HB71 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Transportation Department and county commissions authorized to designate safety zones in sections of highways with numerous accidents, posting of signs, penalties

Summary

HB71 would let the Department of Transportation and county commissions designate 'safety zones' on highways where speeding-related crashes occur and add a $100 extra fine for speeding in those zones, with warning signs ahead.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the designation of 'safety zones' on sections of state or interstate highways and county roads where serious crashes involving excessive speed have occurred. It defines a 'serious motor vehicle accident' as crashes that result in fatality or serious bodily injury, including injuries to pedestrians. It imposes an additional $100 speeding fine inside a safety zone, on top of the regular fine outside the zone, and it says no extra court costs apply to that penalty. It requires warning signs at least 1,500 feet before the entrance to a safety zone, allows the Department to adopt administrative rules to implement the section, and takes effect immediately upon governor's approval; the bill also notes it is exempt from certain local-fund expenditure rules due to constitutional exceptions.

Who It Affects

• Drivers who speed in designated safety zones would face an extra $100 fine on top of the regular penalty.
• The Department of Transportation and county commissions would gain authority to designate safety zones, post signs, and issue rules to implement the measure.

Key Provisions

• Authorize the DOT and county commissions to designate sections of highways and roads as 'safety zones' where excessive-speed crashes have occurred.
• Define 'serious motor vehicle accident' as crashes that result in fatality or serious bodily injury, including to pedestrians.
• Conviction of speeding in a safety zone triggers an additional $100 fine; no extra court costs are charged for this penalty.
• Require signs at least 1,500 feet in advance of a safety zone to warn of increased fines.
• Allow the DOT to adopt administrative rules to carry out the section.
• The bill becomes effective immediately upon governor's approval.
• The bill states it is exempt from certain constitutional local-funding requirements due to exceptions.

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

Subjects

Transportation Department