SB338 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Scott Beason

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

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

Summary

SB338 would ban driving a dump truck with the bed raised on Alabama roads, set penalties for violations, and outline how it relates to a local-funding constitutional rule.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits driving a dump truck on any Alabama highway with the bed raised more than 20 degrees, except while actively dumping. Violations would be Class C misdemeanors for the first offense and Class B misdemeanors for subsequent offenses, enforceable by any law enforcement officer who can issue citations at the scene or if there is reasonable cause even without witnessing the violation. The bill also notes its relationship to Amendment 621 on local funding and states it is exempt from the local-funding approval process because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Dump truck operators and trucking companies who would need to ensure the bed is not raised on public roads unless actively dumping, or face misdemeanor charges.
• Law enforcement officers and public safety agencies responsible for enforcing the rule and issuing citations.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits driving a dump truck on any highway with the bed raised to more than a 20-degree angle unless actively dumping.
• Defines 'dump truck' and 'highway' for the purposes of the act.
• Establishes penalties: first offense is a Class C misdemeanor; second or subsequent offenses are Class B misdemeanors.
• Authorizes enforcement by any law enforcement officer; citations may be issued at the scene or with reasonable cause even if not witnessed.
• The act is named 'The Ricky Morgan Act.'
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval (or when it becomes law by other means).
• Addresses local-funding considerations under Amendment 621, noting the bill is exempt from those requirements because it creates 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