Gov. Kay Ivey put her signature on a bill today that delays the state from suspending driver’s licenses for unpaid, non-moving traffic violations.
Each year, Alabama residents lose their driving privileges due to missed court appearances or the inability to pay fines and fees imposed by the state. Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) wanted to strike a balance between accountability and compassion.
Barfoot said the bill’s intent is to offer a “little grace” to those who may miss or struggle to make timely payments. He emphasized that all court costs and fines must ultimately be paid, but the law provides some leeway for post-adjudication reviews if a payment is missed.
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The law allows drivers additional opportunities to pay their fines and fees before facing a suspension. Individuals may miss up to five payments on traffic violation fees and fines, as well as one court date post-adjudication before their license can be suspended.
According to the Workers Drive Alabama campaign, approximately 170,000 drivers in Alabama have experienced license suspension due to missed payments. ALEA data revealed that only about 5% of license suspensions in Alabama were the result of dangerous or reckless driving.
The law prevents judges from suspending a license solely due to unpaid fines or failure to appear, with a few exceptions.
A license suspension still may occur if someone:
- Violates a written bond
- Fails to appear for an initial court date or compliance hearing
- Fails to make six on their fine or payment plan for traffic violations
The law doesn’t apply to commercial drivers. It also does not apply retroactively, meaning those with currently suspended licenses still have to settle their outstanding fines and fees.
Points will still be added to a driver’s license upon conviction. If an individual accumulates 12 or more points within a two-year period, they remain eligible for license suspension, as outlined by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
This is not the first time Barfoot has introduced the idea. A similar bill of his was approved in the Senate last year but failed to advance in the House. But as of now, it’s a done deal.
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 for coverage of the 2023 legislative session.
