The bill amends Section 32-8-84 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the notification process for unclaimed motor vehicles after they have been towed. Key insertions include provisions that allow a person in possession of a towed motor vehicle to report it as unclaimed immediately after towing, rather than within five days as previously required. Additionally, the bill mandates that the report be submitted through the Unclaimed/Abandoned Vehicle Portal maintained by the Department of Revenue. The bill also specifies that upon receiving such a report, the Department will place a 60-day hold on the title record of the vehicle, during which no title can be issued unless certain conditions are met.

Further changes include the requirement for individuals reporting unclaimed vehicles to utilize the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to ascertain the current title state and to send certified notices to the owners and lienholders of record. The notice must inform them of the vehicle's location, accrued charges, and the potential for the vehicle to be considered abandoned if not redeemed within 30 days. The bill also clarifies that failure to report an unclaimed vehicle or notify the owner will result in the forfeiture of claims for garaging, parking, and storage fees, while still allowing claims for towing and repair. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-8-84
Enrolled: 32-8-84