SB406 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Greg J. Reed
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Motor vehicles, oversized vehicle permits, annual commercial wrecker emergency tow permit, provided, Sec. 32-9-29 am'd.
Summary: The bill lets Alabama’s Department of Transportation issue an annual permit for commercial wreckers to move oversized loads on state roads, with specific size/weight rules, bonding/insurance requirements, and fees.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes the DOT to issue an annual 12-month permit for a vehicle or two-vehicle combination that exceeds legal limits, provided the load is basically inseparable. The permit imposes maximum limits (e.g., weight, length, width, height) and may require an indemnity bond or insurance of $300,000 to cover potential road damage. It also creates a separate mining equipment permit with different, higher allowances but restrictions, and provides a single-trip permit option with a detailed fee schedule. The Director can set rules, may waive permits in emergencies, and permits are in addition to other registrations; farm and agricultural equipment are exempt from needing these permits. Fees collected go to the Public Road and Bridge Fund, and the program cannot issue permits if federal law would be violated or federal funds could be jeopardized. The act becomes effective a few months after passage.

Who It Affects
Oversized wreckers, heavy-haul operators, and trucking firms that move abnormally large loads on Alabama public roads; they can obtain an annual or single-trip permit and must follow specified size/weight limits and bonding/insurance requirements.
Farmers and operators of farm or agricultural equipment and Commodities, which are exempt from needing these permits to move on public highways.

Key Provisions
Annual permit valid for 12 months allowing up to two-vehicle combinations to move loads that exceed legal limits, with specific caps on weight (up to 150,000 lbs gross, with routes required for heavier weights), length (up to 75 ft, 85 ft for mobile homes), width (up to 120 inches, load width up to 144 inches, 168 inches for some mobile homes), and height (up to 14 feet).
Bond or insurance requirement of $300,000 for overheight/overweight permits to cover potential damage to bridges and highway structures, contingent on fault.
Special mining equipment provision allowing annual permits with looser limits for rubber-tired equipment used in mining refractory grade bauxite, but prohibiting interstate or bridge travel and capping width/height/axle weight; annual fee of $100.
Single-trip permits with a fee schedule based on size, weight, and type of load, including different rates for heavy or oversized items and mobile homes.
Director may establish rules, set permit conditions, and grant exemptions or waivers for emergencies; permits must not conflict with federal law or jeopardize federal funds; permit fees go to the Public Road and Bridge Fund; farm and agricultural commodities/equipment are exempt from permit requirements.

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