Montgomery City Council Moves Forward with Towing Ordinance

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By Tamika Bickham

Story Created: Aug 7, 2012 at 9:23 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 8, 2012 at 1:23 AM CDT

The city of Montgomery is taking steps closer to approving an ordinance that could have your car towed if you are caught driving without a license. Montgomery would be the first in the state to take this kind of action.

It is required by law that all drivers have a valid license and have liability insurance on their car, but still that's not stopping many from driving without it.

"I got no insurance, no type of drivers license. I just got a car," said a man who didn't want to be identified.

He's not alone. So far this year, more than 10,000 citations have been issued for those driving without insurance and almost 6,000 citations have been issued to people driving without a license. That is exactly why City Councilman Glen Pruitt wants to see change.

"You must have a valid drivers license and if you don't your car could be towed," said Pruitt.

At least that's the proposed ordinance that will go before the council. He says you will not be towed, for now, if you are pulled over without insurance, but he's hoping that will also change at the start of 2013.

"It's a law that you have it. If you don't have it right now, the police will write you a ticket and tell you to have a good day. Now, hopefully at the end of the day we are actually going to tow your vehicle and hit you where it hurts the most, in your pocket," said Pruitt.

But City Councilman CC Calhoun doesn't see it that way. He says he doesn't support the ordinance in any way.

The ordinance says if your car is towed, you will be ticketed, but also have to pay $200 administrative fee, a $75 tow fee, and $25 each day your car is held. Calhoun says that's just far too much.

"I think that's an added burden that we need to look at in depth before we make a decision," he said, "People are making choices, whether, do you buy medicine or do you buy insurance?"

People like Sandra Jackson who is retired, living on $750 each month.

"If you've got to make a choice between whether you need your prescriptions that keep your heart pumping like I do, and whether or not I need to pay my insurance, my health is going to win out every time," said Jackson.

The ordinance will go before the city council in the coming weeks, but they want to hear from you. Before the city council votes, they will hold a public hearing on this issue.

The state of Alabama is also taking action against uninsured drivers. Starting January 1st, the Alabama Mandatory Liability Insurance Law will go into effect, which will allow law enforcement to verify your insurance using an online system. Penalities can carry large fines and even license suspension.

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