HB166 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg Wren

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Driver's licenses, restricted license authorized for person whose license is suspended or revoked under certain conditions, penalties for exceeding restrictions on license

Summary

HB166 would allow certain people with suspended or revoked licenses to obtain a restricted license to drive under strict conditions, with fees, enforceable restrictions, and repayment plans for any fines.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes a restricted driver's license for those whose license is suspended or revoked for eligible offenses, via court or Department of Public Safety procedures. It requires proof of substantial need (like work, school, medical care, or dependent care), documentation, and proof of insurance before issuance, and allows restrictions such as when/where to drive or ignition interlock. It imposes a service fee, repayment schedules for outstanding fines, possible delays for financial need, and penalties including revocation for nonpayment or violation of restrictions; certain offenses (homicide, reckless driving, trafficking, disability suspensions) are not eligible, and there is a path to regular license after all conditions are met. It also notes a local-funding provision under Amendment 621 and states the bill is exempt from those requirements due to creating or amending a crime, with an effectiveness date after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals whose driver's licenses are suspended or revoked for eligible offenses, who may apply for a restricted license to meet essential needs (employment, schooling, medical care, or dependent care) and must follow restrictions, carry the license, and repay fines.
• Courts and the Department of Public Safety (and related agencies) that would determine eligibility, issue restricted licenses, set and enforce restrictions, collect fees, administer repayment schedules, and revoke licenses for noncompliance.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes restricted driver's licenses for people whose licenses are suspended or revoked for certain offenses and requires substantial need demonstrated by the applicant.
• Courts or the Department of Public Safety may issue a restricted license, notify the other agency, and specify restrictions to be on the license; applicants may also apply directly to DPS.
• Substantial need can be shown by employment, education, medical care, court-ordered programs, dependent care, or similar needs, with documented proof required (orders, employment verification, school enrollment, medical statements, etc.).
• Pre-issuance requirement of proof of liability insurance, and possible restrictions including purpose, times/places of operation, ignition interlock, and repayment schedules for fines.
• Restricted license is valid until the suspension ends and fines are repaid; after that, the holder may apply for a regular license.
• Not eligible for a restricted license if the suspension/revocation is for homicide, reckless driving, trafficking, or disability-related suspension.
• A service fee is charged for issuance, amount capped at the actual cost to the department.
• Repayment schedules for outstanding fines/fees are set by the court or DPS; first payment may be delayed up to six months for financial need; three consecutive missed payments can revoke the restricted license and reinstate the original suspension until past-due amounts are paid.
• Violating restricted license rules can lead to revocation or criminal penalties (Class B misdemeanor for violating restrictions, Class A misdemeanor for false applications or statements).
• The bill notes a local-funding constitutional exception, but it is treated as exempt from the Amendment 621 process because it creates or amends a crime; the measure takes effect 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

Licenses and Licensing