SB167 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Hank Sanders
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Drivers license, suspension, prohibited for failure to pay fines, fees, or court costs, Sec. 32-5A-195 am'd.
Summary: SB 167 would stop the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency from suspending a driver's license just because someone didn't pay a fine or court costs for certain traffic violations.
What This Bill Does
It would amend Section 32-5A-195 to prohibit suspending a driver's license solely for failure to pay fines, penalties, fees, or court costs related to convictions or failure to appear for certain traffic violations. The bill would still allow suspensions for other lawful reasons, such as mandatory revocation for serious offenses or habitual driving offenses. It applies to both residents and nonresidents and becomes effective a few months after the Governor signs the bill into law.

Who It Affects
Drivers in Alabama (both residents and nonresidents) who would otherwise be at risk of license suspension for nonpayment of fines or court costs related to traffic violations.
The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency and the Director of Public Safety, whose authority to suspend licenses would be limited to nonpayment grounds and would continue to use other allowed reasons for suspension or revocation.

Key Provisions
Prohibits suspending a driver's license solely because of nonpayment of fines, penalties, fees, or court costs tied to convictions or failure to appear for certain traffic violations.
Amends Section 32-5A-195 to preserve other suspension or revocation authorities for serious offenses or habitual driving, while removing nonpayment as a sole basis for suspension (except where other grounds apply).
Keeps existing mechanisms for mandatory revocation or suspension based on specified offenses and other conditions, but ensures nonpayment alone cannot trigger suspension.
Establishes the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after its passage and governor's 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