HB119 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Harry Shiver

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Kerry RichTerri CollinsWilliam RobertsLynn GreerDan WilliamsPaul W. LeeWayne Johnson

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Motor vehicles, law enforcement officer authorized to issue citation if reasonable suspicion that driver was driving a motor vehicle without a proper license, request to see driver's license authorized under certain conditions, Sec. 32-6-9 am'd. (2011-20872)

Summary

HB119 would let officers request to see a driver's license based on reasonable suspicion, and would allow warrantless arrests for driving without a license, even if the officer did not witness the driver.

What This Bill Does

It lets a peace officer request that a driver display their license if the officer has reasonable suspicion—based on the total circumstances—that the driver was operating a vehicle, even if they did not actually observe the driver driving. It retains the rule that drivers must have a license in immediate possession and must display it on demand; if the license is not displayed after such a request at the scene, a citation may be issued. It authorizes arrest without a warrant if the officer has reasonable cause to believe the person was driving without a license. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Drivers who operate motor vehicles in Alabama: they would be subject to license display requests and potential citations or arrests if they are driving without a valid license.
• Law enforcement officers: they gain authority to request license display based on reasonable suspicion and to arrest without a warrant for unlicensed driving.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-6-9 to allow an officer to request a driver's license display when there is reasonable suspicion, even if the officer did not observe the driver.
• Creates authority to issue a citation at the scene if a driver fails to display a valid license after such a request.
• Authorizes arrest without a warrant when the officer has reasonable cause to believe the driver was driving without a license.
• Restates that drivers must carry their license in immediate possession and display it on demand; permits producing a previously issued license in court as a defense.
• Sets the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses