Getting a speeding ticket is always a drag. But especially when it happens to you while you’re driving in a rental car. Here’s what you should do if you get a speeding ticket in Alabama.
The top speed limits in Alabama are 70 mph on the Interstate and 65 mph on roadways with four or more lanes.
How Much Are Speeding Fines in Alabama?
Alabama is one of the states where speeding ticket fines depend on where you’re driving, as well as how fast you are driving. In addition, Alabama’s speeding laws are subject to Alabama Code Title 32. That states that “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.” That means drivers can be fined subjectively if it’s deemed they are going too fast around curves, over hills and through railroad crossings, as well as when dealing with inclement weather or pedestrians.
Each county in Alabama assesses its own penalties. So there’s no single answer for how much a speeding ticket will cost you. The difference can vary greatly. For example, in Mobile going less than 25 mph over the speed limit will cost $20 (not including court fees). But doubles to $40 if you are more than 25 mph over the speed limit. The fine for exceeding the “reasonable and prudent” speed—such as going too fast around a curve—is $20. But a general speeding ticket in Tuscaloosa County can set you back at least $182, and $202 if you’re going 25 mph or more.
Regardless of the ticket price, paying a speeding fine is never fun and can add points to your license. So, it’s best to pay extra attention to your speeds when driving a rental in Alabama.
How to Handle a Speeding Ticket in a Rental
Unlike parking tickets and toll violations, which are typically tied to the vehicle, a speeding ticket is generally tied to the driver. If a police officer pulls you over, you’ll be able to handle the fine on your own—possibly without the rental company ever finding out. From there, you can pay the fine or fight it. Going to traffic school or taking a defensive driving course online may also be an option for avoiding points on your record.
There is one way the rental company could find out about the issue. Getting caught by a speed camera that takes a photo of the plate would mean that the rental company would be notified of the fine—and pass on to you at a later date with an added fee. If you receive a notice in the mail about a fine triggered by a speed camera, pay it immediately to avoid dealing with collections agencies or you could end up on the Do Not Rent list.
How to Pay a Speeding Ticket in Alabama
You’ll have to pay for a speeding ticket in Alabama even if you don’t live there, as states disclose out-of-state violations to one another. The quickest way to handle the ticket is to pay for it as soon as possible by following the directions printed on the ticket itself, which usually includes information for paying online or by phone. You can also pay in person at the court denoted on the ticket.
If you choose to contest the ticket, you will have to do so with the specific Alabama municipality that oversees the traffic laws where you were driving—not the rental car company. In some cases you may be able to do this online. That information will be available through the same municipal court listed on your ticket. However, going this route could require showing up in court and paying additional fees in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an American car if I’m not from the United States?
Without permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you can’t rent a vehicle in America if you’re not an American citizen. This may include waivers for certain countries. Additional requirements include valid documentation such a passport, proof of insurance, and other requirements. This topic is further covered on the DHS site.
Can you rent car in Europe with a US licence?
It depends on where you are going. You can rent cars in France if you’re going to France. However, it’s not possible to rent cars in Italy if you’re visiting the United States.
When I rent a car from the United States, is hail damage my responsibility?
The insurance company will reimburse you for any damage that is caused by natural catastrophes such as tornadoes or floods. Contact your rental agency if you’re unsure if this applies for your rental car.
Statistics
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day’s trip cost. (insider.com)
- If you’re a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
External Links
enterprise.com
autoslash.com
sixt.com
jdpower.com
How To
The Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: 10 Tips
Renting an automobile is one of your most economical ways to get around town. Many different companies are offering their services online and offline. These services are different from one another, so be sure to check out what they offer before renting a vehicle. You can choose private cars, vans, minivans, SUVs, luxury cars, etc. Some companies offer special rates to two people travelling together. Before choosing which company to rent a car from, we suggest checking out some reviews about them online. Renting a car should be booked at least one month before you need it. This will help you save money. By doing this, you will not be charged extra for cancelling last-minute. It’s always good to compare prices among multiple companies.
Make sure to verify if the company requires you to have insurance.
If you decide to drive yourself, ensure you have enough gas because most companies charge higher rates per gallon. You might find yourself stuck in traffic jams if you drive outside major cities. You might consider public transport in this situation. If you have a lot to carry, it might be easier to hire a taxi or shuttle van. You need to make sure that you only hire a reputable company if your plan is to use a taxi. Ask for recommendations and read reviews from customers.
Also, remember that you may have a limit on the mileage you can drive when renting a car. It is important to review your contract and confirm that you cannot exceed the permitted mileage. You should understand the cost of each mile.
Most companies allow you use the GPS navigation software for free. However, satellite radio may require you to pay extra.
You should also remember that you may not be allowed to return the vehicle until after a certain time. Be careful not to leave anything valuable inside the vehicle.
When you arrive at the location where you plan to pick up the rental car, bring your driver’s license, credit card, passport, and proof of insurance. You must complete the paperwork correctly. A few minutes later, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the pickup date and time. Follow the instructions and drive the car safely after you have picked it up.
Once you reach your destination, make sure to park your rental car in a safe place. Many companies require that the keys are dropped at the office. Keep the receipt close at hand in case something happens while you are driving. After you have completed your transaction, return to the office with the receipt and any supporting documents. You can now enjoy your vacation!
Did you miss our previous article…
https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/this-is-the-easiest-way-to-manage-your-reward-points/
