Alabama Courthouse Security Line Wait Times & Hours (2026)

Short answer: Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously. Updated 2026-11-04

Morning security checkpoint wait times in Alabama range from 10 to 10 minutes during peak 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM docket call. The longest typical queue is at Jefferson County Courthouse (Birmingham) (~10 mins). Most Alabama county circuit courthouses prohibit public cell phones unless authorized by the presiding judge; summoned jurors are generally permitted phones inside the jury assembly room.

County CourthouseCitySecurity line wait timesPhone LockersJuror Parking
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Courthouse (Birmingham)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Birmingham ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Mobile County
Mobile County Courthouse (Mobile)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Mobile ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Madison County
Madison County Courthouse (Huntsville)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Huntsville ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Baldwin County
Baldwin County Courthouse (Bay Minette)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Bay Minette ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Shelby County
Shelby County Courthouse (Columbiana)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Columbiana ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Courthouse (Montgomery)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Montgomery ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa County Courthouse (Tuscaloosa)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Tuscaloosa ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Going to Court Without a Lawyer?

Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in AL

If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in AL, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I arrive for an 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM court date in Alabama?

Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously.

How is this courthouse policy data verified?

We verify every county against official Court Administrative Orders (.gov), Jury Commissioner instructions, and Sheriff Court Security directives. Last verified 2026-11-04.

More Courthouse Rules in Alabama

Security line wait times in Other States