Paying Fines

By Phone or Internet

Payments maybe made online at vhcourt.com or by calling 205.318.2556. Both options will accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover. (A 4% processing fee is charged for any credit card payment.) Your complete ticket number is required to make a payment online or by phone. Once the transaction is successfully completed, you will receive a verification number. Please make note of this verification number. To prevent duplicate charges, do NOT hit the back button while your transaction is processing.

Allow three (3) business days for your payment to be processed. If you have made a payment, but the ticket appears unpaid after three business days, contact a Magistrate at 205.978.0121 to avoid making a duplicate payment. Payment in full must be received prior to your Court date or your driver’s license could be suspended and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

In Person

Enter through the double doors of the Police Department building (behind Red Lobster). We accept: cash, cashier’s checks, money orders, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover. (A 4% processing fee is charged for any credit card payment.) Personal checks and company checks are NOT accepted.

By Mail

Payments may be made by mail using a money order or a cashier’s check made payable to the City of Vestavia Hills. Do not mail personal checks or cash. Be sure to include your full name, ticket number and address on your payment and mail to: Vestavia Hills City Hall, Attn: Municipal Court, 1032 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216.

After Hours

To pay after hours, place your payment in a sealed envelope with your full name and ticket number or case number written on the outside of the envelope. Deposit the sealed envelope in the drop box in the lobby of the Police Department.

Traffic Offenses & Fines

Effective October 1, 2025, Court Costs will increase by $3 in accordance with Act 2025-306.

Traffic Offenses Requiring Mandatory Court Appearance

You must appear in court after the following citations are issued:
– Driving while your drivers license is suspended, revoked or cancelled
– Possession of drugs and or drug paraphernalia
– Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
– Failure to yield/move over for stationary emergency vehicle
– Open container
– Reckless driving

Expired Tag (effective February 1, 2022)

– If defendant renews tag within thirty (30) days of citation: $168 (court costs) & ticket is dismissed
– If defendant renews tag after thirty (30) days: $193 ($25 fine + $168 court costs)
– If defendant never renews tag: $268 ($100 fine + $168 court costs)

Insurance Citations (effective February 1, 2022) – A copy of your insurance can be emailed to court@vhal.org

– If defendant provides valid insurance showing coverage the day of the ticket: ticket is dismissed; no charge
– If defendant provides proof of insurance purchased prior to court date: $193 ($25 fine + $168 court costs)
– If defendant is unable to provide proof of valid insurance: $268 ($100 fine + $168 court costs)

Other Fines

Child Restraint – Court Required
Display of Invalid Insurance – Varies (See above)
Driver’s License Not in Possession – $243
Driving on Wrong Side of Road – $188
Driving While License Revoked – Court Required
Driving While License Suspended – Court Required
Driving with Learners Permit On – Court Required
Driving Without Obtaining a Driver License – $243
Expired License – $243
Expired Tag – Varies (See above)
Failure to Display Insurance – Varies
Failure to Register Vehicle – Varies
Failure to Signal – $188
Failure to Stop Exiting Parking Lot – $188
Failure to Yield Emergency Vehicle – Court Required
Failure to Yield Right of Way – $188
Following Too Closely – $188
Improper Lane Change – $188
Improper Lights – $188
Improper Parking – $193
Improper Passing – $188
Improper Tag – (See above)
Improper Turn – $188
Improper Window Tint – $188
Insurance Violation – Varies
Interstate Left Lane 1.5 Miles – $188
Move Over Violation – Court Required
No Headlights When Required – $188
No Plainly Visible Tag – $193
No Tag – Utility Trailer – $193
No/Improper Tag Light – $188
Obstructed Windshield – $188
Pass Stopped School Bus – Court Required
Reasonable and Prudent Speed – $188
Reckless Driving – Court Required
Running Red Light – $188
Running Stop Sign – $188
Seatbelt Violation – $44
Speeding – $188
Speeding 25mph Over Limit – $208
Speeding in a School Zone – $218
Switched Tag – (See above)
Texting While Driving – $188