HB280 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy WoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Motor vehicles, certificates of title, issuance by Revenue Dept., exemptions further provided for, penalties for violations by dealers, involuntary transfers, notice to Revenue Dept. required, Secs. 32-8-30, 32-8-31, 32-8-42, 32-8-46 am'd.

Summary

HB280 updates Alabama's motor vehicle title rules by adjusting which vehicles require titles, adds exemptions, raises dealer penalties, and requires notice before involuntary transfers by operation of law.

What This Bill Does

The bill updates title requirements based on vehicle age for various vehicle types and expands exemptions from title requirements. It increases the penalty for dealers who violate the title law to a Class A misdemeanor. It requires a 35-day notice to the Department of Revenue before involuntary transfers of motor vehicles by operation of law, with specific information to be provided and maintained as public records. It notes a potential local-funding impact but is exempt from local-approval procedures because it involves changes to crime definitions, and it takes effect January 1, 2017.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle owners and registrants (including buyers) in Alabama; some vehicles may no longer require titles or have different title requirements based on age.
• Dealers, lienholders, and the Alabama Department of Revenue; dealers face higher penalties for violations, and lienholders/dealers must handle involuntary transfers with required notice and documentation.

Key Provisions

• Amends sections 32-8-30, 32-8-31, 32-8-42, and 32-8-46 to modify title requirements based on vehicle age and to expand exemptions for certain vehicles.
• Adds or clarifies exemptions from title requirements for specific vehicles, including older trailers and campers, low-speed vehicles, manufactured homes, utility trailers, and other designated vehicles.
• Raises the penalty for a dealer who violates the title law to Class A misdemeanor (with fines up to $500 under prior provisions).
• Requires a 35-day notice to the Department of Revenue before involuntary transfers of motor vehicle titles by operation of law, including specified contact, vehicle, and transfer details, and requires the department to maintain public records of these transfers.
• States that the bill involves a potential new or increased local expenditure but is exempt from local-government approval under Amendment 621 due to it being a crime-related change; becomes effective January 1, 2017.

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

Subjects

Motor Vehicles