Access Houston County Traffic Ticket Records
Traffic ticket records in Houston County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the Houston County Courthouse in Dothan. The county operates within the 20th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Henry County. All traffic citations issued by Alabama State Troopers patrolling US Highway 231 and US Highway 84, Houston County Sheriff deputies, and municipal police officers within county boundaries are processed through the District Court division. The Circuit Clerk office maintains comprehensive records of all traffic cases including the original citation, court appearances, the final disposition, and payment history. Houston County is the hub of the Wiregrass region in southeast Alabama and includes the city of Dothan, making it a major commercial and traffic center.
Houston County Quick Facts
Circuit Clerk Office
The Houston County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of all court records for the 20th Judicial Circuit within Houston County. This includes traffic cases processed through the District Court, as well as civil, criminal, and domestic relations matters. The office is located at the Houston County Courthouse on North Oates Street in Dothan.
| Address | 462 North Oates Street Dothan, AL 36303 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 677-4719 or (334) 677-4701 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | houston.alacourt.gov |
Dothan Municipal Court
Traffic citations issued by Dothan city police within city limits are processed through the Dothan Municipal Court. This court handles misdemeanor and traffic citation cases from city police. The court operates Monday through Friday starting at 8:00 AM.
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 2128 Dothan, AL 36302 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
How to Search Traffic Ticket Records
Online Search Options
Houston County traffic records can be accessed through the Alabama Traffic Service Center at traffic.alacourt.gov. Enter your Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC) number from the ticket along with your date of birth to search for your case. The portal provides options for paying fines online, checking case status, and viewing disposition details.
Most trial court information is available through the alacourt.gov system. The Alacourt Access subscription service at pa.alacourt.com offers comprehensive record searches including name-based and case number searches. Court records are electronically imaged for faster access.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Circuit Clerk office at 462 North Oates Street in Dothan during regular business hours. Bring valid photo identification and any case information you have available. Staff can conduct record searches and provide copies of court documents while you wait for most standard requests.
Mail Requests
Fill out a Request for Documents form. Mail it to the clerk. Put in the full name and ticket date. Case number too if you have it. Send a check or money order for the fee. Takes about a week to get done.
Payment Methods
Traffic fines can be paid online through AlaPay at alapay.com using a credit or debit card. In-person payments are accepted at the Circuit Clerk office by cash, money order, or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted for traffic fine payments. Municipal court fines for city citations must be paid at the Dothan Municipal Court.
Record Request Fees
Houston County follows Alabama's standard fee schedule for court record services. These fees apply to record searches and document copies from the Circuit Clerk office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Computerized record search | $10.00 |
| Paper record search | $20.00 |
| Copies (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Copies (21+ pages) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 |
Online payments through AlaPay include a convenience fee of approximately 4%. Cash payments made at the courthouse do not have additional fees.
Alabama Traffic Ticket Laws
Uniform Traffic Ticket Requirements
Every cop in Houston County uses the same form. State law demands it. Alabama Code Section 12-12-53 covers troopers, deputies, and Dothan police alike. The UTC number on your ticket is key. That's how the court finds your case.
Traffic Violation Penalties
Under Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8, most traffic violations are classified as misdemeanors. First-time convictions carry fines up to $100 or imprisonment up to 10 days. Repeat offenses result in higher penalties. Serious violations such as DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run have separate penalty provisions with substantially increased consequences.
Public Records Access
Court records in Alabama are public records under Alabama Code Sections 36-12-40 through 36-12-46, the Open Records Act. Alabama residents may request copies of traffic court records for a fee. Juvenile records and cases sealed by court order are not available for public access. Standard fees apply for search and copy services.
Consequences of Non-Payment
Don't pay and you lose your license. Miss court, same thing. Alabama makes it happen on its own. They could put out a warrant too. Want to drive again? You have to pay it all off first. Fines, costs, and ALEA fees.
Cities and Towns in Houston County
Houston County includes the city of Dothan, which is the largest city in the Wiregrass region. City police traffic citations are handled through municipal courts, while state trooper and sheriff citations go through the county District Court.
Communities in Houston County include Dothan (the county seat), Ashford, Columbia, Cowarts, Gordon, Kinsey, Madrid, Rehobeth, and Taylor. Dothan operates its own municipal court for city traffic violations.
Other cities in Houston County do not currently meet the population threshold for individual city pages. For municipal court information in those cities, contact the city where your ticket was issued.
Nearby Counties
Houston County is located in southeast Alabama near the Florida and Georgia borders. Verify which county has jurisdiction before contacting the court about your traffic citation.
Search Traffic Records Now
Use the search tool below to find traffic ticket records in Houston County. Enter a name or case number to begin your search.