SB459 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Motor vehicles, medium speed vehicles, defined, licensure, restrictions, safety standards, title not required, Sec. 32-6-59.1 added; Secs. 32-8-31, 40-12-240 am'd.

Summary

SB459 would create a new medium speed vehicle category with a restricted license plate, set safety rules, and exempt these vehicles from title requirements.

What This Bill Does

It defines medium speed vehicles and allows issuing a restricted license plate so they can operate on public roads with posted speed limits of 40 mph or less. It requires these vehicles to be registered like private passenger cars and to pay a $50 annual license tax and registration fee, with excess funds going to the State General Fund. It exempts medium speed vehicles from certificate of title requirements and requires compliance with federal safety standards (49 CFR 571.500); vehicles must display a restricted MSV tag and may cross roads at intersections where higher speeds are posted. The changes would take effect January 1, 2014.

Who It Affects

• Owners and operators of medium speed vehicles would be able to register their vehicles, obtain restricted license plates, pay a $50 annual fee, and operate on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or less; these vehicles would be exempt from having a certificate of title.
• Alabama's DMV and law enforcement (and related plate-issuing offices) would implement the new MSV category, issue restricted MSV plates, and enforce the associated safety standards and speed restrictions.

Key Provisions

• Medium speed vehicle defined as a four-wheeled electric or gasoline-powered vehicle with top speed greater than 30 mph and not more than 35 mph, including neighborhood electric vehicles; golf carts meeting the federal standard in 49 CFR 571.500 can be considered MSVs.
• Annual license tax and registration fee for MSVs set at $50, distributed the same as private passenger automobiles, with excess funds going to the State General Fund.
• MSVs may operate on public highways only where the posted speed limit is 40 mph or less, and may cross into higher-speed roads at intersections; proper MSV license tag must be attached and indicate restricted MSV use.
• MSVs are exempt from certificate of title requirements (no title issued for MSVs).
• MSVs must comply with the federal safety standard 49 CFR 571.500.

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