Speeding and Reckless Driving in Dallas County, Alabama
Updated: Oct 28
Related guide: Alabama Traffic Tickets: What to Do Before CourtA speeding citation and a reckless-driving charge are not the same case in Alabama. Both may affect a driver’s record, but reckless driving is a separate criminal traffic offense with potential fines, jail time, and a court-ordered driving restriction. If the stop happened in Selma or elsewhere in Dallas County, the practical first step is to read the exact charge and court instructions—not to assume the amount printed on a ticket is the full consequence.
Speeding versus reckless driving in Alabama
Speeding concerns the applicable posted or statutory limit. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s speed-limit guide lists general limits by road type, but posted signs and the location of the stop matter. A citation should identify the alleged speed and applicable limit.
Alabama Code § 32-5A-190 addresses reckless driving: operating a vehicle carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for safety, or without due caution at a speed or in a manner likely to endanger people or property. The alleged driving conduct, road conditions, traffic, and available evidence all matter. Do not assume a high-speed allegation automatically proves—or rules out—a reckless-driving charge.
How many license points can a conviction add?
Under ALEA’s published point schedule, a conviction for speeding 1–25 mph over the limit carries two points; speeding 26 mph or more over carries five; and reckless driving carries six. A conviction loses its point value for suspension purposes two years after the conviction date, but the conviction remains on the driving record.
The ordinary point-system suspension begins at twelve points in a two-year period. That makes the current driving record important: a single new conviction may cross the threshold for someone who already has points. Graduated-license and commercial-license rules can impose additional consequences. Our Alabama traffic-points guide lays out the full suspension schedule and important exceptions.
What are the possible penalties for reckless driving?
For a first conviction, § 32-5A-190 permits five to ninety days of imprisonment, a fine of $25 to $500, or both. The statute provides higher potential confinement for a second or later conviction. It also permits the court to prohibit driving on Alabama public highways for up to six months, with a corresponding license suspension. Court costs may be additional. These are statutory possibilities, not a prediction of what any particular court will impose.
Reckless driving should not be treated like an ordinary payable speeding ticket. The case may involve a required appearance, evidence questions, and consequences beyond the fine. If another charge arose from the same stop, each charge needs its own review.
Will a ticket increase your insurance premium?
A traffic conviction may influence insurance pricing, but there is no reliable percentage or universal lookback period for every Alabama driver. Insurers use different rating rules, and the effect depends on the offense, driver history, coverage, and policy. ALEA’s two-year point window controls point-system suspension; it does not set an insurer’s rating period. Ask your carrier or agent how a particular conviction would affect your policy, and compare equivalent coverage if you shop for a new quote.
Should you pay the citation before speaking with a lawyer?
Read the ticket first. Alabama’s Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint instructions allow a pre-court guilty plea and payment only for qualifying offenses and circumstances. A guilty plea or conviction is reported to the driver-license authority. Do not assume every charge can be paid online or that paying an eligible ticket avoids a conviction. Do not miss a court date while deciding what to do.
Before entering a plea, consider the exact statute or ordinance cited, the court listed, the alleged speed, any prior points, and whether your license or work depends on driving. An attorney can evaluate the available evidence and discuss lawful options. An amended charge, dismissal, or other favorable resolution is never guaranteed.
What evidence can matter in a Dallas County traffic case?
The citation, any court notice, and the location of the stop.
The posted limit and the speed the officer alleges.
Available video, witness information, and speed-measurement records when relevant.
Your official driving record, license class, and any ALEA notices.
Road, weather, and traffic conditions that bear on the actual charge.
A case arising within Selma may be handled differently from one in another part of Dallas County; the citation and court notice identify where to appear. Elliott Owen Lipinsky is a Selma-based former prosecutor who represents clients in criminal and traffic-related matters across West Alabama. The office can review the documents and explain the next procedural step without promising a result.
Frequently asked questions
Is reckless driving a felony in Alabama?
Ordinary reckless driving under § 32-5A-190 is a misdemeanor traffic offense, not a felony. It is still more serious than a routine speeding citation because criminal and licensing consequences may follow a conviction.
How many points do speeding and reckless driving carry?
ALEA lists two points for speeding 1–25 mph over the limit, five points for speeding 26 mph or more over, and six points for reckless driving. The points are tied to a conviction, not merely the roadside citation.
Will one speeding ticket raise my insurance?
It may, but no set percentage applies to everyone. The insurer, violation, prior record, and coverage determine the effect. Ask your carrier how it would rate the specific outcome.
Can a lawyer keep points off my record?
An attorney can evaluate whether the evidence supports the charge and whether a lawful alternative disposition is available. No dismissal, reduction, or point-free outcome can be promised; the answer depends on the facts and the court.
Get a local review before deciding
For county court links and practical regional information, use the West Alabama court and road-safety resource.
If you have a speeding or reckless-driving charge in Selma, Dallas County, or West Alabama, call the Law Offices of Elliott Owen Lipinsky at (334) 230-7986 or request a free case review. Have the citation and court date ready. This article is general information, not advice for your particular case; contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship.
