How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Alabama
The process of paying driving fines in Alabama is generally initiated by drivers who believe they are unable to beat a traffic ticket through the state court system. Also, if you present an unsuccessful traffic ticket defense in AL, you may incur other costs and surcharges, in addition to the base traffic fine.
In such circumstances, your driving record will also be affected, which may lead to license suspensions and additional reinstatement fees. Learn how and where to pay traffic tickets in Alabama in the following sections:
- How to pay a traffic ticket fine in Alabama
- Alabama traffic ticket attorneys
- Pleading not guilty in Alabama
- Dismissal of charges in Alabama
- Lost tickets in Alabama
How to Pay a Traffic Ticket Fine in Alabama
Drivers who decide to pay their Alabama traffic citation fines are effectively declaring their guilt, since the only way to obtain a “not guilty” outcome regarding a traffic ticket in AL is to contest your case in court.
The methods available to pay driving tickets in Alabama vary based on factors such as the court that is processing your ticket and the type of citation you were issued.
Note: Certain more serious traffic violations, such as reckless driver and no-insurance infractions, will require a mandatory court appearance.
Paying an Alabama Ticket Online
Paying traffic tickets online in Alabama is the most convenient method of providing your traffic tickets payments. To utilize the option to pay traffic ticket online in AL, drivers must visit the official payment website of the state Judicial System.
After accessing the Alapay webpage, motorists can continue with the procedure of paying driving fines by entering their ticket number and their birth date. After submitting your credit card information, the system will accept your payment and a confirmation page will be generated.
Note: When paying a speeding ticket or other types of citations via the internet, motorists are generally required to pay a small convenience fee as well.
Paying an Alabama Ticket via Other Methods
Drivers who are unable to provide their Alabama traffic violation payments via the internet can also do so via other alternative methods. A large number of state courts offer the option of paying traffic fines in AL by mail, by phone and in person as well.
If you choose the option to pay traffic citations by mail, you can generally mail the citation along with a money order or a cashier’s check to the corresponding court clerk. Alternatively, drivers who choose to pay speeding tickets or other types of citations by phone can either contact the corresponding court or the state Traffic Service Center for further information.
Alabama Traffic Ticket Attorneys
Fighting traffic tickets in Alabama is a procedure available to drivers who would like to contest their case through their corresponding court and avoid paying the traffic violation fine.
To ensure a successful traffic ticket defense in AL, motorists have the option of hiring a traffic ticket attorney to represent them in court. By hiring a lawyer who will help you fight traffic tickets in AL, you can increase your chances of avoiding:
- The traffic fine associated with the ticket.
- A violation conviction on your driver’s record.
- A driving license suspension or revocation.
- An increase in your car insurance rates.
When hiring an AL traffic ticket lawyer, motorists must consider factors such as the attorney’s experience, education and client satisfaction.
Also, since ticket violation payments may vary from county to county, consider hiring a local lawyer who is familiar with the local motor vehicle laws. In addition to finding a lawyer locally, you may also fight tickets online.
Pleading Not Guilty in Alabama
To plead not guilty to an Alabama traffic violation, drivers and/or their attorneys will generally be required to appear at the presiding court on the “first appearance date” displayed on their traffic citation.
Inquire with your presiding court as to whether or not you have the option of scheduling a traffic violation court date via alternative methods. If the deadline date to submit a “not guilty” plea regarding your traffic ticket has not yet passed, you may be able to change the date in person or by phone through the corresponding court clerk’s office.
If you do not request a traffic ticket trial date or submit the AL traffic fine payment prior to the date displayed on the ticket, the court will report your case to the state Department of Public Safety for license suspension purposes.
To avoid the inconvenience of appearing in court, you may also be matched with an attorney online. All you need to do is snap a photo of your ticket and answer a few questions, and you will be matched with a lawyer.
When presenting a traffic ticket defense in AL, drivers will be granted an opportunity to call on witnesses and submit their testimony, as well as any relevant evidence documents.
If the court renders a “guilty” verdict, you will be required to pay the ticket violation payment and any other applicable costs and surcharges. Depending on the severity of the AL traffic violation, you may also be subject to further penalties.
Dismissal of Charges in Alabama
Drivers often seek to dismiss traffic tickets in Alabama in order to avoid paying the applicable traffic fines. To that end, certain state courts may offer the option of ticket dismissal in the event that the driver completes a state-approved defensive driving course. Inquire with the court handling your case as to whether or not you can utilize this option.
Motorists who were improperly issued a traffic citation in AL, or a ticket that contained incorrect information, also have basis for ticket dismissal.
Lost Tickets in Alabama
To successfully pay traffic citations in Alabama or initiate the procedure to fight traffic tickets, drivers will generally have to utilize the information contained within the citation. Therefore, if you lose your AL traffic citation, you may encounter certain difficulties when resolving the issue.
The fastest method to retrieve the information from a lost ticket is to contact the presiding court or the official AL Traffic Service Center. After establishing contact, ensure to provide your full name, drivers license number and any additional information that is requested.