SB145 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

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 would let a driver move a drivable car off the road after an accident with no serious injuries and lets DOT and ALEA help or require moves of disabled vehicles on state highways, with immunity for the departments.

What This Bill Does

It allows a driver to move a drivable vehicle off the roadway to a nearby safe location after an accident if there are no apparent serious injuries or deaths. It authorizes Department of Transportation and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency employees to require or assist in moving a disabled vehicle from a state highway when moving it would improve safety or reduce traffic hazards, and it allows the driver or a towing/recovery vehicle to move the disabled vehicle. If the accident involves injury or death, the vehicle may not be moved until directed by law enforcement. The bill provides immunity to the departments for moves made under this law, makes employees subject to liability rules in Section 36-1-12, and allows the director to revoke a driver’s license for conviction under this section.

Who It Affects

• Drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents (with no apparent serious injury or death) who may move their vehicle off the roadway to a safe nearby location.
• Employees of the Department of Transportation and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the agencies themselves, who may require, assist with, or oversee the movement of disabled vehicles on state highways.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-10-1 to allow a drivable vehicle with no apparent serious injuries to be moved off the roadway to a nearby safe location.
• Authorizes DOT and ALEA employees to require or assist in moving a disabled vehicle from a state highway when it is safe to do so or would improve safety.
• Specifies that a disabled vehicle involved in an accident with injury or death may not be moved until directed by law enforcement.
• Provides immunity to the Department of Transportation and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for damages resulting from moves made under this section.
• States that employees are subject to liability rules under Section 36-1-12 for claims arising from actions under this section.
• Directs that the director shall revoke the driver’s license of a person convicted under this section.
• Effective 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