How do I fight a speeding ticket in Alabama?

Alabama treats most speeding tickets as misdemeanors but tries them in municipal or district court depending on location.

1. Pay vs. Contest

Pay (where allowed): some violations are 'UTTC waivable' — pay via the Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint; otherwise must appear.

Plead not guilty: bench trial in municipal court; appeal de novo to circuit court within 14 days.

Plea bargain: city prosecutors commonly amend to obstructing traffic, defective equipment, or other non-point infractions.

2. Speed Limits & Reckless Threshold

Ala. Code § 32-5A-170 sets posted limits (70 mph rural interstate).

Reckless driving (§ 32-5A-190): misdemeanor — 5 days to 90 days jail and/or $25-$500 fine; 6 points; possible 30-day suspension.

Reckless endangerment: more serious option with significant injury risk.

3. DPS Demerit Points

Ala. Admin. Code 760-X-20:

2 points: 1-25 mph over

5 points: 26+ over

6 points: reckless driving / racing

12-14 points in 2 years = 60-day suspension; 15-17 = 90-day; 18-20 = 6-month; 21-23 = 9-month; 24+ = 1-year revocation.

4. Defensive Driving Course

ADPS-approved program can subtract up to 3 points once every 3 years.

5. Insurance Impact

Alabama insurers typically surcharge 3 years. SR-22 not required for ordinary speeding.

6. Defenses & Discovery

Subpoena officer and radar/lidar calibration log under Ala. R. Crim. P. 17.

Ala. R. Evid. 702 governs expert/officer foundation for radar.

Smith v. State line of cases requires showing of operator training and equipment calibration.

7. CDL Holders

49 CFR § 384.226 — no plea-down to mask CMV conviction. CDL serious violation triggers 60-day disqualification.

This is legal information, not legal advice.