SB97 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald H. AllenSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Motor vehicles, accidents, when no apparent physical injury driver authorized to move motor vehicle from roadway, authorize Department of Transportation employees to assist in moving disabled vehicle, immunity, Sec. 32-10-1 am'd.
Summary: SB97 allows a driver to move a drivable vehicle off the road after an accident with no serious injuries, authorizes DOT workers to require or help move disabled vehicles on state highways, and provides immunity to the department and its employees for those actions.
What This Bill Does
If there are no apparent serious injuries or deaths and the vehicle is drivable, the driver must move the vehicle off the roadway to a nearby safe location and stay close to the scene until duties are fulfilled. Department of Transportation employees may require or assist in moving a disabled vehicle that is creating a traffic hazard on the state highway system, as long as the vehicle can be moved safely. If there are apparent serious injuries or death, the vehicle may not be moved until directed by a law enforcement officer. The act provides immunity to the Department of Transportation and its employees for actions taken under this section, with existing limitations handled under Section 36-1-12.

Who It Affects
Drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents on state highways: must move drivable vehicles from the roadway if no serious injuries, and may face license consequences if convicted under this section.
Department of Transportation employees: authorized to require or assist in moving disabled vehicles and are protected by immunity provisions when acting under this act.
Tow or recovery operators and other drivers: may assist in moving vehicles as permitted, under DOT direction or authorization.
Individuals convicted under this section: potential license revocation by the director.

Key Provisions
Amends 32-10-1 to require a drivable vehicle involved in an accident with no apparent serious injury or death to be moved from the roadway to a nearby safe location and for the driver to remain near the scene.
Authorizes DOT employees to move, require movement of, or assist in moving a disabled vehicle from the roadway if it creates a traffic hazard and can be moved safely.
Prohibits moving a vehicle with apparent serious injury or death until directed by law enforcement.
Provides immunity to DOT employees for actions taken under this section, subject to existing immunity rules in Section 36-1-12.
Requires the director to revoke the driver's license of a person convicted under this section.
Effective immediately upon the Governor's approval.

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