The Legal Consequences of Speeding in Alabama

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations throughout the U.S. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous. In Alabama, speeding is a leading cause of car accidents, which often result in severe injuries or deaths. 

In Montgomery alone, 6,409 car accidents involved speeding in 2022. While most drivers seem to think of speeding as a minor infraction, it can cause severe legal consequences. This is especially true if speeding leads to an accident. 

Why Speeding Is Dangerous

Speeding is a lot more than just driving faster than you should. Every mile over the speed limit increases the risk of accidents and worsens their severity when they happen. When you speed, you:

• Have a reduced reaction time: The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to hazards or unexpected incidents. 
• Risk and increased impact force. When you drive too fast and cause an accident, the speed of your vehicle increases the force of the collision. This will make your injuries more severe and increase the damage to your car. 
• Decrease your ability to steer your vehicle. Driving at a high speed makes it harder to steer, brake, or maneuver your car safely. 

Speeding Laws in Alabama

In Alabama, Title 32 of the Alabama Code governs speeding violations. The law determines speed limits for different road types and conditions. These speed limits are always enforced: 

• Urban areas: 30 mph
• Unpaved roads: 35 mph
• Highways: 65 mph (other roadways 55 mph)
• Interstate highways: 70 mph

Absolute Speed Limits

Speed limits are absolute in Alabama, so exceeding the posted limit by even one mph is a violation. This means you can technically receive a ticket for driving 56 mph in a 55 mph zone. 

Basic Speeding Law

Alabama also enforces a basic speeding law. This law requires drivers to travel at a reasonable and safe speed for road and weather conditions. 

Penalties for Speeding in Alabama

Alabama enforces penalties for speeding. The severity of the speeding violation determines these penalties. So, if you are caught driving between 1 to 25 mph over the speed limit, your fine may be up to $40. If you exceed the speed limit by more than 25 mph, you may pay more than $100 in fines. 

Moreover, you will likely have to pay for court costs and administration fees, which will significantly increase the amount you owe. If you are a repeat offender, you may face higher fines. 

Points Added to Driving Record

Like many other states, Alabama uses a point system for traffic violation penalties. If you have committed a speeding violation, you will have points added to your driving record. The number of points also depends on how serious the violation is. 

For example, if you drive up to 25 mph over the speed limit, you will likely have 2 points added to your record. If you drive at a speed higher than 25 mph over the limit, you may have 5 points added to your record. 

While this may not seem a big deal, your accumulated points can increase your insurance premiums. Your license may be suspended if you accumulate over 12 points within two years. 

Suspended License

If your speeding violation is serious, you may have your license suspended immediately. If you have 12 to 14 points within two years, your license will be suspended, usually for two months. Moreover, if you have more than 24 points, your license can be suspended for a year. 

However, if you are convicted of reckless driving or speeding in a school zone, your license may be revoked regardless of how many points you have. 

Consequences of Speeding and Accidents

The legal consequences are automatically more severe if speeding results in an accident. In cases like this, speeding is considered negligence, which means you are legally and financially responsible for the other driver’s damages. 

Civil Consequences

Victims can file a personal injury lawsuit against you if you are at fault for the accident. A lawsuit means paying for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. 

Criminal Charges

If your speeding results in an accident with severe injuries or fatalities, you may face criminal charges. You could be charged with reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor. 

In the case of a fatality, you could face felony charges, which come with the possibility of long-term prison time. 

Defenses for Speeding Charges

Speeding is a strict liability offense, but defenses may sometimes apply. For example, if you were speeding to avoid harm or because of a medical emergency, you might avoid penalties. 

You could also avoid penalties on technicalities. If a radar gun or speed camera is faulty, it will be harder to prove your violation. 

What to Do If You Get a Speeding Ticket

If you get a ticket, you should be thankful that your speeding did not cause an accident. Then, pay the fine because this is the quickest way to resolve the issue. Remember, you will get points on your record. 

If you believe you got a ticket incorrectly, you can contest it in court. However, it is best to get a lawyer to help you. 

Preventing Speeding Accidents

If you drive a car, you must stick to the posted speed limits throughout Alabama. So, if you know you must be somewhere at a specific time, give yourself enough time to get there. Additionally, use the cruise control on your vehicle to stay within the legal speed limit on highways. 

Always pay attention to posted road signs and limits and adjust your speed according to weather and road conditions. 

Speeding Is a Serious Offense

Whether you cause an accident or not, speeding is a serious offense in Alabama. Consult an attorney immediately if you receive a ticket or cause an accident. Doing this gives you the best defense against criminal charges or a personal injury lawsuit. 

The easiest way to avoid legal trouble is not to drive faster than the speed limit. Making a safe choice for yourself and other road users is always better. 

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