Lauderdale County Traffic Ticket Records Search
Traffic ticket records for Lauderdale County are processed through the Circuit Clerk's office located in Florence, the county seat. The District Court handles all traffic citations issued within the county by Alabama State Troopers, Lauderdale County Sheriff's deputies, and law enforcement from municipalities that participate in the state court system. Lauderdale County operates within the 6th Judicial Circuit. With a population of nearly 98,000 residents, this is one of the larger counties in the Tennessee Valley region. The clerk's office maintains comprehensive records of traffic court proceedings and can assist with searches, copies, and general case inquiries.
Lauderdale County Quick Facts
Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining all court records in Lauderdale County. This includes traffic court cases, civil litigation, criminal proceedings, and domestic relations matters. For traffic ticket records specifically, the clerk's office can provide case information, accept fine payments, issue certified copies, and assist with record searches. The office is located in the Lauderdale County Courthouse in downtown Florence.
| Address | 200 S. Court Street Florence, AL 35630 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 760-5800 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Court Website | lauderdale.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Traffic Ticket Records
Online Search Options
The Alabama Traffic Service Center at traffic.alacourt.gov provides the quickest way to find information about a specific traffic ticket. You need your Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC) number and date of birth. This portal shows citation details, court dates, and fine amounts. You can also pay your ticket online through this system if you choose to plead guilty.
Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com offers broader search capabilities for those who need to find cases by name or review multiple records. This paid subscription service includes traffic court records from the Lauderdale County District Court along with other case types. Attorneys, background check companies, and individuals conducting comprehensive searches commonly use this resource.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Lauderdale County Courthouse during business hours for direct assistance with record searches. Staff can look up cases while you wait and provide copies on the spot. Bring valid photo identification and any information you have about the case, such as the citation number or court date. For certified copies needed for legal purposes, request certification at the time of your visit.
Mail Requests
Written requests for traffic ticket records can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk's office. Include the full name of the defendant, date of birth, any known case or citation numbers, and the date range you want searched. Enclose payment by check or money order made payable to "Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk" for search and copy fees. Processing typically takes one to two weeks plus mail delivery time.
Information Needed for Searches
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth
- UTC number or case number if available
- Approximate date of the traffic stop
- Photo ID for in-person requests
Fees for Traffic Ticket Records
The following fees apply to record searches and document copies at the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's office. These are standard rates set by the Administrative Office of Courts and apply throughout Alabama.
| 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 |
Accepted payment methods include cash, money orders, and certified checks. Most court offices do not accept personal checks. Online payments through AlaPay incur an additional 4% convenience fee for credit card transactions.
Paying Traffic Tickets in Lauderdale County
If you received a traffic citation in Lauderdale County and want to resolve it by paying the fine, multiple payment options are available to you.
Online Payment
Pay at traffic.alacourt.gov any time. Day or night. Put in your UTC number and birth date. Find your ticket. Pay with a card. There's a 4% fee for using a card. This is the fast way to handle a small ticket without driving to court.
In-Person Payment
Pay at the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's office in Florence during regular business hours. Bring your traffic citation with you. The clerk's office accepts cash, money orders, and certified checks. Staff can tell you the exact amount due including any court costs and fees.
Mail Payment
To pay by mail, sign the guilty plea section on the back of your ticket and send it with a cashier's check or money order to the Circuit Clerk's office. Make payment payable to "Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk" for the exact amount shown on the citation. Mail with enough time to arrive before your court date. Do not send cash.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay
Skip paying? Lose your license. Miss court? Same deal. A warrant could come next. They add a Failure to Appear charge too. That's another crime on top of your ticket. Late fees stack up. Court costs go higher. It gets worse the longer you wait.
Alabama Traffic Laws and Statutes
All traffic tickets issued in Lauderdale County must comply with Alabama state traffic laws and court procedures.
Uniform Traffic Ticket
Every cop uses the same form for tickets. Alabama Code Section 12-12-53 says they have to. This keeps things the same across all counties. Lauderdale County follows the same rules as everywhere else in the state.
Traffic Violation Penalties
Most traffic violations in Alabama are classified as misdemeanors under Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8. Standard moving violations typically carry fines up to $100 for first offenses. More serious violations like reckless driving, excessive speed, and DUI have significantly higher penalties including larger fines and potential jail time.
Public Records Access
Traffic court records are generally public under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40. Alabama residents may request access to court records for a reasonable fee. Some records may be restricted, including juvenile cases and records sealed by court order.
Cities and Towns in Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County includes several municipalities with their own police departments. Traffic tickets from city police may go through municipal courts or the District Court depending on the jurisdiction and violation type.
Florence is the county seat and largest city with a population of about 42,700. Other communities in Lauderdale County include Rogersville, Killen, Lexington, Anderson, St. Florian, and Waterloo. None of these cities meet the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site. For municipal court information, contact the specific city or the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's office.
Nearby Counties
Lauderdale County is located in the northwestern corner of Alabama, bordered by the Tennessee River and the Tennessee state line. Adjacent Alabama counties include:
Search Lauderdale County Traffic Records
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