HB435 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen TreadawayRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Arthur Payne

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Motor Vehicles, dump trucks, operation with bed raised prohibited, penalties

Summary

HB435 would bar dump trucks from driving on state roads with the bed raised, except while dumping, and would set penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It defines a dump truck as one whose bed can be raised over 20 degrees to dump a load. It prohibits driving such a truck on highways with the bed raised more than 20 degrees unless the truck is actively dumping. Violations start as Class C misdemeanors and can become Class B misdemeanors on subsequent offenses; enforcement can occur at the scene if there is reasonable cause. The act is named 'The Ricky Morgan Act' and becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval, and it includes a note that it creates a new crime so it is exempt from certain local-funds requirements.

Who It Affects

• Dump truck drivers and the companies that operate them, who must ensure beds are not raised while driving unless actively dumping.
• Law enforcement and public safety agencies, which would enforce the rule and issue citations as needed.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits driving a dump truck on any highway with the bed raised to more than 20 degrees unless actively dumping.
• First offense is a Class C misdemeanor; second or subsequent offenses are Class B misdemeanors; enforcement at the scene is allowed if there is reasonable cause.
• Defines 'dump truck' and 'highway' and names the act 'The Ricky Morgan Act'; specifies an effective date and includes a constitutional exemption related to local-funds requirements.

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

Subjects

Motor Vehicles