SB186 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jimmy Holley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Motor vehicles, distinctive license tags, license taxes and registration fees, retired U. S. Armed Forces and retired reservists exempt under certain conditions, Sec. 40-12-244 am'd.

Summary

The bill adds a new exemption from motor vehicle taxes and fees for Alabama residents who are retired from the U.S. Armed Forces or any U.S. Armed Forces reserve organization, but only for one vehicle using a distinctive U.S. Armed Forces Retired license plate.

What This Bill Does

It amends the law to include U.S. Armed Forces retirees and reserves as eligible for a one-vehicle exemption, limited to distinctive retired plates. The retiree must be an Alabama resident when claiming the exemption, and the exemption applies only to one vehicle. Retired individuals can obtain additional distinctive plates for other vehicles by paying the standard taxes and fees and providing required residency and identification documentation. The act becomes effective January 1 after passage.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who are retired from the United States Armed Forces or from any United States Armed Forces reserve organization; they would be eligible for a one-vehicle exemption for a distinctive United States Armed Forces Retired license plate.
• Other groups already covered by existing exemptions (active/retired Alabama National Guard, U.S. Armed Forces reserve members, Civil Air Patrol, volunteer rescue squads, and volunteer firefighters) remain eligible for their respective exemptions.
• Retirees may obtain additional distinctive license plates for other vehicles by paying the regular license taxes and fees, provided they meet residency and identification requirements.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 40-12-244 to add a new exemption: one passenger vehicle owned by a resident of Alabama who is retired from the U.S. Armed Forces or any U.S. Armed Forces reserve organization is exempt from privilege or license tax and registration fee, limited to distinctive United States Armed Forces Retired license tags.
• The exemption for the retired U.S. Armed Forces or reserve retiree applies only to one vehicle and requires proper identification and proof of Alabama residency on forms prescribed by the Department of Revenue.
• Retired individuals may obtain additional distinctive license plates for other passenger vehicles by presenting proper identification, proof of residency, and paying the regular privilege or license tax and registration fee as prescribed by law.
• The act becomes effective on January 1 following its passage (or as otherwise provided by law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles