HB221 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Nathaniel LedbetterRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Motor vehicles, registration, transporter defined, issuance of temporary license plates and temporary registration certificates further provided, Secs. 32-8-2, 32-6-210, 32-6-212, 32-6-214, 32-6-215, 32-6-216, 32-6-217, 32-6-218, 32-6-219 am'd.

Summary

The bill updates motor vehicle registration definitions and allows manufacturers, dealers, and transporters to obtain authority to issue temporary license plates and temporary registration certificates for certain vehicles, with rules on duration, fees, and oversight.

What This Bill Does

It redefines key terms and adds a formal role for a transporter in the registration framework. It lets manufacturers, dealers, or transporters apply to the Department of Revenue to issue temporary license plates and certificates for vehicles that will be permanently licensed in another state (and for boats in related cases). It sets the validity, fee, and record-keeping rules for these temporary tags, and establishes Department oversight, bond requirements, and penalties for false statements or invalid tags. The act takes effect October 1, 2021.

Who It Affects

• Manufacturers, dealers, and transporters of motor vehicles (and boats) in Alabama, who may apply for authority to issue temporary license plates and temporary registration certificates for vehicles to be permanently licensed elsewhere.
• Counties, probate judges, and the Alabama Department of Revenue, which oversee issuance, collect and distribute fees, maintain records, and enforce the rules and penalties related to temporary license plates and certificates.

Key Provisions

• Updates definitions in Section 32-8-2 to include transporter and designated agent, and clarifies roles for issuing temporary plates and certificates.
• Allows manufacturers, dealers, or transporters to apply to the Department of Revenue for authority to issue temporary license plates and temporary registration certificates for vehicles to be permanently licensed outside Alabama (including boats under related provisions). Bond requirements apply if approved by the department.
• Temporary license tags are valid for 20 days each; they may not be renewed, but a judge of probate or other county official may issue additional temporary tags for the same vehicle, up to a total of 60 days.
• Each temporary tag costs $2.25; $1.50 goes to the Public Road and Bridge Fund and $0.75 goes to the issuing county or probate judge, depending on local reimbursement rules.
• Tag face must include issue/expiration dates, make, VIN, and other required information; a temporary registration certificate is provided to the owner, with copies sent to the department, the county, and the applicant.
• Issuers must keep records of all temporary tags and certificates for one year and make them available for Department inspection.
• The Department will prescribe the design and materials for temp tags/certificates, supply materials to authorized issuers, and may revoke authority for nonperformance or noncompliance.
• Penalties apply for false statements on applications or issuance of false/expired temporary tags; misdemeanor with up to $500 fine, up to six months' imprisonment, or both.
• Effective date: October 1, 2021.

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