AL SB63

Persons operating motor vehicles in violation of Alabama Code Sections 32-6-1(a) or 32-6-19 (driving without a license or with a cancelled, denied, suspended, or revoked license) shall be subject to custodial arrest if practicable and must be transported to the nearest county or municipal detention facility.

Courts may order drivers involved in traffic accidents while unlicensed or with suspended/revoked licenses to pay restitution for damages caused by the violation.

Motor vehicles operated by unlicensed or suspended/revoked license drivers shall be impounded by law enforcement officers, unless the vehicle owner or a family member with a valid license is present; officers may waive impoundment in emergencies or medical necessity.

Towing services removing impounded vehicles shall have a lien on the vehicle for all reasonable and customary towing and storage fees, subordinate to all prior security interests and other liens.

The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval, and is excluded from Amendment 621 constitutional requirements because it defines a new crime.