SB253 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: George M. “Marc” Keahey
Democrat
Co-Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Motor vehicles, low speed vehicles and mini trucks, licensure, restrictions, safety equipment, title not required, Sec. 32-6-59 added; Secs. 32-8-31, 40-12-240 am'd.; Act 2010-579, 2010 Reg. Sess. am'd.
Summary: SB253 creates a new mini-truck category with its own registration, licensing rules, safety standards, and a title exemption in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
It creates a license tax and registration for mini-trucks that is the same amount and handled the same way as private passenger cars, and requires a restricted low-speed license plate. Mini-trucks cannot operate on interstate highways and may only use public roads if they have the proper tag attached. It also removes mini-trucks from being eligible for a certificate of title and defines mini-trucks with specific safety requirements, including a speed governor and mandatory safety equipment. The act takes effect on January 1, 2012.

Who It Affects
Mini-truck owners and drivers in Alabama, who would pay auto-like registration fees and must display a restricted low-speed plate, and who must ensure their vehicles meet the defined safety requirements.
The Alabama Department of Revenue and licensing officials, who will issue the new license plates, collect the fees, enforce the restrictions, and administer the title exemption for mini-trucks.

Key Provisions
Section 32-6-59 adds mini-trucks and requires license taxes/registration fees to be the same as private passenger automobiles and to be distributed the same way.
Mini-trucks may not operate on interstate highways and must display a restricted low-speed tag on public roads.
Amends Section 32-8-31 to exempt mini-trucks from the certificate of title requirement under this chapter.
Amends Section 40-12-240 to define a mini-truck and set specific safety and equipment standards (e.g., width, weight, enclosed cab, speed governor capped at 25 mph, lighting, seat belts, etc.).
Defines mini-truck within the code and clarifies it is not classified as a private passenger automobile.
Effective date: January 1, 2012.

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