Alabama § 40-12-398 - Bond Prerequisite to Issuance of License.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 40-12-398 — Bond Prerequisite to Issuance of License., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-12-398. Bond Prerequisite to Issuance of License.
Before any master dealer license may be issued to a new motor vehicle dealer, used motor vehicle dealer, motor vehicle rebuilder, or motor vehicle wholesaler, the applicant shall deliver to the commissioner a good and sufficient surety bond, executed by the applicant as principal and by a corporate surety company qualified to do business in the state as surety, in the sum of not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or an amount as prescribed by the department. Such bond shall be in a form to be approved by the commissioner, and shall be conditioned that the motor vehicle dealer, motor vehicle rebuilder, or motor vehicle wholesaler shall comply with the conditions of any contract made by such dealer in connection with the sale or exchange of any motor vehicle and shall not violate any of the provisions of law relating to the conduct of the business for which he or she is licensed. Such bond shall be payable to the commissioner and to his or her successors in office, and shall be in favor of any person who shall recover any judgment for any loss as a result of any violation of the conditions hereinabove contained. The bond shall serve in lieu of the bond provided for in subsection (b) of Section 32-8-34 and, in addition to all other conditions, shall also be conditioned upon their performance of their duties as a designated agent under Chapter 8 of Title 32. The penalty provisions provided under this article, in addition to the tax liability incurred under Chapter 23 on the sale of a motor vehicle, may be assessed against the bond.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 40-12-398
What does Code of Alabama § 40-12-398 cover?
Section 40-12-398 ("Bond Prerequisite to Issuance of License.") 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 § 40-12-398?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 40-12-398" (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 § 40-12-398 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.