Whether you were pulled over while cruising down Route 80 or issued a citation for barreling down a backroad near Tuscaloosa, dealing with an Alabama speeding ticket probably isn't your idea of a great time. That's for a good reason. Not only can a speeding ticket in Alabama put a severe dent in your wallet, but you'll also be assessed points that could result in a license suspension or worse.

Your Alabama speeding citation will vary based on where you received your ticket, how fast you were going, and whether or not you were speeding in a school or work zone. Expect to pay at least $170 and as much as $190 or more depending on your circumstances.

So, what determines the penalties you're facing if you're issued a speeding ticket in Alabama?. Let's take a look:

ALABAMA SPEEDING TICKET COSTS:

  • Less than 85 m.p.h. over the speed limit: $190 fine
  • 86 - 89 m.p.h. over the speed limit: $170 +$1/mile over the limit fine
  • 90+ m.p.h. over the speed limit: $370 fine

ALABAMA ABSOLUTE SPEED THRESHOLDS:

  • Urban areas: 30 m.p.h.
  • Unpaved roads: 35 m.p.h.
  • Paved road in unincorporated areas: 45 m.p.h.
  • State highway w/ 3 or fewer lanes: 55 m.p.h.
  • State highway w/ 4 or more lanes: 65 m.p.h.
  • Interstate Highways: 70 m.p.h.

How does the Alabama driver's license points system work?

If you are found guilty of speeding between 1 and 25 m.p.h. over the posted limit your license will be assessed two points. You'll have an additional 3 points, for a total of 5, added to your license if you are found guilty of speeding 25 m.p.h. over the posted limit or faster. Accumulate 12 points or more within 2 years and your license could be suspended for at least 60 days.

The length of any potential suspension is determined by how many points you have accumulated. Here's how it breaks down:

ALABAMA LICENSE SUSPENSION DURATIONS:

  • 12-14 points: 60 days
  • 12-14 points: 60 days
  • 15-17 points: 90 days
  • 18-20 points: 120 days
  • 21-23 points: 180 days
  • 24+ points: 365 days

Additional penalties

Individual courts, judges, and law enforcement have a lot of leeway in determining the penalties you may face. In addition, certain circumstances can carry extra monetary and points penalties:

  • Any fees or penalties you are assessed for speeding may be double for a citation issued in a school or construction zone.

How to Address a Speeding Ticket in Alabama

No one likes getting a speeding ticket, but failing to address it can cause long-term problems for the state of your license, your insurance rate, and potentially, your freedom. Getting ahead of the issue is the best course of action, and the first step in doing so is finding out exactly what you're dealing with.

Receiving a speeding ticket in Alabama doesn't have to break the bank, or create long term complications you'd rather not deal with. In many cases, taking an AL DMV approved defensive driving course will be your best option. Whichever path you choose to follow knowing what you're up against in terms of fees, fines, and penalties as well as the options you have to minimize them is the first step to putting your troubles behind you.