SB214 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 32-6-65 to define "centralized motor vehicle registration" as a state-controlled software system that processes vehicle registration certificates or plates, and explicitly prohibits such centralization with intent that registration remain at county level.

• Allows local officials sole discretion in selecting motor vehicle registration software systems, subject to necessary local government approval.

• Establishes a $15 late registration penalty assessed by motor vehicle licensing officials for failures to register within 20 days of purchase, failure to renew during designated month, or failure to register per Section 40-12-262(a).

• Provides military deployment exemption allowing deployed service members (with honorable discharge) to renew registration within 30 days of deployment end without penalty, requiring documentation via deployment orders, Statement of Service letter, DD214, or unit commander letter.

• Requires state and county to capture vehicle color in permanent records and permits registration receipts in tangible or electronic format; penalties distributed same as vehicle license and registration fees per Sections 40-12-269 and 40-12-270.