Search Huntsville Traffic Ticket Records
Traffic ticket records for Huntsville are maintained by the Huntsville Municipal Court for citations issued by Huntsville Police Department officers. The court processes thousands of traffic cases each year and provides multiple options for resolving citations. Residents can search for their tickets online through the city's municipal payment portal or contact the court directly for case information. State trooper and Madison County Sheriff citations are handled separately through the Madison County District Court system. The Huntsville Municipal Court operates under the 23rd Judicial Circuit and serves as the primary venue for city ordinance violations and traffic matters occurring within city limits.
Huntsville Quick Facts
County Jurisdiction
Huntsville is located in Madison County. Traffic tickets issued by Alabama State Troopers or Madison County Sheriff deputies are processed through the Madison County District Court, not the Huntsville Municipal Court. The Madison County Courthouse is located at 100 Northside Square in Huntsville. For state and county citations, contact the District Court Clerk at (256) 532-3390. Municipal court handles only those tickets issued by Huntsville city police officers.
Huntsville Municipal Court
The Huntsville Municipal Court handles all traffic tickets issued by the Huntsville Police Department within city limits. The court processes citations for speeding, running red lights, improper lane changes, driving without a valid license, and other moving violations. Non-moving violations such as parking tickets and equipment violations are also handled here.
| Location | Municipal Justice and Public Safety Complex Huntsville, AL 35801 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 427-7810 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | huntsvilleal.gov/government/municipal-courts |
How to Search and Pay Traffic Tickets
Online Payment
Huntsville has an online payment site for tickets. You need your citation number and date of birth. Put those in and you see the fine, the court date, and how to pay. The site is up all day, every day. Pay at 2 AM if you want. Card only though. Credit or debit. No checks or cash online. A small fee gets added for the card payment.
- Payment Portal: huntsvilleal.municipalonlinepayments.com
- Search By: Citation number and date of birth
- Payment Methods: Credit cards, debit cards
In-Person Payment
Payments can be made in person at the Municipal Court during regular business hours. The court accepts cash, money orders, certified checks, personal checks, and credit or debit cards. Arrive before 4:00 PM to ensure your payment is processed the same day.
Payment by Mail
You can mail your payment to the Huntsville Municipal Court. Include a copy of your citation and make checks or money orders payable to the City of Huntsville. Allow sufficient time for mail delivery before your court date.
Contesting a Ticket
If you wish to contest your traffic ticket, do not pay the fine. Call the Municipal Court at (256) 427-7810 before your scheduled court date to request a trial date. You will appear before a judge to present your case. You have the right to hire an attorney or represent yourself.
Defensive Driving School
Some folks can do driving school. This keeps points off your record. Not everyone gets this option. It depends on the ticket type and your history. Check traffic.alacourt.gov to see if you qualify. Don't pay your ticket yet if you want this. Paying is a guilty plea. That locks you out of driving school. Call the court if you're not sure what to do.
Fees and Fines
Online Payment Convenience Fees
| Payment Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Credit or debit card (online) | 2.5% plus non-refundable processing fee |
| Cash (in person) | None |
| Money order or certified check | None |
| Personal check | None |
Common Traffic Fine Ranges
Fines vary. A lot. It depends on what you did and if you've been caught before. Most basic tickets run $100 to $500. Court costs get added on top of that. DUI is way more. So is reckless driving. The court can tell you the exact amount for your case. Just call them or check online with your ticket number.
Consequences of Non-Payment
Failure to pay a traffic ticket or appear in court by the scheduled date results in serious consequences. The court will issue a warrant for your arrest. Your driver's license will be suspended. A failure to appear charge will be added to your case. The original fine amount will increase. Any bond posted will be forfeited.
Relevant Alabama Statutes
Traffic citations in Huntsville are governed by Alabama state law and local ordinances. The following statutes apply to traffic ticket processing and penalties.
Alabama Code Section 12-12-53: Uniform Traffic Ticket
This statute requires all law enforcement agencies in Alabama to use a standardized Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint form. The UTC number printed on your ticket serves as the primary identifier for tracking your case through the court system. All courts must accept tickets issued on the official form.
Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8: Penalties for Traffic Violations
This section establishes the general penalty structure for traffic violations in Alabama. Most traffic offenses are classified as misdemeanors. First-time violations may result in fines up to $100 or imprisonment up to 10 days. Subsequent violations within a specified period carry increased penalties. Serious violations such as DUI are governed by separate statutes with higher penalties.
Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191: DUI Penalties
Driving under the influence charges carry enhanced penalties including mandatory jail time, substantial fines, license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements. First offense DUI fines can reach $2,100 plus court costs. The Huntsville Municipal Court handles DUI cases and works with the Madison County probation system for monitoring compliance.
Legal Aid Resources
Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to residents who cannot afford an attorney for traffic matters.
Legal Services Alabama - Huntsville Office
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. While they do not typically handle traffic tickets directly, they can provide referrals and assist with related matters such as license reinstatement issues.
- Phone: 1-866-456-4995
- Website: legalservicesalabama.org
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Need a lawyer? The State Bar has a referral line. Call and they match you with an attorney in your area. First meeting is often cheaper when you go through the Bar. Traffic lawyers deal with tickets all the time. They know the judges and the court staff. That can help if you want to fight your case or work out a deal.
- Phone: 1-800-392-5660
- Website: alabar.org
Nearby Cities
The following major cities are located near Huntsville. Each city operates its own municipal court for traffic tickets issued by local police.
Search Traffic Records
Use our search tool to find traffic ticket records and court case information for Huntsville and Madison County.