Alabama Traffic Violation Records

Records of traffic infractions and other violations of traffic regulations in Alabama are maintained by the Department of Public Safety, a division of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and courts in the state. These records include speeding violations, which are among the most common traffic offenses in the state. Approximately 10.76% of drivers in Alabama have a prior speeding ticket on their driving record, higher than the national average of 10.54%

Traffic violations significantly impact driving records in Alabama, as the state employs a point system to deter unsafe driving behaviors. Accumulating too many points may impact auto insurance cost via increased rates and may eventually result in the suspension of the driver's license of the violator.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Alabama?

Basic traffic violation records are public in Alabama under the Alabama Public Records Law. Hence, anyone may request, view, and obtain copies of traffic violation records from the custodian of the records. Note that certain personal information, such as residential addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers contained in Alabama traffic records, is protected under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and may be redacted from the records.

Note that traffic cases that end up in court are handled by the municipal, district courts, or circuit courts. These include traffic crimes such as DUI and reckless driving. Access to records of such cases is maintained by the court and open to the public, except if they have been sealed or expunged by the court.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Alabama?

You may look up traffic tickets in Alabama using the Online Traffic Resolution System on the Alabama courts website. To look up the ticket, you will need to provide the ticket number and the birth date. Additionally, you may use third-party databases such as publicrecords.us to perform an Alabama traffic ticket lookup. Third-party databases aggregate public records from public sources for online searches.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

In Alabama, you may pay traffic fines in the following ways:

• Online: Visit the AlaPay system provided by the Alabama courts to pay your traffic fine before your court date. You will need your ticket or case number and a credit card to complete the payment.
• By Phone: Call the Alabama Traffic Call Center at 1-877-252-7294 to make a payment using the automated system. Credit card payments are allowed
• By Mail: Some counties allow payments by mail. Check the instructions on your ticket or contact the circuit clerk's office in the county where the ticket was issued.
• In Person: Visit the circuit clerk's office in the county where the violation occurred to pay your ticket directly.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may purchase a motor vehicle record, also called a driving record in Alabama online via the ALEA Driver License Online Services or in person at the ALEA Driver License Office using a completed MVR request form (MVR-59). To complete the process online, you will need to provide the last six digits of your Social Security Number, full name, date of birth, and residence zip code. The fee for obtaining a driving record in Alabama is $5.75.

Alabama driving records typically include information for the past three years. The record contains information such as:

• Traffic violations and convictions
• Points accumulated for traffic offenses
• DUI offenses
• Reported vehicle accident history
• License suspensions and revocations
• Court action orders related to driving violations

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Alabama?

A traffic violation may be described as a moving or non-moving traffic violation. A moving violation occurs when an Alabama traffic law is violated when the violator's vehicle is in motion. Examples of moving violations in Alabama include:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Running a red light or stop sign
• DUI
• Failure to yield the right of way

Non-moving violations typically involve issues unrelated to the vehicle's motion. Examples of non-moving violations in Alabama include:

• Parking violations
• Expired vehicle registrations
• Faulty equipment
• Failure to display a valid inspection sticker

The penalties for moving violations are typically more severe than those stipulated for non-moving violations. The state punishes moving violations with fines and the addition of demerit points to driver records. Accumulating too many points often leads to increased insurance premiums and license suspension. The fines imposed for non-moving violations are lower than those for moving violations. Also, non-moving violations are not punished with the addition of demerit points on driver records. However, a non-moving offense may require towing or impounding of a vehicle (for certain parking violations) and a requirement to fix equipment issues and provide proof of compliance.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Alabama?

A DUI conviction stays on your Alabama driving record for five years. However, it remains on your criminal record indefinitely unless expunged. The Yellowhammer State has a high rate of drunk driving-related deaths, ranking in the top ten states for drunk-driving-related deaths in the United States. Alabama records 154 DUI arrests and 6.9 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

The penalties for DUI in Alabama include the following:

• First-Time DUI Offense
• Fine: $600 - $2,100
• License Suspension: 90 days (or install Ignition Interlock Device instead)
• Jail Time: Up to 1 year (usually suspended or replaced with probation)
• DUI School: Mandatory completion of a court-approved substance abuse program
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required if BAC is 0.15% or higher, or if a minor was in the vehicle
• Second DUI (within 5 years)
• Fine: $1,100 - $5,100
• License Revocation: 1 year
• Jail Time: Minimum of 5 days up to 1 year, or 30 days of community service
• IID: Mandatory for 2 years
• Substance Abuse Program: Required
• Third DUI (within 5 years)
• Fine: $2,100 - $10,100
• License Revocation: 3 years
• Jail Time: Minimum of 60 days up to 1 year (mandatory 60 days, no probation or suspension)
• IID: Mandatory for 3 years
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI (Felony DUI)
• Class C Felony
• Fine: $4,100 - $10,100
• License Revocation: 5 years
• Jail Time: Minimum of 1 year and 1 day up to 10 years
• IID: Mandatory for 5 years after license reinstatement

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Alabama?

Alabama's basic speed limit law is outlined under Section 32-5A-170 of the Code of Alabama. Under Section 32-5A-171 of the state code, the following speed limits are set in the state:

• Urban district: 30 mph
• Unpaved road: 35 mph
• County-maintained paved road in an unincorporated area: 45 mph
• Highways except interstate highways or highways with four or more lanes: 55 mph
• Interstate highways: 70 mph
• Highways with four or more lanes: 65 mph
• School zones: 15 mph during school hours or when children are present, or 25 mph when lights are flashing

Anyone caught speeding in Alabama may expect to pay between $200 and $300, including fines and court costs, depending on the severity of the offense. However, the exact costs vary depending on the county where the violation occurred and the speed. Fines are usually doubled for violations occurring in construction zones and school areas.

Also, a speeding violation attracts the addition of between two and five demerit points to the driving record of the offender. Speeding between 1 and 25 miles per hour over the limit attracts two demerit points, while speeding more than 25 miles per hour over the limit attracts five demerit points. Accumulating twelve or more points within two years may lead to a license suspension, with the suspension duration increasing with the number of points.

Note that excessive speeding or reckless driving may lead to criminal charges. Repeat offenders or those caught driving significantly above the speed limit may also be required to attend traffic school, face insurance rate increases, or even serve jail time if the offense is severe.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Alabama?

Although the points associated with a speeding ticket are held for only 24 months, the entry remains on your driving record in Alabama indefinitely.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may use the following defenses to contest a traffic ticket in Alabama courts:

• Challenge the Officer's Subjective Conclusion: Dispute the officer's judgment by proving your actions were reasonable given traffic conditions. You may highlight factors like poor visibility or the officer's distracted state.
• Challenge the Officer's Observations: Present evidence such as witness statements, diagrams, and photos to contest the officer's version of events, especially when their view was obscured or unclear.
• Prove a "Mistake of Fact:" Show that your actions resulted from an honest mistake, such as faded road markings or obscured signs. Provide supporting evidence, such as photos, to argue that conditions prevented you from complying with the traffic law.
• Prove Your Actions Were "Legally Justified:" Argue that the circumstances justified your behavior, such as slowing down for a lawful turn or swerving due to a sudden safety concern, such as a hornet in your car.
• Prove Necessity to Avoid Harm: Demonstrate that you violated the law to prevent immediate danger, such as avoiding a collision or speeding away from aggressive tailgaters.

Although you may represent yourself in court using the defenses above, you should consider hiring an experienced traffic attorney if the violation involves serious charges, you are at risk of license suspension, or the ticket may significantly increase your insurance premiums.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Alabama is a member of both the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC), meaning that it shares and receives traffic violation information from other member states of the driver reciprocity agreements. If you have been issued an out-of-state traffic ticket, you may face penalties such as license suspension in your home state.

You may consider the following steps if you have been issued an out-of-state traffic ticket:

• Review the Ticket Details: Read the citation carefully to understand the charge, response deadline, and court jurisdiction.
• Decide to Plead Not Guilty: If you believe the ticket was wrongly issued or have a valid defense, you can choose to contest the charge instead of paying the fine.
• Contact the Issuing Court: Reach out to the traffic court listed on the ticket. Ask about how to enter a "not guilty" plea, some courts allow you to do this by mail, phone, or online.
• Hire a Local Traffic Attorney: It is often impractical to travel to another state for court. Hiring a licensed attorney in the ticketing state can allow you to contest the ticket without appearing in person.
• Gather Evidence: Collect any documents, photos, GPS data, dashcam footage, or witness statements to support your case. Send this to your attorney or submit it per court instructions.
• Attend or Waive Court Appearance: Depending on the court's rules and whether you have legal representation, you may appear virtually or in person, or let your lawyer appear on your behalf.

How Do Alabama Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Like other states in the United States, Alabama shares certain common traffic rules. However, the state also has some unique traffic laws, such as:

• Alabama's Move Over Law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching any vehicle (not just emergency vehicles) with flashing lights on the roadside.
• In Alabama, it is illegal to drive "unreasonably slow" and hold up traffic, especially in the left lane. You must yield the left lane to faster-moving vehicles, regardless of your speed.
• While Alabama does not have a full hands-free law for all drivers, it is illegal for drivers under 18 to use any wireless communication device while driving. Texting while driving is banned for all drivers, regardless of age.
• Alabama has stricter-than-average rules for child restraint systems. Children up to age 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat, while kids under 5 must use a forward-facing seat.