Shelby County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Shelby County go through the district court. This is part of the 18th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk in Columbiana keeps all court files. Shelby is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama. Lots of traffic flows on US 280 and I-65. Get a ticket from a trooper, deputy, or local cop? District court handles it. Search records online through Alacourt or visit the courthouse. Staff can look up cases and tell you what you owe. They make copies too.
Shelby County Quick Facts
Shelby County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court files in Shelby County. The office handles traffic filings and maintains records. The public can get case info here. Staff can tell you about case status and what you owe. Given how fast this county is growing, the office stays pretty busy. But staff are used to dealing with lots of people and can usually help you find what you need if you call or walk in during business hours.
| Circuit Clerk | Mary H. Harris |
|---|---|
| Address | 112 North Main Street, Room 1F Columbiana, AL 35051 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1810 Columbiana, AL 35051 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | shelby.alacourt.gov |
Important Traffic Court Information
Payment Restrictions
Shelby County does not take personal checks for traffic fines. This is a big deal because many people try to pay that way. If you send a personal check, they will send it back. That causes delays and your case just sits there. Use a money order instead. Credit or debit cards also work. This applies to both in-person and mail payments. Online and phone payments take cards with a small fee added on.
Defensive Driving Option
Some folks may be able to get their case dropped by taking a driving class. Not everyone qualifies but it is worth asking. Here is how to find out:
- Contact the District Attorney's Traffic Unit within 7 days of receiving your citation
- Email: Shelbycountytraffic@alabamada.gov
- Include your UTC number and date of birth in the email
Not all tickets can use this option. The DA's office will tell you if your case works for this. Usually minor speeding and similar violations are best suited for the driving class option. More serious stuff like reckless driving or DUI typically does not qualify. But it never hurts to ask and see what they say about your specific case.
Alabama Traffic Service Center
For general traffic ticket questions, you can call the statewide Alabama Traffic Service Center at 1-866-954-9399.
How to Search Traffic Records in Shelby County
Online Search
Search Shelby County traffic records through the Alacourt Public Access portal at pa.alacourt.com. Search by defendant name or case number. Access fees apply for using the online system. The Online Traffic Resolution system lets you look up tickets by citation number and pay fines directly.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana during business hours. The courthouse is on North Main Street. Bring any information you have about the case, such as the defendant name, date of citation, or case number. Staff can look up cases, tell you amounts owed, and make copies of documents.
Mail Requests
Written requests for records can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth if known, case number if available, and what documents you need. Include payment for copy fees (no personal checks). Mail to:
Circuit Clerk, Shelby County Courthouse
P.O. Box 1810
Columbiana, AL 35051
Phone Inquiries
For basic case information, contact the Shelby County court offices. Staff can check if a case exists, tell you its status, and give the balance owed. For detailed records, plan to visit in person or send a written request.
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Fines in Shelby County vary by what you did. Basic speeding runs $150 to $300 with court costs. More serious stuff costs more. First DUI hits $600 to $2,100 plus extra fees. The total adds up fast when they pile on state surcharges and all the court costs. Points on your license can also raise insurance rates for years. Shelby County sees a lot of traffic tickets given all the cars on US 280 and I-65.
Record Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Case copies (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Additional pages (over 20) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 |
| Alacourt name search | $9.99 |
Payment Options
Pay traffic fines online through ALAPay.com or by phone at 1-877-252-7294. At the courthouse, pay with cash, money order, or cashier's check. Personal checks are not accepted and will be returned. Credit and debit cards work for online and phone payments with a convenience fee.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Shelby County fall under Alabama state law. Under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51, the district court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic prosecutions. Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations per Sections 12-14-1 through 12-14-70.
Traffic violations are misdemeanors under Section 32-5A-8 unless specifically made felonies. Speed limits fall under Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. Reckless driving is defined in Section 32-5A-190. DUI offenses are in Section 32-5A-191 and can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on prior convictions.
Court records are public under Section 36-12-40, giving citizens the right to inspect and copy court records.
Shelby County is the sole county in the 18th Judicial Circuit, meaning it has its own dedicated judges.
District Attorney's Office
The Shelby County DA handles traffic cases. They also run the driving class program. If you want to try for that option, you need to go through them. The DA office deals with all the tickets that end up going to trial in the county.
| Phone | (205) 669-3750 |
|---|---|
| Fax | (205) 669-3909 |
| shelbycoalda@gmail.com | |
| Traffic Unit Email | Shelbycountytraffic@alabamada.gov |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 706 Columbiana, AL 35051 |
Additional Resources
Legal Aid
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to qualifying residents. Call 1-866-456-4995 for intake information.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
For driver's license questions, driving records, or point inquiries, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
Cities in Shelby County
Shelby County has numerous municipalities. Traffic citations from city police typically go to that city's municipal court, while sheriff and state trooper tickets go to district court.
Other cities in Shelby County include Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Chelsea, Montevallo, Calera, and Columbiana. These cities have municipal courts that handle local traffic citations. Hoover straddles the county line with part in Jefferson County and part in Shelby County.