HB570 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Sherer

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, handicapped parking placards, Revenue Commissioner authorized to require driver's license number or photo of person to whom issued on placard, sign designating handicapped parking place not required to include minimum fine, use of bollards authorized, municipality authorized to deputize persons for issuing tickets, Secs. 32-6-231, 32-6-233.1 am'd.

Summary

HB570 would update handicapped parking rules in Alabama by requiring identification on placards, allowing optional signage of fines, permitting bollards in access aisles, and letting municipalities deputize people to issue parking tickets for violations.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the Revenue Commissioner to require printed identification (driver's license number or a photo) on removable handicap placards. It allows the fine amount to be optional on handicapped parking signs. It authorizes bollards in the access aisle next to a handicapped space and lets municipalities deputize trained individuals to issue parking tickets for violations, with specified penalties and funding arrangements for enforcement and related programs.

Who It Affects

• People with disabilities and placard holders, who may see ID requirements on placards and new rules for long-term and temporary placards.
• Local governments, law enforcement, and state agencies involved in enforcement and funding (including municipal police, sheriffs, state troopers, the Department of Revenue, Administrative Office of Courts, and the Department of Mental Health), who gain new enforcement authorities, signage options, and funding distributions.

Key Provisions

• The placard issued to a person with a disability may require printing the driver's license number or a photograph of the person to whom the placard is issued.
• Long-term disability placards shall expire after up to five years (or a shorter period designated by the commissioner) and must display the expiration date; placards may hang from the windshield or be placed on the dashboard if no rearview mirror is present.
• The commissioner may require recertification by a licensed physician before a special access or disability placard can be reissued for long-term disabilities.
• A temporary disability placard may be issued for up to six months.
• Signage designating a handicapped parking space may include the amount of the fine or may omit it; inclusion is optional.
• A bollard may be placed in the access aisle next to a handicapped space to prevent parking in the aisle, painted yellow and spaced to allow wheelchair access.
• Municipalities may deputize trained persons to issue parking tickets to violators, with training determined by the municipality.
• Offenses carry specified fines: at least $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second, and $500 for the third or subsequent offenses, plus mandatory community service (40 hours) for second or subsequent offenses.
• Fines collected for these violations are distributed to designated funds and agencies (local or state level depending on the enforcing officer), with portions going to law enforcement, the Administrative Office of Courts, and the Department of Mental Health for programs benefiting people with developmental disabilities; funds are appropriated and do not revert to the General Fund.
• All provisions are to be interpreted together with existing laws, and the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.
• The act also provides for enforcement on private property by authorized officers and requires compliance with related federal rule standards for handicapped parking.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles