The bill amends Sections 32-6-9 and 32-6-19 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to clarify the conditions under which motor vehicles may be impounded. It mandates that all motor vehicle operators must carry their driver licenses and present them upon law enforcement request. New provisions allow officers to impound vehicles if a driver's license is revoked or suspended due to DUI-related offenses, and they must verify the license status if the driver cannot produce a valid license. The bill also establishes penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license, including a new $50 fine that will be allocated to the Traffic Safety Trust Fund and the Peace Officers' Standards and Training Fund. Additionally, it prohibits local governments from issuing identification cards, reinforcing the necessity of state-issued driver licenses.

Further amendments include exemptions for health care providers or first responders from certain vehicle impoundment regulations and a revised process for releasing impounded vehicles. The requirement for the registered owner to pay all fees before vehicle release is removed; instead, the vehicle can be redeemed by presenting valid identification and proof of insurance, along with payment of towing and storage fees. The bill also restricts financial assistance from counties or municipalities for obtaining driver licenses unless the individual provides the required identification proof. Vehicles not redeemed within 60 days of impoundment will be subject to sale or disposal. These changes aim to streamline the impoundment process while ensuring proper identification for driver license applicants, with the act set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-6-9, 32-6-19
Engrossed: 32-6-9, 32-6-19