SB298 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jimmy Holley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Motor vehicles, abandoned, includes an order to remove a motor vehicle by law enforcement officers if the driver is arrested or injured, or otherwise needs moving, Secs. 32-13-1, 32-13-2 am'd

Summary

This bill updates Alabama's abandoned motor vehicle law to clarify when tow and removal actions are allowed and establishes new notice and lien rules for property owners and towing services.

What This Bill Does

It broadens the definition of an abandoned vehicle and sets specific conditions under which law enforcement may tow a vehicle, including seven days unattended on public property or situations involving arrest or injury. It authorizes tow to the nearest garage and limits officer liability to gross negligence, while creating a lien for removal and storage. It requires private property owners to post clear tow notices and to notify state agencies within five days when towing occurs, and it lets property owners remove abandoned vehicles from their property with 24 hours’ notice to law enforcement, with liens for removal and storage.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement officers and agencies: gain clear authority to tow abandoned or immediately removable vehicles, with liability limited to gross negligence and new duties to notify state agencies after removal.
• Private property owners/lessees/agents and towing companies: gain ability to remove abandoned vehicles from private property, must post specific notices and provide 24-hour notice to law enforcement, and establish liens for removal and storage;

Key Provisions

• Defines an abandoned motor vehicle with multiple scenarios, including vehicles left with a dealer/repair/wrecker service for more than 60 days, unattended vehicles on public property for at least seven days, or when the driver is arrested or the vehicle must be removed immediately by law enforcement.
• Private property notice requirements: signs must be posted at driveway access with specified visibility and wording, indicate tow-away, include the towing firm’s name and number, be maintained for at least 24 hours before towing, and have notices clearly posted in a conspicuous place.
• Law enforcement authority to remove: officers may tow to the nearest garage or place of safety for unattended vehicles or when immediate removal is needed, with liability limited to gross negligence and drivers or agencies having a lien for removal and storage.
• Notice to state agencies: officers must provide written notice of removal to the Secretary of State and the Department of Public Safety within five days.
• Private property removal process: property owners/lessees/agents may remove abandoned vehicles from their property with 24 hours’ prior written notice to local law enforcement, and applicable parties have a lien for removal and storage costs.
• Liability and penalties: officers are liable only for gross negligence, and those removing vehicles under officer direction have liens for removal and storage; property owners and towing agents have limited liability under the act.

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