Alabama speeding ticket fines start at $10 for going 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit, and increase based on how much faster you were going

The fine you pay depends on two things: how many miles per hour over the speed limit you were driving, and whether this is your first offense or a repeat violation. Alabama law sets a base fine for each speed range, then allows judges some room to adjust within that range. A first-time ticket for going 11 to 15 mph over the limit costs between $25 and $50. Going 16 to 25 mph over costs between $50 and $100. Going 26 to 35 mph over costs between $100 and $200. Going 36 mph or more over the limit costs between $200 and $500.

These are the fines only — you will also pay court costs, which vary by county and typically range from $50 to $150. Some counties add additional fees. The total bill is usually $100 to $300 for a routine first offense, but can reach $500 or more if you were going significantly over the limit or if your county's court costs are high.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama fines for speeding range from $10 to $500 depending on how far over the limit you were driving, plus court costs of $50 to $150.
  • A first offense for going 11 to 15 mph over the limit typically costs $25 to $50 in fines, while 26 to 35 mph over costs $100 to $200.
  • Repeat offenses within a certain period result in higher fines and may trigger license suspension or other penalties.
  • You can pay the fine, request a court date to contest the ticket, or ask about traffic school, which varies by county.

How repeat offenses change what you owe

If you receive a second speeding ticket within a certain time frame, Alabama treats it as a repeat offense and the fines increase. The exact penalty depends on how recent your previous ticket was and the specifics of both violations. A second offense typically results in fines at the higher end of the range for that speed category, and may include a mandatory court appearance.

A third speeding violation within a 12-month period can result in a misdemeanor charge, which carries fines up to $500 and potential jail time of up to 30 days. At this level, you are no longer dealing with a traffic citation — you are facing criminal charges. Your license may also be suspended for 60 days or longer.

What happens when you pay or contest the ticket

When you receive a ticket, the officer will give you a date by which you must respond. You have three main options: pay the fine, request a court date to contest the ticket, or ask about traffic school if your county offers it. Paying the fine is the fastest route and means you accept the violation. This will appear on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates.

If you contest the ticket, you will have a court date where you can present your side of what happened. The officer must also appear. If the judge finds you not guilty, you pay nothing. If found guilty, you pay the fine the judge sets. Contesting a ticket does not cost extra upfront, but it requires time and a trip to court.

Traffic school as an alternative in some counties

Some Alabama counties allow drivers to take a traffic safety course instead of paying the full fine or going to court. This option is usually available only for first offenses and only if you were not going extremely fast. The course typically costs $50 to $100 and takes four to eight hours to complete, either in person or online depending on the county.

Completing traffic school may result in the ticket being dismissed or reduced, and it keeps the violation off your driving record. This can help protect your insurance rates. However, not all counties offer this option, and not all violations are may be able to access. Call the courthouse in the county where you received the ticket to ask whether traffic school is available for your situation.

How speeding tickets affect your insurance and license

A speeding conviction will appear on your driving record and your insurance company will see it. Most insurers raise rates after a speeding ticket, though the increase varies. A single ticket for going 15 mph over the limit might raise your premium by 10 to 15 percent for three years. Going significantly faster can result in larger increases.

Your license itself is not automatically suspended for a single speeding ticket unless you were going extremely fast (usually 35 mph or more over the limit in a residential area, or 55 mph or more over anywhere). However, accumulating multiple violations within a short time can trigger suspension. Three violations in 12 months can result in a 60-day suspension.

Where to find the exact fine for your situation

The fine amount the officer writes on your ticket should match Alabama's law, but the best way to confirm what you owe is to contact the courthouse in the county where you received the ticket. The clerk can tell you the exact fine, court costs, and your important date to respond. You can also find this information on the ticket itself or on the county court's website.

If you believe the fine is incorrect or if you want to discuss your options before deciding whether to pay or contest, ask to speak with the prosecutor or the judge's clerk. Some courthouses have payment plans available if you cannot pay the full amount at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my speeding ticket online in Alabama?

Many Alabama counties allow online payment through their court websites, but not all. Check the website for the courthouse in the county where you received the ticket, or call the clerk's office to ask about payment methods. Some counties require payment by mail or in person.

What if I was going 5 miles per hour over the limit?

Going 1 to 10 mph over the limit carries a fine of $10 to $25. This is the lowest category, but you still owe court costs on top of the fine. The total will likely be $60 to $75 depending on your county.

Does a speeding ticket in Alabama affect my license points?

Alabama uses a points system. A speeding conviction adds points to your record — typically 2 to 4 points depending on how fast you were going. Accumulating 12 points in two years can result in license suspension. You can check your current points by contacting the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

Can I get a speeding ticket dismissed if the radar gun wasn't calibrated?

Radar calibration records can be relevant to your defense, but you would need to raise this in court. The officer's records should show when the equipment was last checked. This is a technical defense that requires presenting evidence to the judge, so contesting the ticket and discussing this with the prosecutor is your route.

What if I pay the fine but later want to contest it?

Once you pay the fine, you have generally accepted the violation and cannot contest it afterward. If you think you might want to fight the ticket, do not pay it — request a court date instead. You can always pay after the hearing if you lose.