SB183 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Motor vehicles, accidents, when no apparent physical injury, driver authorized to move motor vehicle from roadway, Department of Transportation employees authorized to assist in moving disabled vehicle, immunity, Sec. 32-10-1 am'd.

Summary

The bill allows a driver to move a drivable vehicle off the roadway after an accident if no serious injuries are apparent, and gives DOT and Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency employees authority to require and assist in moving disabled vehicles, with immunity for the departments.

What This Bill Does

If there are no apparent serious injuries or deaths, the driver may move the vehicle from the roadway to a safe nearby location such as the shoulder or emergency lane and must return to the scene. DOT and ASLEA employees may require or assist in moving a disabled vehicle from the highway if it creates a hazard or obstructs traffic, and the vehicle may also be moved by the driver or a tow vehicle. Vehicles involved in injuries or deaths must not be moved until directed by law enforcement. The bill provides immunity to the departments for actions taken under this law and makes department employees subject to liability rules; it also sets that a person convicted under this section could have their driver's license revoked, and the act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Who It Affects

• Drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents: may move a drivable vehicle off the roadway if no apparent serious injuries, must not obstruct traffic, and must return to the scene.
• Department of Transportation and Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency employees (and related towing/recovery resources): gain authority to require or assist in moving disabled vehicles, have immunity for actions under the bill, and are governed by liability rules and potential licensing consequences for violators.

Key Provisions

• Allows a driver to move a drivable vehicle from the roadway to the shoulder, emergency lane, median, or nearby location if no apparent serious injury or death occurred and the vehicle can be safely moved.
• Authorizes DOT and ASLEA employees to require or assist in moving a disabled vehicle from a highway under their jurisdiction if it is obstructing traffic or creating a hazard and can be moved safely; the vehicle may also be moved by the driver or a tow/recovery vehicle.
• Vehicles involved in injury or death cannot be moved until directed by law enforcement.
• Provides immunity to the Department of Transportation and Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency for damages resulting from moving a vehicle under this act; employees are subject to liability rules.
• The director may revoke the driver's license of a person convicted under this section.
• The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and 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