What Happens After You Get a Speeding Ticket in Alabama – Guest Post

Getting pulled over for speeding can be frustrating and stressful. But the real process begins once the flashing lights are gone and you’re holding that ticket. What you do next can affect your driving record, wallet, and insurance.

In 2022, Alabama law enforcement issued over 270,000 speeding tickets. Many of these tickets come from patrol officers and Alabama speed cameras placed in busy or high-risk areas. Whether a police officer stopped you or a camera caught you, knowing what happens next is essential.

Step-by-Step: What Comes Next After the Ticket

The things that will come next after the ticket are the following:

1. You Have to Make a Choice

After getting the ticket, you have to decide what to do next. In Alabama, you have two main choices:

• Pay the ticket: This means you agree that you were speeding.
• Fight the ticket: This means you go to court and try to prove you were not speeding or that there was a mistake.

You must do one of these before the deadline listed on your ticket. If you ignore it, you could face more fines or a suspended license.

2. Paying the Ticket

Many people just pay the fine. In Alabama, speeding tickets can cost between $150 and $300, depending on how fast you were going.

But paying the ticket also means:

• Points go on your driving record.
• Your car insurance may go up.
• The ticket stays on your record for a while.

The state tracks these points. If you collect too many, the state can take away your license.

3. Going to Court

If you disagree with the ticket, you can go to court. You might want to do this if:

• You think the officer made a mistake.
• You have proof you weren’t speeding.
• You want to ask for a lower fine or fewer points.

In court, the judge will listen to both sides. You can bring a lawyer to help or speak for yourself.

4. Points Go on Your Driving Record

When you get a speeding ticket in Alabama, you usually get points on your license. These points stay for 2 years. Here’s how they work:

• 2 points for going 1–25 mph over the speed limit
• 5 points for going 26 mph or more over the limit

Your license can be suspended if you get 12 points in 2 years.

5. Your Insurance Might Go Up

Car insurance companies check your driving record. A speeding ticket can make your insurance more expensive, sometimes by 25% or more. That means you might pay hundreds more yearly just because of one ticket.

The faster you were going, the more likely your rates would rise. Insurance companies may also keep the ticket on your record for 3 to 5 years.

6. You Might Take a Driving Course

Some drivers can take a driving course to:

• Keep the ticket off their record
• Lower the fine
• Remove points

You have to ask the court if this is an option for you. These classes are usually offered online or in person. When you finish, make sure to give proof to the court.

What If You Ignore the Ticket?

Don’t make this mistake. Ignoring your speeding ticket can lead to:

• Late fees
• A suspended license
• A warrant for your arrest

If you can’t afford to pay right away, contact the court. Some courts offer payment plans or other options to avoid bigger penalties.

The Sum-Up!

Getting a speeding ticket in Alabama is serious, but it doesn’t have to ruin your record or finances. Knowing your options, acting quickly, and making informed choices can help you safely handle it and move forward.