HB285 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Safety belts, fine increased for person riding in front seat without seat belts, distribution, Secs. 32-5B-5, 32-5B-8 am'd.

Summary

HB 285 would raise the fine for riding in the front seat without a seat belt and change how the money is used and reported.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the front-seat belt violation could cost up to $100 (up from up to $25). The bill also changes where the fine money goes (60% to the Department of Public Safety/Law Enforcement and 40% to the State General Fund), requires monthly minority-stop reporting by police, and says no court costs are charged on conviction. It also says a violation alone cannot be used to search the vehicle, and sets an effective date of October 1, 2019.

Who It Affects

• Front-seat drivers and passengers who do not wear a seat belt and could face a higher fine
• Law enforcement agencies (DPS and Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency) and the State General Fund that receive the fines and must report statistics

Key Provisions

• Raises the maximum fine for a front-seat belt violation to up to $100 (from $25)
• Funds from fines are split 60% to DPS/Law Enforcement and 40% to the State General Fund
• No court costs are assessed on conviction
• Requires monthly reporting of traffic-stop statistics by minority status to DPS/ALEA and the Attorney General
• A violation does not authorize a vehicle search solely due to the belt violation
• Effective date: October 1, 2019

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