SB4 Alabama 2019 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry StuttsSenator

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2019

Title

Motor vehicles, authorized emergency vehicles, volunteer firefighters may use personal vehicles as emergency vehicles with purple emergency lights, Secs. 32-1-1.1, 32-5A-115 am'd.

Summary

SB 4 would let volunteer firefighters use purple emergency lights on their private vehicles when responding to emergencies, by designating those vehicles as authorized emergency vehicles.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill would add privately owned volunteer firefighter vehicles to the list of authorized emergency vehicles and allow them to display purple emergency lights when responding to emergencies. The purple light is specifically allowed for these volunteers and remains governed by existing rules for authorized emergency vehicles (e.g., visibility standards). The designation of a volunteer firefighter's private vehicle as an authorized emergency vehicle must be made by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency. The act would take effect three months after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Volunteer firefighters who own private vehicles and are designated as authorized emergency vehicles by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency
• Other drivers and pedestrians who share the road and may encounter private volunteer firefighter vehicles displaying purple lights

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 32-1-1.1 and 32-5A-115 to include privately owned volunteer firefighters as authorized emergency vehicles
• Allows privately owned vehicles of designated volunteer firefighters to use purple emergency lights when responding to an emergency
• Requires designation of such volunteers as authorized emergency vehicles by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial 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