SB389 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Drivers license, suspension, prohibited for failure to pay fines, fees, or court costs, Sec. 32-5A-195 am'd.

Summary

SB389 would bar the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency from suspending a driver's license solely for failing to pay fines, penalties, fees, or court costs related to certain traffic violations.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would amend Section 32-5A-195 to prevent license suspension solely due to nonpayment of such fines, fees, or court costs, or for failure to appear on traffic charges. Suspension for nonpayment could still occur for the serious offenses listed in subsections (j) and (k) of the statute. The bill preserves other grounds for suspension and sets an effective date: the law would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Drivers who owe fines, penalties, fees, or court costs for traffic violations would not have their licenses suspended solely because of nonpayment.
• The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the courts would be limited in using nonpayment as a sole reason to suspend or revoke licenses, though suspensions for other specified offenses could still occur.
• Nonresident drivers and their driving privileges in Alabama would receive similar protection from nonpayment-based suspensions, with suspensions still possible for other offenses as described in the law.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits suspending a driver's license solely due to failure to pay a fine, penalty, fee, or court cost for traffic violations or failure to appear, except for offenses described in subsections (j) or (k).
• Retains the existing authority to suspend or revoke licenses for other grounds (e.g., mandatory revocation, serious offenses) as outlined in the statute.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following 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

Drivers' Licenses