Access Tuscaloosa Traffic Ticket Records
Traffic ticket records for Tuscaloosa are maintained by the Tuscaloosa Municipal Court for citations issued by Tuscaloosa Police Department officers. As home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa experiences increased traffic enforcement during football season and other major campus events. The court handles thousands of traffic cases annually and provides scheduled arraignment times based on defendant last name. Residents can search court records through Alacourt Access or contact the Municipal Court directly for case information. State trooper and Tuscaloosa County Sheriff citations are processed through the Tuscaloosa County District Court, which operates under the 6th Judicial Circuit. Most traffic court records are public under the Alabama Open Records Act.
Tuscaloosa Quick Facts
County Jurisdiction
Tuscaloosa is located in Tuscaloosa County and serves as the county seat. Traffic tickets issued by Alabama State Troopers or Tuscaloosa County Sheriff deputies are processed through the Tuscaloosa County District Court, not the Tuscaloosa Municipal Court. The Tuscaloosa County Courthouse is located at 714 Greensboro Ave in Tuscaloosa. For state and county citations, contact the District Court Clerk at (205) 349-3870 ext. 259. The Municipal Court handles only tickets issued by Tuscaloosa city police officers.
Tuscaloosa Municipal Court
The Tuscaloosa Municipal Court handles all traffic tickets issued by the Tuscaloosa Police Department within city limits. The court processes speeding tickets, red light violations, stop sign violations, improper turns, driving without a valid license, expired tags, and other moving violations. Parking tickets and city ordinance violations are also processed here.
| Website | tuscaloosa.com/court |
|---|---|
| Arraignment (Last Names A-L) | 9:00 AM |
| Arraignment (Last Names M-Z) | 1:30 PM |
| Trials | 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM |
Court Schedule
The Tuscaloosa Municipal Court holds traffic arraignments twice daily. Defendants with last names beginning with A through L should appear at 9:00 AM. Defendants with last names beginning with M through Z should appear at 1:30 PM. Trials are scheduled for both morning and afternoon sessions. Check your citation for your specific court date and time.
How to Search and Pay Traffic Tickets
Statewide Record Search
Tuscaloosa traffic court records can be searched through Alacourt Access, the statewide court record database. The system allows searches by defendant name or case number. This is the most comprehensive source for state court traffic records.
- Alacourt Access: pa.alacourt.com
Online Payment
Traffic tickets can be paid online through the AlaPay portal. You will need your ticket number or case number to search for your citation. Online payments are processed through the state court system.
- AlaPay Portal: alapay.com
- Alabama Traffic Service Center: traffic.alacourt.gov
In-Person Payment
Payments can be made in person at the Tuscaloosa Municipal Court during regular business hours. The court accepts cash, money orders, certified checks, and credit or debit cards. Arrive during your assigned arraignment time based on your last name.
Contesting a Ticket
If you wish to contest your traffic ticket, appear at your scheduled arraignment time and inform the court you wish to plead not guilty. A trial date will be scheduled. You will have the opportunity to present evidence and make arguments. You may hire an attorney or represent yourself.
Game Day Traffic Enforcement
Football weekends are busy. Cops are out in force on game days. More tickets get written. If you get one near campus on a Saturday in the fall, expect the same process. It just takes longer because everyone is dealing with the rush. The court system doesn't change, but the volume does. Plan ahead if you need to resolve a ticket from a game day weekend.
Fees and Fines
Online Payment Convenience Fees
| Payment Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| AlaPay (credit or debit card) | 4% |
| Cash (in person) | None |
| Money order or certified check | None |
Common Traffic Fine Ranges
Traffic fines in Tuscaloosa vary based on the violation type and your driving history. Court costs are added to all base fines. Standard moving violations typically range from $100 to $500 including court costs. Serious offenses carry higher penalties. Contact the court for specific fine amounts for your citation.
Consequences of Non-Payment
Failure to pay a traffic ticket or appear in court by your scheduled date results in an arrest warrant being issued. Your Alabama driver's license will be suspended until the matter is resolved. Additional failure to appear charges may be filed. The original fine amount will increase with added penalties and court costs.
Relevant Alabama Statutes
Traffic citations in Tuscaloosa are governed by Alabama state law and local city 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 on your ticket is the primary tracking identifier for your case through the court system.
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 misdemeanors. First violations may result in fines up to $100 or jail time up to 10 days. Repeat violations carry increased penalties.
Public Records Access
Court records are public in Alabama. Most of them, anyway. The Open Records Act lets you ask for copies. There's a catch though. Only Alabama residents can request them under the current law. Out-of-state folks are out of luck. Juvenile cases are off limits. So are sealed cases. For everything else, pay the fee and you get your copies.
Legal Aid Resources
Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to Tuscaloosa residents who need help with traffic matters.
Legal Services Alabama - Tuscaloosa Office
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. They can assist with license reinstatement issues and provide referrals for traffic matters.
- Phone: 1-866-456-4995
- Website: legalservicesalabama.org
University of Alabama School of Law Clinics
UA's law school runs clinics. Law students handle cases with a real lawyer watching over them. They might be able to help with certain cases, depending on what they're working on that term. It's free or cheap. Worth asking if you're a student or low-income resident. Call them to see if they take traffic cases.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service connecting residents with attorneys who handle traffic cases.
- Phone: 1-800-392-5660
Nearby Cities
The following major Alabama cities are within reasonable distance of Tuscaloosa. 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 Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County.