Fess up and pay up: Birmingham offers amnesty for old traffic tickets, minor infractions
City officials said the initiative aims to help residents address unresolved court issues while also reducing the court’s backlog of outstanding warrants.
Ethan Parker 
If you have been avoiding old traffic tickets or minor infractions in Birmingham, the city is offering a fresh start. The Birmingham Municipal Court has announced a month-long amnesty initiative running from June 1 through June 30, 2026, allowing residents to resolve outstanding issues without the looming fear of arrest.
A Path to Resolution
City officials are backing this program to help residents clear up unresolved court matters while simultaneously tackling the city's backlog of outstanding warrants. Presiding Judge LaResha Cade-Spearman emphasized that the initiative is designed to foster a constructive relationship between citizens and the judicial system.
“This initiative is about providing people with a meaningful opportunity to address outstanding court matters and move forward,” said Judge Cade-Spearman. “Court Amnesty Month supports fairness, accountability, and judicial efficiency while helping residents reconnect with the court system in a constructive way.”
How to Participate
Eligible individuals can head to the Birmingham Municipal Court on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. To participate, you must bring a valid ID. Failure-to-appear warrants can be handled by paying original fines and court costs, setting up a payment plan, or reinstating court-ordered programs and probation requirements.
For those needing to address parking tickets, you can settle those debts online at www.birminghamal.gov/parksmart or visit the court in person.
Important Eligibility Details
While the program covers many minor infractions, it is not a blanket pardon. The following cases are excluded from the amnesty program:
- Violent crimes, including domestic violence
- Serious offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI)
- Code and zoning violations
A Proven History of Success
This is not the first time 205focus.com has reported on Birmingham utilizing amnesty to help clear the books. The city's first major program in 2008, introduced by then-Mayor Larry Langford, drew massive crowds to the municipal court. Similar efforts in 2010 were also highly effective, resulting in more than $950,000 being collected for the city.
For more information regarding your specific eligibility or court status, contact the Birmingham Municipal Court at (205) 254-2161.
