What to Do After Getting an Alabama Speeding Ticket: A Complete Guide
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Getting a speeding ticket is always frustrating. But what can be even more frustrating is not knowing what to do with it after. When you get an Alabama speeding ticket, like most states, you can choose to pay or contest the ruling. However, you may not realize that paying a ticket is admitting fault and can have an impact on your license and Alabama car insurance.
Here, we break down Alabama speeding tickets, including the common causes of traffic tickets, how much is a speeding ticket in Alabama, how to pay a speeding ticket online in Alabama, how to contest one, and how to navigate Alabama's points system.
Understand the Reasons for Getting a Speeding Ticket
You get a speeding ticket for driving over the speed limit. It's that simple, right? Not really —you've likely driven over the limit past a police officer without getting a ticket many times.
Traffic law states that there are basic, presumed, and absolute speed limits. Alabama's basic speed law states that drivers should not exceed a reasonable speed for the current conditions and posted speed limit. In addition to the posted limit, these conditions include the condition of the vehicle, the weather, and the road. There's a lot of room for interpretation there, and an officer may decide to issue a traffic citation because they deem you're driving too fast on a poorly maintained road.
A presumed speed limit allows driving slightly above the posted limit if conditions are safe, as many drivers do on well-maintained highways. Finally, an absolute speed limit is one you may not exceed under any circumstances. You might see these in construction zones where traffic violations carry additional fines.
Some of the most common reasons people get a speeding ticket in Alabama include:
- Exceeding posted limits beyond a reasonable amount
- Exceeding the speed limit in a school zone or construction zone
- Getting caught by a highway speed trap
Review the Details of Your Ticket
After getting a ticket, the first step is to read it and understand what it says. Alabama uses a points system to enforce driving safety. Each violation adds points to your driving record that may eventually lead to penalties like license suspension or mandatory traffic school.
Speeding tickets are categorized as either a minor speeding violation or reckless driving. Fines and penalties include:
- Driving 1 to 25mph over the limit: 2 points and a maximum fine of $189
- Driving 26mph or more over the limit: 5 points and a minimum fine of $209
- Reckless driving: 6 points and a minimum fine of $234
Your ticket will identify the type of violation and provide information about payment deadlines, court dates, and contact information for the local traffic court. You can also use Alabama's online Traffic Service Center to answer specific questions about your ticket.
Know the Consequences of a Speeding Ticket
Speeding tickets add points to your driver's license which may eventually lead to a license suspension. Alabama uses the following schedule to determine suspension periods:
- 12 to 14 points in a 2-year period: 60 days
- 15 to 17 points in a 2-year period: 90 days
- 18 to 20 points in a 2-year period: 120 days
- 21 to 23 points in a 2-year period: 180 days
- 24 or more points in a 2-year period: 365 days
To get your license reinstated after the suspension period, you must settle any charges against you, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof of insurance. If you serially violate traffic laws, a judge may also order you to complete a defensive driving program.
The Impact of a Speeding Ticket on Insurance Rates
A secondary impact of speeding tickets is that points go on your record, which is accessible by Alabama insurance companies. Your insurance company, therefore, may raise your insurance premiums after getting multiple speeding tickets.
Decide Whether To Pay or Contest the Ticket
After getting an Alabama speeding ticket, you have several options depending on the ticket. Some tickets require a court appearance, while others may be resolved before the court date listed on the citation. To view details about your ticket, go to resolve.alacourt.gov and see the specific options available to you.
If you believe the ticket was given in error or unjustly, you may have several options listed on the On-Line Traffic Resolution System (OTR) website.
Effective Steps To Dispute Your Ticket
To dispute your ticket:
- Choose to contest through the resolve.alacourt.gov OTR.
- Gather evidence to support your case.
- Document everything related to the incident and prepare to present it to a judge.
Keeping Your Driving Record Clean and Avoiding Future Tickets
Racking up speeding tickets can lead to license suspension or prevent you from getting cheap car insurance in Alabama. If you're unsure if you have tickets, use the Alabama speeding ticket lookup on the Alabama Traffic Service Center website.
To ensure you have the best insurance for your budget, use EverQuote's comparison tools to shop coverages and find the best option for your budget.