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.
Mason Reed 
If you have been avoiding the Birmingham Municipal Court due to outstanding tickets or minor infractions, now is the time to set things right. The city has officially announced a new amnesty month running from June 1 through June 30, 2026, offering residents a unique chance to clear the air without the fear of arrest.
Resolving Your Record
The initiative is designed to help citizens address unresolved court matters while simultaneously tackling the city's backlog of outstanding warrants. Presiding Judge LaResha Cade-Spearman emphasized the importance of the program, noting that the goal is to foster accountability and judicial efficiency. This effort is meant to provide a constructive pathway for residents to reconnect with the court system and move forward.
To take advantage of this, individuals can visit the Birmingham Municipal Court in person, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please ensure you bring a valid ID when you arrive. You can work toward recalling failure-to-appear warrants by paying original fines and court costs, setting up payment plans, or getting back on track with court-ordered programs or probation requirements.
Important Eligibility Details
It is important to note that not all cases are eligible for this program. Specifically, individuals charged with or convicted of violent crimes—including domestic violence—or serious offenses like driving under the influence cannot participate. Additionally, the amnesty program does not apply to code or zoning violations.
For those dealing with parking tickets, these can be resolved conveniently online at www.birminghamal.gov/parksmart or in person at the court.
A Proven Track Record
Birmingham is no stranger to successful amnesty programs. The city's first major initiative, launched in 2008 by then-Mayor Larry Langford, drew massive crowds to the municipal court, requiring extended operating hours to meet the demand. Later efforts have also yielded significant results, such as the 2010 program that collected more than $950,000 in settlements.
If you have questions or need further clarification on your eligibility, 205focus.com encourages residents to contact the Birmingham Municipal Court directly at (205) 254-2161.
