Local Rules and Regulations

Using a fake ID to improperly identify yourself, or to show a false birthdate, may cost you over $300 if you are issued a citation and over $475 if you are arrested. It can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days.

In Alabama, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess, consume, purchase, or transport alcohol. Receiving a Minor In Possession citation could cost you at least $400. An arrest could cost you more than $475.

If you are in any public place exhibiting any behavior that indicates you are intoxicated either by alcohol or drugs, you may be arrested for this offense. The cost of a public intoxication arrest may exceed $475. Offenders must also have to attend a drug or alcohol abuse program and pay the program cost.

If you are arrested for public intoxication, you will be required to stay in jail until you become sober.

It is illegal in Tuscaloosa to carry an open alcoholic beverage in public, except at certain times in the downtown entertainment area. It is also illegal to drive a car with an open alcoholic beverage. This ordinance includes cups, bottles, and cans and applies equally to party-goers and bar patrons.

If you are issued an Open Beverage Container citation, it may cost you more than $300. An arrest may cost more than $400.

Driving under the influence, or DUI, is the offense of driving, operating or being in control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or another substance to a level that renders the driver incapable of operating a motor vehicle safety. A single DUI offense can result in a cost that may exceed $2,100. If there's an accident, it can be much worse.

If you are arrested for a DUI, you must remain in jail until you become sober.

DUI facts:

• You don't have to be driving to be arrested for DUI. Sitting in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition after you have been drinking is enough to be arrested for a DUI.
• Even on a first DUI offense, jail time may be given, especially if you cause an accident or have a very hight blood-alcohol level.
• For people between the ages of 18 and 20, the legal blood-alcohol level is .02%. For those over 21, the legal blood-alcohol level is .08%.

Anyone who is caught selling alcohol to someone under the age of 21 can expect to pay more than $750 if issued a citation for a first offense, and more than $825 if arrested. A second offense could include jail time plus a fine.

If you are a student over the age of 21 who plans to throw a party, be careful about who you allow to consume or possess alcohol at your party.

Any person over 21 who is cited for this offense must appear in court and may be fined over $750. If arrested, it could cost you over $825.

You can’t park just anywhere. In Tuscaloosa, you can't park on your lawn or anyone else’s lawn, in front of a neighbor’s driveway, too far away from the curb, or in a no-parking zone.

Make sure you obtain any parking permits you need as early as possible. These include permits for parking at some rental properties, apartment complexes, and on campus.

Tuscaloosa parking fines generally run from $50 to $100. Visit the UA Parking website for information on parking fines on campus.

If your neighbors can hear your TV, music or voice, they can call the police. A citation may cost you over $350.

If you live in an off-campus residence that has a garbage cart, leaving the garbage cart on the street for more than 24 hours after your regular pickup day could cost you more than $300.

If you live off-campus in a property where you are expected to mow the lawn, you must keep the grass cut. A Tuscaloosa city ordinance makes it unlawful for any person owning, residing in, or having charge or control of any premises within the city to allow weeds and grass to exceed 12 inches in height. Violators may be fined over $250 if issued a citation.

Litter, in this case, includes cigarettes, cups, cans and bottles, as well as anything else you might toss aside. If you are caught littering, you could pay in excess of $825, plus a fine set by a judge. Littering from a vehicle could cost you over $350.

Pulling a fire alarm when there is no fire may result in community service hours, University disciplinary action, and/or fines up to $500 plus restitution.

Domestic violence encompasses household members that are related, married, or in a dating relationship. These offenses typically result in the arrest of one of the involved parties, and require a mandatory court appearance and a 24-hour stay in jail.

Some local parks have specific opening and closing hours. Time spent in these parks outside of those hours is trespassing. Pay attention to warning signs at spillways and dams also. A trespassing offense may cost over $325.