SB16 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

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

Summary

SB 16 would prevent Alabama from suspending a driver's license solely because someone can't pay fines or court costs for traffic offenses if a court has found them indigent.

What This Bill Does

If the court determines a driver is indigent, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency may not suspend or revoke that driver's license just for nonpayment of fines, penalties, fees, or court costs from a traffic conviction. The indigence protection has two important exceptions: for offenses described in subsection (j) or (k), the nonpayment could still lead to suspension or revocation. The bill amends Section 32-5A-195 to implement these rules and keeps existing licensing suspension rules in place for other nonpayment or non-indigence scenarios.

Who It Affects

• Indigent drivers with unpaid fines or court costs from traffic offenses, whose indigence is determined by a court (their license would not be suspended solely for nonpayment).
• Drivers charged with offenses listed in subsection (j) or subsection (k), for whom nonpayment could still trigger suspension or revocation even if the driver is indigent.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-5A-195 to prohibit suspending or revoking a driver's license solely for failure to pay a fine, penalty, fee, or court costs if the court determines the driver is indigent.
• Provides an exception: the indigence protection does not apply to offenses described in subsection (j) or subsection (k), which may still permit suspension or revocation for nonpayment.
• The changes apply to how license suspensions for nonpayment are handled, while other grounds for suspension or revocation remain as specified in the statute.

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