HB555 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kerry Rich
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Motor vehicles, pickup trucks, riding in bed of by person under certain age, prohibited, exceptions, phased in implementation, penalties
Summary: HB555 would ban passengers age 21 and younger from riding in the bed of a pickup on paved highways, with limited exceptions and a phased enforcement starting with a warning period.
What This Bill Does
It prohibits pickup truck operators from allowing riders 21 or younger to ride in the bed on paved highways, with exceptions for parades, farming, or emergency situations if an adult is in the bed. Violations can result in a fine up to $50, and the violation does not give police probable cause to search the vehicle. Enforcement starts with a 12-month warning period during which only verbal warnings are issued; after that, the rule is fully in effect. The bill notes a potential local funding impact but states it is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it creates/defines a new crime.

Who It Affects
Operators of pickup trucks in Alabama, who would be prohibited from letting riders 21 or younger ride in the bed on paved highways (with listed exceptions).
People age 21 or younger who might ride in the bed of a pickup and could face a fine if the rule is violated.

Key Provisions
Prohibits operators from allowing any person age 21 or younger to ride as a passenger in the bed of a pickup on any paved highway, with exceptions for parades, farming purposes, or emergency situations if accompanied by an adult in the bed.
Imposes a fine of up to $50 for violations; violations do not create probable cause for searching the vehicle.
Provides a phased-in implementation starting with a 12-month warning period during which only verbal warnings are issued and no monetary fines are assessed; after the warning period, the act is in full effect.
Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval; the bill acknowledges a potential local funding impact but is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.

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