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.

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

ALABAMA SPEEDING TICKET COST TABLE

SPEEDING WHILE TRAVELING:

SPEEDING:
POTENTIAL FINE
Less than 85 m.p.h. $190
86-89 m.p.h. $170 + $1 per mile over the limit
90+ m.p.h. $370

In addition to the above graduated penalties, Alabama has an absolute speed limit law. You may not travel faster than the following speeds in the following circumstances:

ALABAMA ABSOLUTE SPEED THRESHOLDS

ZONE

MAXIMUM ALLOWED SPEED
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

NUMBER OF POINTS

SUSPENSION LENGTH
12 - 14 60 days
15 - 17 90 days
18 - 20 120 days
21 - 23 180 days
24+ 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.

The next step, is to consider a defensive driving or driver improvement course to reduce points on your license, or potentially have your traffic ticket dismissed. For more information visit MyIMPROV Alabama to get started today!