SB282 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shay ShelnuttSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

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

Summary

SB282 would ban dump trucks from driving on Alabama roads with the bed raised and establish penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits a dump truck from driving on any highway with the bed raised more than 20 degrees, except while actively dumping. The first offense would be a Class C misdemeanor, and subsequent offenses would be Class B misdemeanors. Law enforcement can issue a citation at the scene if there is reasonable cause, even if the officer did not witness the violation. It is named the Ricky Morgan Act and becomes law after passage and gubernatorial approval; the bill also states it is exempt from local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Dump truck drivers/operators: must keep the bed down on highways and could face misdemeanor penalties for violations.
• Law enforcement and trucking companies/owners in Alabama: responsible for enforcing the rule and may need to adjust driver training and operating policies.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits driving a dump truck on any highway with the bed raised to more than a 20-degree angle, except when actively dumping.
• Penalties establish Class C misdemeanor for the first offense and Class B misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.
• Allows law enforcement to issue a citation at the scene with reasonable cause, even if not observed.
• Defines 'dump truck' and 'highway' for the act; designates the act as 'The Ricky Morgan Act.'
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.
• States the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it creates a new 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