HB87 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Johnny Mack Morrow

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Seatbelts, failure to wear, citations authorized for safety belt violations if person stopped and arrested by law enforcement officer for separate violation, Sec. 32-5B-6.1 added

Summary

HB87 would limit seat belt violations to warnings unless the driver or passenger is stopped for a separate violation, in which case enforcement would apply to that separate offense.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new rule that a warning must be issued for a seat belt violation. A seat belt citation or arrest would only be allowed if the person is stopped for a separate violation and is cited or arrested for that separate violation. If stopped for another offense, the officer may issue a citation or arrest for the separate violation. The change ties seat belt enforcement to stops for other violations.

Who It Affects

• Front-seat passengers and drivers: would generally receive only a warning for not wearing a seat belt, unless they are stopped for another violation.
• Law enforcement officers: enforcement would focus on warnings for seat belts, with authority to issue citations or arrests only for the separate violation that prompted the stop.

Key Provisions

• Adds §32-5B-6.1: a warning citation may be issued for failure to wear a seat belt unless stopped for a separate violation, in which case a citation or arrest for the separate violation may be issued.
• Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, enforcement is limited to warnings for seat belts unless tied to a separate violation.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after its passage and the Governor's approval.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses