey vehicle displaying flashing lights, or garbage, trash, refuse, or recycling collection vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer. If it is not safe to move over, the driver shall slow to a speed that is at least 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit
10 mphOn a two-lane road with a posted limit of 20 mph, you pass a wrecker stopped with amber lights flashing. How fast may you go?Answer: 10 mphAlabama Driver Manual, page 70
Quote
travel 10 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less.
35 mphOn wet roads, at about what speed does partial hydroplaning begin in a standard passenger car?Answer: About 35 mphAlabama Driver Manual, page 74
Quote
In a standard passenger car, partial hydroplaning starts at about 35 mph and increases with speed to about 55 mph

Distances & following gaps

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
100 miles · two hoursOn a long trip, how often does the Alabama manual advise taking a break?Answer: Every 100 miles or every two hoursAlabama Driver Manual, page 34
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It is advisable to take regular breaks every 100 miles or every two hours.
100 feetAccording to the Alabama manual, how far before a turn should you start signaling?Answer: At least 100 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 23
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At least 100 feet before making the turn, signal your intentions.
500 feetWhere are three-point turns NOT permitted?Answer: Near a hilltop where approaching drivers cannot see you within 500 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 25
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near the top of hills where you cannot be seen by drivers of other vehicles approaching from either direction within 500 feet.
500 feetOn a curve or hill, how much clear sight distance must you have before crossing the center line to pass?Answer: At least 500 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 67
Quote
On a curve or hill where you cannot see a clear passing distance of at least 500 feet.
two-secondIn good conditions, what following-distance rule does the Alabama manual recommend?Answer: The two-second ruleAlabama Driver Manual, page 38
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a new formula was introduced which is even more positive and easier to apply, the “two-second rule.”
five-secondRoad and weather conditions are poor. How much following distance should you leave?Answer: A four- to five-second countAlabama Driver Manual, page 38
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If the road and weather conditions are not good, increase your following distance to a four or five second count.
3 feetWhen passing a person on a bicycle, how much space does Alabama law require between your vehicle and the rider?Answer: At least 3 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 26
Quote
Alabama state law requires that you pass a person on a bicycle with a distance of not less than three feet
430 feetAt 55 mph, about how far does a loaded truck need to stop, compared with a passenger car's 193 feet?Answer: About 430 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 30
Quote
at speeds of 55 miles per hour, a passenger car needs 193 feet to stop safely and a loaded truck needs 430 feet.
20 feetOn a two-lane road, you are behind a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing and its stop arm out. How far from the bus must you stop?Answer: At least 20 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 64
Quote
STOP AT LEAST 20 FEET FROM THE BUS.
500 feetA fire truck passes you on an emergency run. How close may you follow it?Answer: No closer than 500 feet, unless on official businessAlabama Driver Manual, page 67
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Only vehicles on necessary official business are permitted to follow within 500 feet of emergency vehicles on an emergency run.
750 feetHow far before the tracks is the round yellow railroad warning sign usually placed in Alabama?Answer: 750 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 40
Quote
It means a highway railroad crossing is ahead and is placed 750 feet before the track.
15 and 50 feetWhen you must stop for a train at a railroad crossing, how far from the tracks should you stop?Answer: Between 15 and 50 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 41
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When approaching a railroad crossing. You must stop within 15 to 50 ft.
half-hour · half-hour · 500 feetWhen does Alabama law require you to have your headlights on?Answer: From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and when you cannot see 500 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 71
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headlights (not parking lights only) must be turned on from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise and during other periods of limited visibility when you cannot see clearly for at least 500 feet.
500 feetAt night, an oncoming vehicle approaches. Within what distance must you dim your high beams?Answer: 500 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 71
Quote
You must dim your headlights when within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle
200 feetAt night you are following another vehicle with your high beams on. Within what distance must you dim them?Answer: 200 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 71
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within 200 feet when following another vehicle.
100 to 500 feetYour car breaks down at night and you have flares. Where should you place them?Answer: 100 to 500 feet behind the car on the right edgeAlabama Driver Manual, page 72
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If you have flares or reflectors, place them from 100 to 500 feet to the rear of your vehicle on the right hand edge of the highway

Parking

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetHow close to a fire hydrant may you park in Alabama?Answer: No closer than 15 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 31
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Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
20 feetHow far must you park from a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection?Answer: At least 20 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 31
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Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection.
30 feetHow far must you park from a stop sign or traffic signal at the side of the road?Answer: At least 30 feetAlabama Driver Manual, page 31
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Within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway.
50 feetHow close to a railroad crossing may you park?Answer: No closer than 50 feet from the nearest railAlabama Driver Manual, page 31
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Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.

Ages, permits & the test

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
Six monthsA 16-year-old with a learner license wants to take the road test for a regular license. How long must they have held the learner license first?Answer: Six monthsAlabama Driver Manual, page 12
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has held a Learner License (to include a comparable license issued by another state) for six months or until their 18th birthday
6 months · age 18A 16-year-old with a restricted license breaks one of the GDL restrictions, such as the passenger limit. What is the result?Answer: The restricted period is extended by 6 months or until age 18Alabama Driver Manual, page 86
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Violation of any of the above restrictions will result in the restrictive period being extended by 6 months or until the driver reaches 18 years of age.
50 hoursBesides holding the learner license for at least 6 months, what must a teen complete before moving to a Stage II restricted license?Answer: 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice or an approved driver education courseAlabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Division website
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verifying that the applicant has COMPLETED a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice
60 daysA 16-year-old with a graduated license is convicted of illegal passing. What happens to the license?Answer: It is automatically suspended for 60 daysAlabama Driver Manual, page 86
Quote
reckless driving, illegal passing, driving on the wrong side of the road, or any other offense where four or more points are assessed, their license will automatically be suspended for 60 days
30 daysYou move to a new address within Alabama. How long do you have to notify the Driver License Division?Answer: 30 daysAlabama Driver Manual, page 16
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After changing your address within Alabama, you have 30 days
1 year · 20 poundsUnder Alabama's child restraint law, how long must a baby ride in a rear-facing infant or convertible seat?Answer: Until at least 1 year old or 20 poundsAlabama Driver Manual, page 32
Quote
Infant-only seat or convertible seat used in the rear-facing position until an infant is at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds.

Time limits & deadlines

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 days · $500CrashesWritten report (Form SR-31) to ALEA's Safety Responsibility Unit within 30 days for injury, death or damage of $500 or more when the at-fault party was uninsuredalea.gov
Quote
In case of injury, a fatality, or if damage to any vehicle or property in the crash amount to $500 or more, a written (Form SR-31) must be sent within 30 days, by the driver involved if the “at fault’’ party was not insured at time of mishap.
30 daysA crash causes $800 in vehicle damage, and the at-fault driver had no insurance. Within how many days must the written SR-31 report be sent to ALEA?Answer: 30 daysAlabama Driver Manual, page 40
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if damage to any vehicle or property in the crash amount to $500 or more, a written (Form SR-31) must be sent within 30 days

Seat belts, lights & equipment

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
age 1 or 20 lbSeat beltsRear-facing infant or convertible seat until at least age 1 or 20 lbalea.gov
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(1) Infant only seats and convertible seats used in the rear facing position for infants until at least one year of age or 20 pounds.
age 5 or 40 lbSeat beltsForward-facing seat until at least age 5 or 40 lbalea.gov
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(2) Convertible seats in the forward position or forward facing seats until the child is at least five years of age or 40 pounds. (3) Booster seats until the child is six years of age. (4) Seat belts until 15 years of age.
age 6Seat beltsBooster seat until age 6alea.gov
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(2) Convertible seats in the forward position or forward facing seats until the child is at least five years of age or 40 pounds. (3) Booster seats until the child is six years of age. (4) Seat belts until 15 years of age.
6 yearsUnder Alabama law, until what age must a child use a booster seat?Answer: 6 years oldAlabama Driver Manual, page 32
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Booster seat until a child is 6 years of age.
32 percentHow dark may the side and rear windows of a passenger sedan be tinted in Alabama?Answer: They must let at least 32 percent of light throughAlabama Driver Manual, page 70
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all windows (side and rear) may have tinting that allows at least 32 percent light transmission.
16 inchUnder Alabama law, a tire becomes illegal when its tread depth is less than:Answer: 1/16 inchAlabama Driver Manual, page 82
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a tire is illegal if your tread is less than 1/16 inch deep.
under 16In Alabama, which bicycle riders must wear a securely fastened helmet on public roads and paths?Answer: Riders under 16Alabama Driver Manual, page 26
Quote
People on bicycles who are under the age of 16 years are required to wear a securely fastened protective helmet

Other numbers

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
Three to twelve timesCompared with dry pavement, how much distance can it take to stop on snow or ice?Answer: Three to twelve times as muchAlabama Driver Manual, page 73
Quote
Remember that on snow or ice it takes three to twelve times as much distance to stop your car as on dry pavement.

Memory tips

Straight from the handbook:

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Alabama permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 68 of them for Alabama, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Alabama Driver Manual, Alabama statutes or ALEA pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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