448341195 869131221912425 3426627098312107904 N Alabama, Handicap License Plates — Kay Ivey signed the bill in May. (City of Vestavia Hills / Facebook)

A new, and arguably more authentic, handicap license plate will soon be behind every Alabama vehicle registered with the state. The new symbol features a “Dynamic Accessibility Symbol”—showing the wheelchair user in motion.

Keep reading to learn more about why that is important + when you’ll start seeing the new plates.

House Bill 285

1672933976728 Alabama, Handicap License Plates — Tennessee’s Dynamic Accessibility Symbol. (State of Tennessee)

HB285 was introduced back in March, as part of an initiative to make accessible spaces and signage more accurately represent the people using these aids. That’s where the new design and the concept of “Dynamic Accessibility” come in.

The current symbol is called the “International Symbol of Access” and shows a wheelchair user sitting in their chair. The new symbol shows motion, the wheelchair user is pushing themselves in the chair.

Modeled after Tennessee’s shift to the “Dynamic Accessibility Symbol,” Alabama officials hope that these new plates will empower Alabamians with disabilities.

Coming January 2026

Aroad Alabama, Handicap License Plates — The license plate game is getting more fun in 2026. (The Bama Buzz)

According to the Secretary of State, the new plates will start dotting our roadways in January of 2026. That gives the Department of Revenue enough time to finalize the design.

If you’re interested in reading the whole bill for yourself, you can find it here.

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