The bill amends Sections 32-6-9 and 32-6-19 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to clarify the conditions and procedures for the impoundment of motor vehicles. It mandates that every motor vehicle operator must carry and present their driver license upon law enforcement request. New provisions allow law enforcement to impound vehicles if the driver's license is revoked or suspended due to DUI-related offenses, and officers must verify the license status before impounding if the driver cannot produce a valid license. The bill also establishes penalties for operating a vehicle with a canceled, denied, suspended, or revoked license, including fines and potential additional suspensions of driving privileges. Notably, it prohibits local governments from issuing identification cards, emphasizing the importance of state-issued driver licenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section (32-6-19.1) detailing the procedures for the redemption and disposal of impounded vehicles. It exempts health care providers and first responders from certain vehicle impoundment regulations during medical emergencies. The process for releasing impounded vehicles is modified, requiring law enforcement to direct towing services to maintain custody until the registered owner or authorized agent claims the vehicle, following the outlined procedures. Towing services will have a lien on the vehicle for reasonable fees, subordinate to prior security interests. The bill also sets requirements for redeeming impounded vehicles, including valid identification, proof of insurance, and ownership documentation, while prohibiting counties or municipalities from funding driver license or identification card acquisition without the necessary proof of identification. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

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