ALABAMA.STATERECORDS.ORG IS A PRIVATELY OWNED WEBSITE THAT IS NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
close banner
Alabama Traffic Violations
state records colored logo
LOGIN
CONTACT

Traffic Violations in Alabama

Alabama traffic violations are offenses that motorists commit while driving on Alabama roadways. These violations can include speeding, running a red light, and driving without a seat belt, and they are typically included in the offenders Alabama traffic records.

The consequences of getting caught violating traffic laws can vary depending on the severity of the offense. For minor infractions, violators may receive a ticket and pay a fine. However, more serious crimes can result in jail time or points being added to the offender's driver's license. In addition, if a motorist is convicted of a traffic violation, it will likely increase their auto insurance rates, and they will be required to take a defensive driving course.

Some common Alabama traffic violations include:

  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Driving without a license or with a suspended license
  • Drunk driving

Motorists are advised to know and obey Alabama traffic laws to avoid costly fines and penalties. Motorists who receive a traffic ticket must take care of it as soon as possible by paying the fine or contesting the ticket. Offenders who opt to contest the ticket will need to go to court and argue their case.

Types of Traffic Violations in Alabama

Traffic violations in Alabama can be classified into moving, equipment, and registration violations.

Moving violations are the most common type of traffic violation. They include speeding, running a red light, or driving on the wrong side of the road. These violations can result in fines, demerit points, and even imprisonment.

Equipment violations are less common but can still be very serious. These violations include driving without a seat belt or using a cell phone while driving. Fines for equipment violations can range from $25 to $500, and violators may also receive demerit points.

Registration violations are the least common type of traffic violation. They include offenses like not having a valid registration or proof of insurance. The fines for registration violations typically range from $5 to $100. There are usually no demerit points associated with registration violations.

The implications of traffic violations vary depending on the type of violation. Moving violations tend to have the most severe consequences, while registration violations generally have the least.

Traffic violations are also categorized into two groups: minor and major violations. Minor traffic violations carry a fine of $25 or less. The most common types of minor traffic violations are speeding and running a red light. The most common type of major traffic violation is driving under the influence. Major violations have far more severe consequences and hefty fines.

Further information regarding traffic violations in Alabama can be obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.

Alabama Traffic Violation Code

The Alabama traffic violation code is a compilation of the state's traffic laws. It features offenses deemed punishable within state limits, including everything from driving under the influence to failing to use a turn signal. The code is regularly updated to reflect changes in the law, and motorists are advised to ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest regulations.

The penalties for violating the traffic code vary depending on the offense but can include fines, jail time, or both. The Alabama traffic code is available online on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Drivers who have questions about specific traffic laws may also want to consult an attorney.

Alabama Felony Traffic Violations

Alabama felony traffic violations are serious offenses that can result in significant penalties. A conviction for a felony traffic violation can lead to imprisonment and heavy fines.

Some of the most common Alabama felony traffic violations include:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Reckless driving
  • Hit and run
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
  • Vehicular manslaughter
  • Vehicular assault

Bicycles are considered vehicles under Alabama law, so cyclists can also be charged with felony traffic violations. Some common bicycle offenses resulting in a felony charge include riding without a helmet, riding on the wrong side of the road, and running a red light or stop sign.

Alabama Traffic Misdemeanors

Alabama traffic misdemeanors are violations of traffic laws that incur fines, points on a motorist's license, and other penalties. In Alabama, there are a variety of different offenses that can be classified as traffic misdemeanors. Some examples include driving with a suspended or revoked license, driving without evidence of car insurance, speeding, and running red lights or stop signs.

The penalties for traffic misdemeanors in Alabama include fines, license points, and possible jail time. For more serious offenses like driving recklessly or with a suspended or revoked license, motorists may face up to a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. In addition, if a motorist accumulates enough points on their license through traffic misdemeanors, it may be suspended or even revoked.

Compared to felony traffic offenses, misdemeanors are typically much less severe.

Alabama Traffic Infractions

Alabama traffic infractions are violations of state law that are punishable by fines and other penalties but do not carry any points on the offenders driving record. Alabama traffic infractions include:

  • Speeding.
  • Running a red light or stop sign.
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way.

Traffic infractions typically result in fines, which vary depending on the severity of the offense. For example, an offender might pay a $50 fine for speeding 10 miles over the posted limit, while they might be required to pay up to $100 for more severe offenses like reckless driving or failing to obey a police officer's orders.

In addition to paying fines, offenders may also be required to complete court-ordered community service or attend driver improvement courses.

Persons who have been charged with an Alabama traffic infraction will likely be required to appear in court. At the court hearing, the offender will have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges against them.

Alabama Traffic Violation Codes and Fines

The following are some of the most common violations in Alabama and their penalties:

  • Speeding: The penalty for speeding depends on how much faster over the speed limit the motorist was driving. If the offender was going 1-15 mph over the limit, they would receive a ticket and a fine of $25. If the motorist was going 16-25 mph over the limit, they would receive a ticket and a fine of $50. If the offender was going 26 mph or more over the limit, they would be arrested and charged with a felony.
  • Running a red light: The penalty for running a red light is a $100 fine.
  • Illegal U-turns: The penalty for making an illegal U-turn is a $25 fine.
  • Not using a seat belt: The penalty for not using a seat belt is a $25 fine.
  • Texting while driving: The penalty for texting while driving is a $100 fine.
  • Drunk driving: The penalty for drunk driving depends on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If the motorist's BAC is 0.08 or higher, they will be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. For offenders whose BAC is 0.15 or higher, they will be charged with a felony and face up to 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

How to Pay a Traffic Violation Ticket in Alabama

Motorists who get a traffic violation tickets in Alabama will need to pay it within 30 days to avoid additional penalties.

Offenders can pay the fine at any courthouse or municipal clerk's office, either in person or online. Alternatively, offenders may be able to mail their payment if they are unsure of where to go. To avoid potential fines and penalties, it is best to pay the traffic violation ticket as soon as possible.

Requestors are required to include the following information with the payment:

  • Their full name and address
  • The citation number
  • The name of the court that issued the citation
  • A daytime phone number where they can be reached in case there are any questions about the payment

Further questions about paying a traffic violation ticket in Alabama may be directed to the court directly.

Traffic Violation Lookup in Alabama

Motorists who have received a traffic violation in Alabama may be able to look up their tickets online. To do so, they will need to know their driver's license number and the date of the violation.

With this information, inquirers can visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and enter their driver's license number and the date of the violation. This will bring up the traffic ticket information.

Requestors can also contact the county courthouse where the violation occurred to obtain their traffic ticket information. They will likely require the offender to provide their driver's license number and the date of the violation.

After obtaining the traffic ticket information, offenders can then take steps to pay the fine or contest the ticket if they believe they were wrongly cited.

Offenders can also look up their ticket information by contacting the county courthouse where the violation occurred.

How to Plead not Guilty to a Traffic Violation in Alabama

After being issued a traffic violation in Alabama, offenders may choose to plead not guilty and contest the citation in court. To successfully plead not guilty and have the case heard by a judge, however, the motorist will need to prepare carefully.

To begin with, the defendant will need to gather any evidence or witnesses that will help support the defense. For example, if there is a camera at the intersection where the offender received the ticket, they can obtain a copy of the footage from the police department. Or, if there is another driver who witnessed the incident and can corroborate their account of what happened, the offender can ask this person to testify on their behalf in court.

With the evidence in hand, offenders may contact the court in the county where they received the traffic citation and request a date for their court appearance. At the court hearing, offenders will have the opportunity to present their defense and argue why they should not be found guilty of the traffic violation.

If the judge rules in favor of the offender, the charges will be dismissed, and the motorist won't have to pay any fines. If, however, the judge believes that they are guilty of the offense, they may be required to pay a fine or have points added to their driver's license. In some cases, they may also be ordered to attend driving school.

What Happens if You Plead No Contest to a Traffic Violation in Alabama

If a motorist pleads no contest to a traffic violation in Alabama, they will be found guilty of the offense and receive a conviction on their criminal record. Depending on the severity of the crime and any aggravating factors, such as having previous convictions for similar offenses, they may have to pay fines or serve jail time. Offenders may also face license suspension or revocation, depending on the circumstances of their case.

In most cases, pleading no contest is not advisable unless the motorist is confident that there is insufficient evidence to prove they committed the traffic violation. Motorists who believe that pleading no contest could result in severe consequences for their driving privileges are advised to consult with an experienced attorney who can advise on how best to proceed.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Your Record?

How long a traffic violation stays on a record depends on the type of violation and whether it's considered a misdemeanor or felony.

Misdemeanor traffic violations are typically less severe than felonies, and they usually carry lighter penalties. Misdemeanors can stay on the record for up to two years, while felonies can remain on the record indefinitely.

Some traffic offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, or hit and run, are automatically considered felonies. Others, like speeding or running a red light, can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.

For motorists convicted of a misdemeanor traffic offense, the offense will likely stay on their driving record for at least two years. However, the exact length of time may vary depending on the crime and their driving history.

If the motorist is convicted of a felony traffic offense, it will stay on their record indefinitely. This means that the offense will appear on their criminal background check whenever someone runs one on them.

Can Traffic Violations Be Sealed in Alabama?

Yes, traffic violations can be sealed in Alabama. Sealing traffic violation records prevents them from being accessed by certain entities, such as potential employers or landlords. To have traffic violation records sealed in Alabama, requestors must submit an application and a $250 processing fee to the court that handled their case. After reviewing the application and fee, the court will decide if the traffic violation records should be sealed based on several factors, including the severity of the offense. If a record is sealed, it will not show up when background checks are conducted through online databases or other sources.

What Happens if You Miss a Court Date for a Traffic Violation in Alabama?

If a motorist misses a court date for a traffic violation in Alabama, they may face several potential consequences. Missing a court date could result in fines or jail time, depending on the severity of the offense. Additionally, if the offender does not appear at their scheduled hearing, the judge may charge an additional fee to reschedule their case and allow them to plead their innocence.

To avoid these negative outcomes, offenders must appear at their scheduled court date and take steps to resolve any issues with the ticket as soon as possible. If the offender misses a court date due to extenuating circumstances, such as work commitments or inclement weather, they may notify the court immediately so that they can reschedule the hearing.