Alabama § 23-1-81 - County Commissions - Authority to Establish, Operate, Etc., Bridges, Ferries, Causeways, Etc.; Licensing.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 23-1-81 — County Commissions - Authority to Establish, Operate, Etc., Bridges, Ferries, Causeways, Etc.; Licensing., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-1-81. County Commissions - Authority to Establish, Operate, Etc., Bridges, Ferries, Causeways, Etc.; Licensing.
(a) The county commission of each county is invested with authority to purchase or establish toll bridges, free bridges, causeways, and ferries or free ferries within their respective jurisdictions as provided in this article and may levy a special tax to purchase or build the bridges and causeways when, in the opinion of the county commission, the public good requires it.
(b) The county commission of each county may also license any individual, group of individuals, partnership, corporation, association, or any other legal entity to establish or to operate toll roads, toll bridges, ferries, or causeways and authorize the licensee to establish and fix the rates of toll. Toll roads and toll bridges that are licensed by a county and which are on or over the line between any two counties shall be licensed by both counties.
(c) The State Department of Transportation may license any individual, groups of individuals, partnership, corporation, association, or any other legal entity to establish or operate toll roads, toll bridges, ferries, or causeways and authorize the licensee to establish and fix the rates of toll.
(d) After a license is issued pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) by a county commission or the State Department of Transportation, no further license of any type from any governmental body or agency, including, but not limited to, a business license, shall be required to construct, own, or operate the toll road or the toll bridge, ferry, or causeway and no further license, tax, or fee may be imposed by any governmental body or agency.
(e) No toll bridge shall be established over the same watercourse within two miles of any other toll bridge.
(f) Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to limit the authority of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to grant easements and licenses with respect to the placement of bridges on state land.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 23-1-81
What does Code of Alabama § 23-1-81 cover?
Section 23-1-81 ("County Commissions - Authority to Establish, Operate, Etc., Bridges, Ferries, Causeways, Etc.; Licensing.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 23-1-81?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 23-1-81" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 23-1-81 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.