HB339 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Curtis

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, trailers, safety devices required when connecting to motor vehicle, duties to Public Safety Department, penalties

Summary

HB339 would require a safety locking device to connect a trailer to a motor vehicle and set penalties for towing without one.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would require an approved safety device to be used when towing a trailer and set penalties for not using one. The device must meet minimum strength and safety standards, prevent detachment if the towing hitch fails, and keep the coupling from dropping. The Department of Public Safety would adopt rules to implement and enforce the requirements, and commercial vehicles would still have to comply with applicable federal rules. The law would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval, and the local-funding restrictions in Amendment 621 would not block it because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Drivers and others who tow trailers: would be required to use an approved safety device and could face penalties if not.
• Department of Public Safety: would enforce the rule and adopt implementing regulations.
• Trailer manufacturers, installers, and suppliers: would need to provide and certify devices that meet the specified standards.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'safety device' as a locking mechanism that secures the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle.
• Towing a trailer without an approved safety device (as determined by the Department of Public Safety) would be a crime.
• The safety device must provide strength, security of attachment, and directional stability equal to or greater than safety chains; it must prevent detachment if the regular coupling device fails; and it must be designed so the coupling does not drop if it breaks.
• Violation is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $100 or imprisonment up to 3 months.
• Commercial vehicles are not exempt from complying with the provisions under federal safety rules (49 C.F.R. Part 393, Subpart F).
• The Director of the Department of Public Safety shall adopt rules to implement and enforce the section.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.
• The bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles