I thought the charges of needing a permit were a tad strange so I looked it up.
You must have a Permit/License to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle. 13A-11-73(b) Permit to Carry Pistol in Vehicle or Concealed on Person - Required; Possession of Unloaded Pistol in Motor Vehicle. accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle. Open Carry is legal in Alabama.
Pistol without a permit is a misdemeanor here. Small fine.
It’s pretty stupid actually. You can open carry but you can’t carry in your car unless you have a permit. Unless it is unloaded and out of reach.
Probably better to just not get a permit and take your chances. Although I do have a permit. Expires 2020. Might not renew.