The Alabama Trailer Tag Law
The primary purpose of Alabama’s trailer tag laws is to ensure that trailer owners pay the required fees and taxes for their trailers for operations on public roadways within the state. These fees typically include a one-time registration fee, an annual excise tax, and a one-time privilege tax. The funds generated by these fees are used to cover the maintenance and improvement of the state’s transportation infrastructure, which benefits all road users. Trailer tag laws also help with the identification and regulation of trailers on public roads in Alabama. The requirements for trailer tags help law enforcement agencies easily identify the owner of a particular trailer, which can be useful in cases of theft or hit-and-run accidents . Additionally, trailer tag laws provide a level of quality control, as trailers are required to meet certain safety and quality standards before being issued a tag. Non-compliance with Alabama’s trailer tag laws can lead to a variety of penalties, including fines and the possibility of impoundment of trailers found without proper tags. This not only demonstrates the importance of knowing and adhering to Alabama’s trailer tag requirements for trailer owners, but also illustrates how specific regulations can vary from state to state. Because of these implications, it is important for trailer owners in Alabama to familiarize themselves with the regulations before they plan to drive their trailers.
Types of Trailers Requiring Tags in Alabama
One is a utility trailer which is any trailer, other than a semitrailer, used primarily to transport property for compensation, including, but not limited to, trailers rented from others. The property transported may include machinery, equipment, supplies, and similar items whether household or for commercial use. This includes tow dollies and all trailers designed or capable of being towed behind a house car as well as tow bars in connection with house cars. This definition includes on-the-farm equipment trailers.
The next type of trailer that must be tagged and registered in Alabama is a boat trailer. It is a trailer or semitrailer designed specifically to transport boats and includes trailers used for the transportation of house boats and yachts.
A travel trailer is another type of trailer that is required to be registered and tagged with the state of Alabama. This is a house trailer, tent trailer, or truck camper designed to be towed by a passenger automobile and is used or intended to be used as a temporary or permanent place of abode or sleeping place. This does not include a motor home.
Trailers Need to be Registered
Registering a trailer in Alabama will involve the following steps; First, you will need to visit your county licensing office to get started on the registration process. One important aspect to keep in mind is that all trailers with a weight of 2,000 pounds or more must be registered. However, the following types of trailers are exempt from registration: Temporary trailers used temporarily for business purposes, trailers owned by nonresidents of Alabama and Civilian Resident trailers exempt by contract. Probably the most common type of trailer that requires registration would be the utility trailer. As its name would suggest, this type of trailer is ideal for carrying all types of personal items. Whether you are charged with a move, hauling trash to the dump or taking farm related tools and machinery from place to place, a utility trailer is probably an appropriate choice, and many people own one. Another common type of trailer that requires registration is the horse trailer. Horse trailers are specially designed to transport horses and include features such as a rubber floor to help handle the mess. Some models are top of the line and help protect horses from the elements. The enclosed design is a favorite among professional riders and competitors. Registration of a trailer with an open top is required in Alabama. The most popular type of open-top trailer is the flatbed trailer. It is commonly used to haul large equipment or vehicles. Other features offered include a detachable top to make loading simpler. Trailers that have a boat or truck top are also popular and need to be registered. You must bring the following information and documents to register a trailer. Proof of ownership will be required, so the bill of sale or certificate of title is needed. The fees for registration vary by county, but the average cost is $10.50. Registration is typically done at the revenue office, and not the Department of Motor Vehicles. This registration process will allow you to acquire a numeric plate for your trailer. It is mandatory for trailer owners to put this registration plate in a visible area on the rear of the trailer.
Transfer and Renewal of Tags for Trailers in Alabama
Motor vehicles, trailers, and semi trailers may be registered with the State of Alabama in one of two ways. If a manufactured home is used as a residence and moved in accordance with State law, then that manufactured home, for registration purposes may be treated as a trailer. Registration of a trailer or manufactured home in Alabama may also be achieved through the issuance of a permanent plate. Use of these permanent plates is extremely limited. Only certain trailers are eligible for use with permanent plates and those trailers must be permanently assigned to a single truck or utility tractor. These plates must be reregistered every five years. Both categories of trailer registration can include registration of the existing owner of the trailer, along with payment of the trailer inventory tax. However, from time to time trailers change ownership. The rules currently in place provide some insight into the registration process upon exchange of ownership.
Provision exists in the legislation establishing the trailer inventory tax advising that a trailer registration can be transferred from the current owner to the new owner without registering the trailer as new upon the basis that the new owner can produce the old owner’s certificate of title and is paying the trailer inventory tax. These provisions do not require payment of property tax for the new owner. Hence, trailers are subject to annual property tax whereas the trailer inventory tax is a one time payment only . Additional provisions exist in the same legislation permitting the new owner of a mobile/manufactured home which was previously entitled to the trailer inventory tax to continue the current registration of the title as a trailer as long as the new owner pays the required annual property tax on the mobile/manufactured home.
When ownership of a registered trailer changes hands, in addition to provision of documentation sufficient to evidence ownership, the owner will need to sign the trailer registration receipt, providing it to the new owner at the time of transfer of possession of the trailer. This trailer registration receipt provided by the vendor becomes the supporting document needed for transfer of the trailer registration to the new owner.
Secondary to the trailer registration receipt is a Assignment/Discharge of Lien/Certificate of Title (form MV32) filed with the Circuit Court of the county where the trailer is registered in order to remove a lien on the trailer which has been paid in full by the new owner. Hence, not only must the new owner provide the signed trailer registration receipt in order to transfer ownership of the trailer, he/she must also ensure that property taxes imposed on the trailer are current and that any financial institution previously providing financing for the trailer has provided evidence that the lien has been paid in full prior to transferring the trailer to the new owner.
Penalties for Non-Complying with Trailer Tag Laws
Alabama has specific regulations in place for trailer registration, and failing to comply with these regulations can result in a variety of penalties and fines. For trailers that are not properly registered, the most immediate consequence is often a traffic citation. Law enforcement officials may pull over drivers of untagged or expired-tagged trailers, resulting in a fine and potential points on the driver’s license. Additionally, there may be local ordinances that impose fines for operating unregistered trailers in certain jurisdictions or municipalities. Beyond the immediate penalties of fines and citations, there may also be civil penalties for trailers that have been operating without a valid registration. For example, if an unregistered trailer is involved in an accident, insurance coverage may be jeopardized, leaving the trailer owner vulnerable to liability for damages. If the trailer is used for business purposes, any business insurance could also be affected, leading to additional financial implications. In addition to financial penalties, there could also be consequences with regard to title and ownership of the trailer. Failure to have proper title can result in challenges when trying to sell the trailer or transfer ownership. It may also affect the ability to prove ownership if any disputes arise over the trailer’s use, such as in the case of a theft or other criminal situation.
Commonly Asked Questions About Alabama Trailer Tags
What are trailer registration requirements in Alabama?
Trailers must be registered prior to use on the roads or highways. Registration is typically performed at the time of purchase or transfer of the trailer, and a new Alabama title (in addition to an aluminum license plate) will be issued at that time.
How much does it cost to register a trailer in Alabama?
Registration fees for trailers are based on the weight of the trailer and the year of manufacture and range from $13 to $60 for registration periods beginning January 1, 2020, and every year thereafter.
Each registration will also be subject to the $2 mandatory plate fee. Additionally, there will now be a $6 mailing fee for registration renewals.
All trailer registrations will now have a "title" fee of $15, which will be assessed at each initial registration of the trailer (or annually upon issuance of the "aluminum" license plate, in case of vehicle (or tag) transfer from an out of state). The title fee includes a national and state background search of the trailer, titling and registration transaction.
Are trailers required to have titles in Alabama?
Yes, trailer registrations and aluminum license plates for trailers will now be issued in the same manner as "vehicle" registrations. This means that trailers will now be required to have true "titles" and will be subject to the $15 "title" fee . This titling fee is in addition to the "aluminum" license plate fee.
The only types of trailers that do not need titles are boats and house trailers. Even "all-purpose" utility trailers will now be required to obtain true "titles" and new "aluminum" license plates.
Will I still receive a bill from the state for my trailer registration renewal?
Yes, trailer registration renewals will be mailed out as before. However, if you have forgone the issuance of an "aluminum" license plate and instead opt to continue paying your regular registration fees, you will now be assessed a $6 mailing fee for each renewal mailed by the State of Alabama.
As an alternative to paying the "aluminum" plate fee and renewal mailing fee, at each registration or renewal, the owners of certain trailers and semitrailers have the option to pay a one-time fee of $20, and "go free" thereafter. This $20 is in addition to registration or renewal of tags and titling fees.
Can I transfer a trailer’s registration from another state to Alabama?
Yes, a trailer owner may apply for a registration and "aluminum" license plate in Alabama after acquiring an out of state trailer. The owner will need to visit the local license office and provide proof of ownership and proof of compliance with Alabama law.