SB11 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Individuals with a disability,motor vehicles, handicap parking, windshield placards, issuance further provided for, Secs. 32-6-230, 32-6-231 am'd.

Summary

SB 11 would require handicap windshield placards to include a photo of the disabled person and update design, expiration, and issuance rules.

What This Bill Does

It adds a photo requirement for removable windshield placards (from the person’s driver’s license or state ID) and sets expiration rules (up to five years for long-term and up to six months for temporary). It specifies color/shield designs (blue shield for long-term, red shield for temporary) and requires placards to be prepared by the Department of Revenue in line with federal standards. It also allows a second placard if there is no disability license plate and allows potential physician recertification for long-term disabilities before reissuance, while making non-conforming placards invalid.

Who It Affects

• Individuals with a disability who use removable windshield placards (long-term and temporary): placards would carry their photo, have defined expiration periods, and may require physician recertification for renewal.
• Agencies, organizations, or facilities that issue placards (and the Department of Revenue and license issuing officials): agency-issued placards would not require a photo, and these entities handle issuance and conformity to standards.

Key Provisions

• Removable windshield placards must display the photograph of the individual with a disability, taken from the individual's driver license or state ID on file with the Department of Transportation (photo not required for agency-issued placards).
• Long-term disability placards expire up to five years; temporary disability placards expire up to six months; expiration date must be clearly shown.
• Placards for long-term disabilities use a blue shield; temporary disability placards use a red shield.
• Placards must be prepared by the Department of Revenue and conform to federal standards (Public Law 100-641 and 23 C.F.R. Part 1235).
• A second placard may be issued if the vehicle does not have a distinctive disability license plate.
• The Department of Revenue may require physician recertification for long-term disabilities before reissuance.
• Placards not in conformity with federal rules are not recognized as valid.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles