SB293 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Hightower

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Trailers, manufacturers and dealers, including boat trailers, add'l authorization to provide temporary license plates and registration certificates when sold out of state, Sec. 32-6-212 am'd.

Summary

SB 293 lets Alabama boat and other trailer manufacturers and dealers issue temporary license plates and registrations for trailers sold out of state, and standardizes their bond requirements.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows Alabama-based manufacturers and dealers of boats and trailers to apply to the Department of Revenue to issue temporary license plates and registration certificates for boat trailers used to transport boats when the boats will be domiciled in a state other than Alabama. It extends this authority to manufacturers and dealers of other trailers (such as semitrailers and utility trailers) for out-of-state sales. It standardizes bond requirements for these manufacturers and dealers, including minimum bond amounts or alternative financial security, and clarifies when existing bonds may suffice. Temporary license tags for these trailers must be a distinct color or design from other temporary tags.

Who It Affects

• Boat and other trailer manufacturers and dealers in Alabama, who may apply for authority to issue temporary license plates and registrations for out-of-state sales and must meet bond or net-worth requirements.
• Surety companies or other financial institutions that issue the required bonds on behalf of these manufacturers and dealers (bond amounts and requirements are specified in the bill).

Key Provisions

• Authorizes manufacturers and dealers of boats and other trailers to obtain authority from the Department of Revenue to issue temporary license plates and temporary registration certificates for trailers used to transport boats or sold out of state.
• Extends the temporary plate/registration authority to boat trailers and to other trailers (semis and utility trailers) for out-of-state sales, with bonds or financial security required.
• Specifies bond requirements: a guaranteed bond in a minimum amount (not less than $5,000) or an alternative financial security such as a condensed balance sheet showing net worth of at least $25,000; for boats, bonds are to be provided to the State of Alabama as per Section 40-12-398, with existing bonds under certain sections exempt.
• Temporary license tags issued under this authority must have a color or design distinctive from temporary tags for other motor vehicles.
• Effective immediately after the Governor signs the act.

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

Subjects

Manufacturers