More Than Just a Fine
Many drivers view a traffic ticket as a minor nuisance—something to pay and forget about. However, simply paying a ticket in Alabama is an automatic admission of guilt. This conviction goes on your driving record and can lead to increased insurance premiums, points on your license, and even license suspension.
The Alabama Point System
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) uses a point system to track driving infractions. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period, your driver's license will be suspended. The length of the suspension increases with the number of points.
- Speeding (1-25 mph over limit): 2 points
- Running a stop sign/red light: 3 points
- Following too closely (Tailgating): 3 points
- Speeding (26+ mph over limit): 5 points
- Passing a stopped school bus: 5 points
- Reckless Driving: 6 points
- DUI: 6 points
Reckless Driving: A Serious Misdemeanor
Unlike a standard speeding ticket, Reckless Driving is a criminal misdemeanor in Alabama. It involves driving a vehicle with "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." A conviction carries up to 90 days in jail, substantial fines, and a 6-month license suspension for a subsequent offense. You should never attempt to handle a reckless driving charge without an attorney.
When to Fight a Traffic Ticket
You should strongly consider fighting a traffic ticket if:
- You already have points on your license and cannot afford a suspension.
- You are a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holder, where even minor tickets threaten your livelihood.
- You are facing a severe charge like reckless driving or excessive speeding.
- You are facing a massive hike in your auto insurance premiums.
An experienced attorney can often negotiate with prosecutors to have charges reduced to non-moving violations (which carry no points) or require attendance at a defensive driving school in exchange for dismissal. Learn more about our defense for traffic violations or reach out to us for help.