SB117 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Will BarfootSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Driver's license, provide for the elimination of the suspension of an individual's driver license or driving privilege in certain circumstances
Summary: SB117 limits when a driver's license can be suspended for not appearing in court or not paying fines, and introduces a points system for final traffic convictions.
What This Bill Does
It restricts license suspensions for failure to appear to cases where the driver missed court two or more times and the appearance is for a post-adjudication compliance review. It prevents license suspensions for failure to pay fines, fees, or restitution unless the driver fails to pay half or more of the required amounts within one year or makes no further payments after one year. It requires adding points to a driver's license for any traffic violation that results in a final conviction (including failure to appear), with records forwarded to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency. It excludes commercial drivers and commercial licenses from these changes.

Who It Affects
Non-commercial drivers in Alabama: may face fewer suspensions for not appearing or not paying, but could receive points after final convictions.
Commercial drivers (CDL or commercial license holders): exempt from these changes and not affected by them.

Key Provisions
Suspension for failure to appear is limited to two or more missed appearances during a post-adjudication compliance review.
Suspension for failure to pay fines/fees/costs is restricted unless substantial payments are not made within one year or no further payments occur after one year.
The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency must add points to a driver's license for final convictions, and must receive conviction records from courts accordingly.
The act becomes effective on October 1, 2022.

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