HB481 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ken Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Motor vehicles, handicapped parking, sign designated special access parking place not required to specify fine, Sec. 32-6-233.1 am'd.

Summary

HB481 updates Alabama's handicapped parking law by removing the requirement to display fine amounts on disability parking signs and adding new fines, enforcement rules, and funding for related programs.

What This Bill Does

It removes the requirement that the fine amount be displayed on disability parking signs (signs may display the first-offense fine). It establishes minimum fines: $50 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $500 for the third or any subsequent offense. It adds 40 hours of community service for second or subsequent offenses. It expands enforcement to private property and authorizes towing and ticketing for vehicles in accessible spaces and on access aisles, with verification that the placard holder is the driver or passenger and specified funding distributions.

Who It Affects

• People with disabilities: benefit from stronger enforcement of accessible parking spaces and potential funding for disability programs; placard verification helps ensure the right person is using the space.
• Drivers who illegally park in disability spaces and the law enforcement agencies that enforce these rules: face higher minimum fines, mandatory penalties for repeat offenses, broader enforcement authority (including private property and access aisles), and mandated distributions of collected fines to local and state agencies and disability-related programs.

Key Provisions

• Removes the requirement that the fine amount for handicapped parking violations be displayed on signs (signs may display the first-offense fine).
• Establishes minimum fines: $50 for first offense, $200 for second offense, $500 for third or subsequent offenses.
• Adds a requirement of 40 hours of community service for second and subsequent offenses, related to disability services or sensitization.
• Expands enforcement to private property and authorizes towing of vehicles in accessible parking spaces and enforcement on access aisles.
• Allows enforcement officers to verify that the placard holder is the driver or passenger in the vehicle.
• Distributes fines: for local enforcement, 50% to local funds with remainder to State Treasury and further distribution to AOC and DMH; for state enforcement, 50% to the agency and 25% each to AOC and DMH.
• Funds deposited to a separate fund are appropriated by the Legislature and do not revert to the General Fund; DMH approval is required before releasing funds for the Individual and Family Support Program.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

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