Alabama Administrative Code
Title 810 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Chapter 810-5-1 - VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Section 810-5-1-.238 - Registration Of Motor Vehicles Not Subject To Titling

Universal Citation: AL Admin Code R 810-5-1-.238

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 11, August 30, 2024

(1) The following motor vehicles are generally not manufactured to comply with federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations governing safety, emissions, and antitheft standards, and cannot be titled or registered in Alabama unless they meet the requirements in paragraph two (2) below:

(a) A dune buggy defined as an open chassis off-road recreational vehicle primarily designed or modified for off-road use on sand dunes or beaches. A dune buggy may also be referred to as a rail buggy, air buggy, or sand rail.

(b) A golf cart defined as an off-road recreational vehicle primarily designed and manufactured for use on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes.

(c) A Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) or Recreational Off Highway Vehicle (ROV) defined as a motorized off-road vehicle designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, an occupant protective structure, and engine displacement up to 1,000 cc.

(d) An All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) also known as a quad, quad bike, three-wheeler, or four-wheeler, defined as a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control. Engine sizes usually range from 49 to 1,000 cc (3 to 61 cubic inches).

(2) In order to determine if a motor vehicle not subject to titling may be registered, the license plate issuing official must physically inspect the vehicle and vehicle ownership documentation to verify one of the following before issuing a license plate or transferring a registration:

(a) The manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) or manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) must state that the vehicle complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The MSO, title, or bill of sale may reflect that the vehicle is for off road use only, which indicates that the vehicle is not intended for use on the public roadways and cannot be registered.

(b) A certification label meeting the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567 that, among other things, identifies the vehicle's manufacturer (i.e., the actual assembler of the vehicle), vehicle identification number that conforms with 49 CFR Part 565 requirements, the vehicle's date of manufacture (month and year), and containing the following statement: "This vehicle conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards in effect on the date of manufacture shown above."

(3) A mini-truck as defined in § 40-12-240, Code of Ala. 1975, is exempt from titling; however, a mini-truck may be issued a license plate that is restricted to non-interstate use in accordance with § 32-6-59, Code of Ala. 1975.

(4) A motor-driven cycle as defined in § 32-1-1.1, Code of Ala. 1975, is exempt from titling; however, a motor-driven cycle may be issued a motorcycle license plate. Every motor-driven cycle is required to have a vehicle emission control information label. This label includes the engine displacement. The label should be permanently affixed to the cycle and readily accessible. Locations may vary; however, the most common locations are under the seat and on the frame rails. In addition, the MSO should contain the engine displacement. If the MSO is not available and the decal has been removed or altered and unreadable, the engine displacement may be established using a title history that included the MSO or a statement from the manufacturer attesting to the cycle's engine displacement.

(5) A low speed vehicle (LSV) is exempt from titling; however, a LSV may be issued a license plate that is restricted to non-interstate use if the LSV complies with FMVSS as provided in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500. Note: a LSV is not a golf cart or a UTV.

(6) Motor vehicles that are 25 model years old or older are not subject to FMVSS and may be titled and registered with proper ownership documentation.

(7) All motor vehicles not subject to titling that are eligible to be registered must have proper ownership documentation. This documentation includes a bill of sale, court order, properly assigned certificate of origin or certificate of title, or any other documentation as specified by the department.

Author: James Starling

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 32-1-1.1, 32-6-59, 40-2A-7(a)(5), 40-12-240, and 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500. 40-2A-7(a)(5).

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Alabama may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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