SB321 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bobby D. SingletonSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Motor vehicles, drag racing, crime further defined, penalties increased, impoundment of vehicle and forfeiture for subsequent offenses, Sec. 32-5A-178 am'd.
Summary: SB321 tightens penalties for drag racing on Alabama public highways and adds vehicle impoundment and tow/storage rules for offenses.
What This Bill Does
The bill defines drag racing and racing and makes driving or participating in such events on public highways illegal. It sets escalating penalties: first conviction carries a fine and possible jail time with probation; second and third or subsequent convictions carry higher fines, longer jail time, and longer license suspensions. It also authorizes immediate removal and impoundment of the vehicle used, with a towing, storage, and lien process, and it extends penalties to organizers and spectators who participate or facilitate such races.

Who It Affects
Drivers or participants who drag race or engage in speed contests on public highways would face fines, potential jail time, probation options, and license suspensions depending on the number of prior offenses.
Vehicle owners of cars used in drag racing, and towing/storage companies, would be affected by mandatory vehicle impoundment, recovery fees, and liens to secure towing and storage costs.

Key Provisions
Defines drag race and racing and prohibits driving or participating in such events on public highways.
First conviction penalties: fine of $500 and 5 days to 90 days in jail, or a fine of $25-$500 with probation; imprisonment may be suspended with 30 days probation.
Second or subsequent convictions: fine up to $3,000 and 10 days to 6 months in jail, or fine of $50-$500 with probation; imprisonment may be suspended with 6 months probation.
Third or subsequent convictions: fine up to $6,000 and imprisonment not more than 1 year, with imprisonment suspended and 1 year probation instead.
License suspension: first conviction may suspend driving privileges up to 6 months; second/subsequent convictions may suspend up to 1 year.
Immediate vehicle removal and impoundment: officers must remove and tow the vehicle to a safe place, with owner paying towing/storage fees to reclaim the vehicle (emergency exceptions allowed).
Towing/storage lien: towing companies get a lien for fees, subordinate to prior security interests, with notice required before sale or other proceedings.
Organizer/spectator violations: organizers and spectators can be punished under the relevant penalties, but no imprisonment is required for spectators.
Effective date: the act takes effect immediately after passage and approval by the Governor.

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