Senate Bill 242 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Lance BellSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Commercial driver licenses; possession of United States work authorization for certain commercial driver license holders required, proficiency in the English language for commercial motor vehicle required, procedures for impoundment provided for, offense of presenting a false foreign commercial driver license established, offense of operating a commercial motor vehicle without proper documentation established, penalties provided for

Summary

SB242 would require certain foreign-issued CDLs to show United States work authorization and English proficiency to drive in Alabama, create offenses for false foreign CDLs and undocumented CMV operation, and establish impoundment and penalties.

What This Bill Does

The bill codifies federal standards into Alabama law requiring foreign-government CDLs to be accompanied by valid entry documents and United States work authorization, and to meet English-language proficiency requirements for operating commercial motor vehicles. It creates offenses for presenting a false foreign CDL and for operating a CMV without proper documentation, with penalties including fines and vehicle impoundment. It also establishes impoundment procedures and sets penalties for first and subsequent violations, with an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Foreign CDL holders and commercial learner permit holders operating CMVs in Alabama: must possess US work authorization, valid entry documents, and demonstrate English proficiency; face felony-level penalties and vehicle impoundment if noncompliant.
• Commercial motor vehicle employers and drivers operating in Alabama: subject to fines, impoundment, and towing/storage liens for violations, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.

Key Provisions

• Requires foreign-government CDLs to have United States work authorization and accompanying entry documents, and requires English language proficiency for operating a CMV in Alabama.
• Creates offenses for presenting a false foreign CDL and for operating a CMV without proper documentation, with specified penalties and impoundment/towing procedures.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles & Traffic