This bill, titled the Mandatory Liability Insurance Act, seeks to amend Sections 32-7A-5 and 32-7A-16 of the Code of Alabama 1975. The amendments aim to provide exceptions to the act for inoperable or stored motor vehicles and to prohibit the continued operation of a motor vehicle in violation of the registration and insurance requirements.

The bill specifies that the following vehicles or operators are exempt from the act: trailers, motor vehicles owned and operated by the United States or any agency thereof, vehicles subject to the supervision and regulation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the Alabama Public Service Commission, motor vehicles covered by a certificate of self-insurance, vehicles complying with laws requiring insurance in amounts meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements, implements of husbandry, vehicles moved solely by animal power, special mobile equipment, and vehicles prescribed by the commissioner.

The bill also establishes penalties for operating a motor vehicle without insurance or with canceled insurance, failing to present evidence of insurance when demanded by a law enforcement officer, and operating a vehicle with suspended or revoked registration. It allows for the impoundment of a motor vehicle if the operator fails to provide evidence of registration and insurance. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the impoundment and release of motor vehicles for repeated violations. The bill will become effective on January 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-7A-5, 32-7A-16
Engrossed: 32-7A-5, 32-7A-16
Enrolled: 32-7A-5, 32-7A-16