SB157 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry Dixon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, handicapped parking, prohibition on parking in handicapped parking places extended to apply to any public or private property, lawful parking would only be applicable when transporting handicapped person, existing penalties apply, Sec. 32-6-233.1 am'd.

Summary

SB157 would ban parking in handicapped spaces on public or private property unless the vehicle has a handicapped plate/placard and is transporting a qualified disabled person, add penalties and enforcement rules, and create funding provisions tied to enforcement.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would make it illegal to park in a handicapped space on any property unless the vehicle displays a handicapped plate or placard and is being used to transport a qualified disabled person. It also prohibits parking that blocks access to public transit stops for people with disabilities. Violations would carry specific fines ($50 first, $200 second, $500 third or subsequent) and require 40 hours of community service for the second or later offenses; enforcement could occur on private property, and fines would be distributed to local or state funds and disability-related programs.

Who It Affects

• People who park in handicapped parking spaces on public or private property without the required placard or plate, or who block access to a bus stop, and their passengers.
• Local and state law enforcement and government agencies responsible for enforcing handicapped parking laws and managing the distribution of collected fines and related funding.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-6-233.1 to make it unlawful to park in a handicap parking space on public or private property unless the vehicle has a distinctive handicapped plate/placard and is being used to transport a qualified disabled individual.
• Prohibits parking that blocks access to a public transportation bus stop if it prevents access for persons with disabilities.
• Establishes fines: $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second, and $500 for the third or subsequent offenses; requires 40 hours of community service for the second or subsequent offense.
• Allows enforcement on private property; requires signage to display the fine amount; outlines who may enforce and how funds are distributed between local/state funds, courts, and disability programs.
• Distributes fines: for local officers, 50% to local funds and the remainder to state funds to be split between the Administrative Office of Courts and the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation for the Individual and Family Support Program; for state officers, 50% to the agency, 25% to AOC, and 25% to DMHMR, all funds to be appropriated and not revert to the General Fund.
• Requires Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation approval before releasing funds; specifies the act is exempt from Amendment 621 local expenditure requirements due to creating a new offense or changing definitions.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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