SB63 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Scott Beason

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Driver's Licenses, driving without or while suspended or revoked, subject to custodial arrest and additional revocation, determination of liability in accident caused by unlicensed drivers, restitution

Summary

SB63 would criminalize driving without a license or with a suspended/revoked license by allowing custodial arrest, add restitution for injuries from accidents caused by unlicensed drivers, and authorize towing, impoundment, and a lien on the vehicle.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, a person who operates a vehicle without a license or with a cancelled, denied, suspended, or revoked license could be arrested and taken to a detention facility if practicable. The bill allows the court to order restitution to an injured party for damages from an accident caused by the unlicensed, suspended, or revoked driver. It also authorizes police to impound the vehicle and arrange towing and storage, with a lien on the vehicle to cover fees; owners or family members may recover the vehicle by paying fees, and notice and priority rules apply for liens. The bill notes it defines a new crime or amends a crime, which affects local-funds requirements in the Constitution as per Amendment 621.

Who It Affects

• Drivers operating without a license or with a cancelled, denied, suspended, or revoked license would be subject to custodial arrest, possible detention, restitution obligations, and vehicle impoundment.
• Injured parties in accidents caused by unlicensed or suspended/revoked drivers would be eligible to receive restitution for damages.

Key Provisions

• Requires custodial arrest for operating a motor vehicle without a valid license or with a suspended or revoked license, when practicable.
• Allows restitution to an injured party for damages from an accident involving an unlicensed or suspended/revoked driver.
• Authorizes impoundment of the vehicle by law enforcement, with towing to a safe location and storage; establishes a lien for towing and storage fees.
• Creates procedures for release of impounded vehicles upon payment of fees and provides notice to prior security interests before sale.
• Excludes the bill from extra local-fund requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one.
• Establishes the bill’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 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Drivers' Licenses