SB401 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tammy Irons

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Cam WardRoger Bedford, Jr.

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Motor vehicles, handicapped parking placards and parking space signs, local authorities authorized to authorize disabled persons to issue tickets, sign designating handicapped parking space not required to include amount of fine, Sec.32-6-233.1 am'd

Summary

SB401 would let local authorities authorize disabled individuals to issue citations for disability parking violations and remove the requirement that the space's sign shows the fine amount.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends the disability parking law to let counties or municipalities authorize disabled people to issue tickets to violators. It creates an escalating fine schedule: $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second, and $500 for the third or any later offense. It also requires (for second and subsequent offenses) a minimum of 40 hours of community service. It allows signs to optionally display the fine amount for the first offense and describes how collected fines are distributed to local governments, state agencies, and programs for people with disabilities.

Who It Affects

• Disabled individuals who may, under local authority, issue citations to violators of disability parking spaces (increasing their enforcement role).
• Drivers and other vehicle owners who park in designated disability spaces; they face escalating fines, potential community service, and enforcement could occur on private property.

Key Provisions

• Local authorities (counties or municipalities) may authorize disabled individuals to issue citations for violations of parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
• Establishes minimum fines: $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $500 for the third or any subsequent offense; second/subsequent offenses require 40 hours of community service (to a disability-related nonprofit or to raise awareness of disability needs).
• Signs designating a handicapped or disability parking space may display the fine amount for the first offense, but this is not required; enforcement can extend to private property, and funds from fines are allocated to various state and local entities.
• Fines collected are distributed according to the enforcer (local vs state vs individual), with portions going to municipal/state funds and to the Department of Mental Health and Administrative Office of Courts for specific programs, and all funds are subject to legislative appropriation.

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