HB221 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip PettusRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Motor vehicles, require liability insurance for non-resident motorist, Secs. 32-7A-4, 32-7A-5, 32-7A-6 am'd.

Summary

HB 221 would require nonresidents driving in Alabama to have financial responsibility that matches their home state and to carry proof of liability insurance in the vehicle.

What This Bill Does

It changes current law to bar nonresidents from operating a vehicle in Alabama unless the vehicle’s insurance conforms to the state where the vehicle is registered and the nonresident carries proof of insurance. It sets minimum coverage options (policies, bonds, or cash deposits) and requires proof of insurance to be kept in the vehicle, with allowed formats including insurance cards and electronic versions. It maintains existing exemptions and directs verification through standard enforcement and online systems.

Who It Affects

• Nonresident vehicle owners/operators, who must carry proof of insurance in the vehicle and ensure their coverage conforms to their home state's laws when driving in Alabama
• Law enforcement and insurers in Alabama, who will verify proofs of insurance (including electronic formats) and enforce compliance using the online verification system

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 32-7A-4, 32-7A-5, and 32-7A-6 to require nonresidents to carry proof of financial responsibility that conforms to the laws of the state in which the vehicle is registered and to have liability insurance in the vehicle
• Requires minimum amounts for coverage (bodily injury, death, and property damage) or equivalent bonds/cash deposits, and limits who can issue such policies and how they must be recorded
• Defines acceptable proof-of-insurance documents (cards, declarations pages, binders, etc.) and allows electronic formats; outlines what information must be on the proof and how it must be presented
• retains exemptions from coverage for certain vehicle types and operators and describes enforcement mechanisms, including use of the online verification system

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