HB225 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip PettusRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

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

The bill lets a drivable vehicle involved in an accident be moved off the roadway if there are no apparent serious injuries, and gives DOT/ALEA authority to require or assist in moving disabled vehicles on state highways with immunity for their actions.

What This Bill Does

Allows a driver to move a drivable vehicle from the roadway to a nearby safe location when no apparent serious injury or death has occurred and the move can be done safely. Authorizes employees of the Department of Transportation and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to require and assist in moving a disabled vehicle from a highway under their jurisdiction if it creates a traffic hazard or obstruction. Provides immunity to the departments for damages resulting from moving a vehicle under this section, and subjects department employees to existing liability provisions; also requires drivers convicted under this section to have their license revoked; and sets the act into effect immediately.

Who It Affects

• Drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents: may move their drivable vehicle off the roadway if there are no apparent serious injuries and it can be moved safely.
• DOT and ALEA employees: gain authority to require or assist in moving disabled vehicles on state highways and receive immunity for actions taken under this bill.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-10-1 to allow moving a drivable vehicle from the roadway if no apparent serious injury or death and the move is safe.
• Allows DOT and ALEA to require or assist in moving a disabled vehicle from a highway; a driver or towing/recovery vehicle may also move the vehicle.
• If there is injury or death, the vehicle may not be moved until directed by law enforcement.
• Provides immunity to the departments for damages caused by moving a vehicle under this section; employees are subject to existing liability provisions (Section 36-1-12).
• Driver licenses can be revoked for persons convicted under this section; act becomes effective immediately after 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