HB449 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thad McClammy

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Motor vehicles, handicapped parking placards and parking space signs, disability further defined, restricting access to public transportation prohibited, use of bollards authorized, municipality authorized to deputize persons for issuing tickets, Secs. 32-6-231, 32-6-233.1 am'd.

Summary

HB449 would require mobility-impeding disability for handicapped parking, empower municipalities to issue tickets for violations, and allow bollards to protect access aisles and public transportation access.

What This Bill Does

It tightens who may use handicapped parking by requiring a disability that impedes mobility and sets placard rules, including expiration dates and potential recertification or temporary placards. It prohibits parking in a way that blocks access to public transportation or bus stops and allows bollards in the access aisle next to a handicapped parking space. It authorizes municipalities to deputize trained people to issue parking tickets for handicapped parking violations and sets penalties for violations, including fines and possible community service.

Who It Affects

• People with disabilities who use handicapped parking spaces would be required to have a mobility-impeding disability and would follow placard rules (long-term placards with expiration up to five years or temporary placards) and may face penalties if rules are violated.
• Drivers, property owners, law enforcement, and local governments would be affected by new enforcement powers (including deputized ticket issuers), new penalties for violations, and the use of bollards to protect access aisles and protect public transportation access; enforcement can occur on private property, and signs must display fines.

Key Provisions

• Amends 32-6-231 to require disability that impedes mobility for handicapped parking; establishes placard issuance rules, expiration (up to five years), and possible physician recertification; allows temporary placards for temporary disabilities.
• Amends 32-6-233.1 to prohibit parking that blocks access to public transportation or access aisles; sets escalating fines (first offense $50, second $200, third or more $500); requires community service for repeat offenses; enables private-property enforcement; requires signs to display the fine amounts.
• Allows bollards in the middle of the access aisle next to a handicapped space; bollards must be yellow and allow wheelchair access around them.
• Gives municipalities authority to deputize trained persons to issue parking tickets for handicapped parking violations, with training determined by the municipality.
• Details on fund distribution for fines and the effective date: law takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

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