HB34 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Scott StadthagenRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Motor vehicles, driving without a license, penalties, Sec. 32-6-19 am'd.

Summary

HB 34 would allow police to remove a driver from a vehicle and impound the vehicle if the driver has not obtained a driver's license, and it adds penalties and procedures related to driving without a license.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 32-6-19 to authorize removing a person from a vehicle and impounding the vehicle when the operator has not procured a license. It also allows booting as an alternative to towing and sets rules for immobilization fees, payment methods, and release, including liens for fees and court review of officer beliefs. It adds a $50 penalty to two state funds and clarifies penalties for driving with a revoked or suspended license, with potential extra license revocation; and it notes the local-fund expenditure rules under Amendment 621 apply but are exempt because the bill defines a crime.

Who It Affects

• Drivers who operate a motor vehicle without having procured a driver's license can be immediately removed from the vehicle and the vehicle may be impounded (with limited exceptions when the owner is present with a valid license).
• Vehicle owners, the towing/immobilization industry, and law enforcement, who are subject to new immobilization rules, fee limits (up to $65 per day), required payment methods, and lien rights on the vehicle for towing and storage charges.

Key Provisions

• Section 32-6-19(b)(1): Allows immediate removal from the vehicle and possible impoundment when the operator lacks a procured driver's license or has certain suspensions related to DUI/implied-consent; owner present with valid license may be exempt.
• Section 32-6-19(b)(2)-(4): Vehicle may be impounded or immobilized (booting) by a law enforcement officer; booting is allowed as an alternative to towing; owner presence with valid license can affect outcome.
• Section 32-6-19(b)(6): Immobilization services may not charge more than $65 per day for removing the device; payment methods must be accepted (cash, check, credit/debit); if one form is unavailable, the vehicle must be released without charge.
• Section 32-6-19(b)(7)-(9): Impoundment process includes towing the vehicle to a safe location, storage, and payment of fees; liens on the vehicle for fees; prior liens must be considered; court can require agency to cover fees if officer lacked a reasonable belief.
• Section 32-6-19(a)(1)-(3): Maintains existing penalties for driving with a revoked/suspended license (fine $100-$500, up to 180 days in jail) plus an extra $50 to the Traffic Safety Trust Fund and Peace Officers Standards and Training Fund; discretionary additional six-month license revocation by the Director of Public Safety.
• Section 2: The bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-fund requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles