SB214 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

April WeaverSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to motor vehicles; to amend Section 32-6-65, Code of Alabama 1975; to define "centralized motor vehicle registration"; to allow for certain data collection; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.

Summary

SB214 keeps motor vehicle registration at the county level, bans a centralized state system, and updates data practices and penalties.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits centralized motor vehicle registration and requires registration to stay at the county level, with receipts and records including vehicle color kept by county offices. It defines centralized registration and clarifies that it does not include statewide systems processing data collected at the county level, while allowing counties to choose their own registration software. It also adds a late registration penalty, enforces plate display rules, provides a military deployment renewal exception, and specifies how penalties are distributed; the changes take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle owners and residents, who must register and renew at the county level and may face penalties for late registration or improper plate display.
• County and local motor vehicle authorities, who will select registration software, maintain records (including vehicle color), and enforce registration penalties.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits centralized motor vehicle registration and keeps registration at the county level; receipts and color data are kept by county offices.
• Defines centralized motor vehicle registration as a state-controlled system that processes issuance of registration certificates or plates; excludes statewide systems for data collected at the county/local level.
• Allows local officials to choose the motor vehicle registration software; maintains local control subject to local government approval.
• Imposes a $15 late registration penalty; sets fines for operating a vehicle without current plate validation; provides a military deployment renewal exception; distributes penalties as other motor vehicle fees.
• Effective immediately upon governor's approval.

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, confirmed that centralized motor vehicle registration is prohibited.