HB316 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen TreadawayRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Motor vehicles, abandoned, Class 1 municipalities, towing of, under certain conditions, Sec. 32-13-2 am'd.

Summary

HB316 updates Alabama law to let Class 1 municipalities tow abandoned vehicles under specific conditions and defines related duties and liabilities.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 32-13-2 to allow parking enforcement or traffic enforcement officers in Class 1 municipalities to tow abandoned vehicles to a place of safety, even if they are not required to be certified. Towing is allowed under conditions such as 48 hours unattended on a public street or property; immediate removal when the driver is arrested or impaired or after an accident; or when there is an outstanding impoundment order. The bill creates liability rules and liens for removal and storage fees, requires notice within five days to the state agency, allows property owners or their agents to remove unclaimed vehicles with liens, and limits liability of owners/lessees and towing agents to gross negligence. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved.

Who It Affects

• Class 1 municipalities' law enforcement and parking/traffic officers who tow abandoned vehicles under these rules
• Vehicle owners, lienholders, and property owners/lessees (and their agents) who are involved in removal, storage, liens, and notice requirements

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Amends 32-13-2 to let non-certified parking enforcement or traffic enforcement officers in Class 1 municipalities tow abandoned vehicles to a garage or safety location under certain circumstances.
• Provision 2: Allows towing when the vehicle is unattended for at least 48 hours, or removed due to arrest, driver impairment, or immediate need after an accident or other reason as determined by the officer, or under an impoundment order for violations.
• Provision 3: Officers/towing entities face liability for gross negligence; removal and storage fees create a lien on the vehicle.
• Provision 4: Within five days, a notice of removal must be provided to the Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency with vehicle details (VIN and license if available).
• Provision 5: Owners or lessees of property can have unclaimed vehicles removed to a secure place; these removals also create liens for removal and storage.
• Provision 6: Owners/lessees and the towing agent are liable only for gross negligence for actions taken under this section.
• Provision 7: Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage/approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Class 1 Municipalities