SB55 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Driver's licenses, restricted driver license authorized based on hardship, Sec. 32-6-12.1 am'd.

Summary

SB 55 creates a Class D hardship driver license program that lets certain people with suspended or revoked licenses—including inmates and those recently released from incarceration—drive under restricted conditions, with rules, penalties, and hearings, and it includes local-funding-related constitutional language.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to develop two Class D hardship license programs: one for inmates in work-release or community corrections and for people released from incarceration (with immediate eligibility after release and limited driving privileges), and a second for people with suspended or revoked licenses who cannot obtain reasonable transportation (with eligibility based on a demonstrated transportation need and public safety limits). It sets that driving privileges will be restricted and defined by the agency, and a fee is charged up to the cost of producing the license. It also prohibits DUI offenders from receiving a hardship license, provides a six-month waiting period before reapplying if a hardship license is revoked, and allows hearings if an application is denied or a license is revoked. The Secretary will issue rules and collaborate with the Board of Pardons and Paroles to implement the provisions, and civil/criminal penalties may apply for violations. The act becomes effective after a specified number of days following passage.

Who It Affects

• People with suspended or revoked licenses who cannot obtain reasonable transportation: they would be eligible to apply for a Class D hardship license with limited driving privileges, subject to agency rules and a fee.
• Inmates in work-release programs and individuals released from incarceration: they would be eligible to apply for a hardship license with limited driving privileges immediately after release.

Key Provisions

• Establish Class D hardship driver license program for inmates in work-release/community corrections and for people released from incarceration, with immediate eligibility after release and a fee not to exceed the cost of production/issuance.
• Establish Class D hardship driver license program for suspended/revoked license holders who cannot obtain reasonable transportation, with driving privileges limited as determined by the agency and subject to rules/regulations/restrictions/eligibility requirements, plus a fee.
• A hardship license that is revoked cannot be reissued until at least six months after the date of revocation.
• Not eligible for a hardship license if charged, adjudicated, or convicted of driving under the influence (DUI).
• The Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency will issue necessary rules and regulations and will collaborate with the Board of Pardons and Paroles to implement the provisions.
• The bill includes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the hardship license provisions.
• A person whose hardship license has been revoked or whose application for a hardship license has been denied has the right to a hearing.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval.
• Constitutional note: the bill references local-funding provisions related to Amendment 621 (1901) but notes that it would fall within exceptions that do not require local government approval or a 2/3 vote to become law.

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