SB63 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Motor vehicles, nonconforming low-speed vehicles, prohibited from use on public roads unless authorized by ordinance or resolution, conditions for authorization provided

Summary

Prohibits operating nonconforming low-speed vehicles on public highways unless authorized by local ordinance or resolution, with standards and a fine for violations.

What This Bill Does

The bill bans nonconforming low-speed vehicles from public highways unless a county or municipality approves their use through an ordinance or resolution that sets minimum requirements. Authorization requires the vehicle to have a maximum speed of 35 mph, the driver to hold a valid license, and operation only from sunrise to sunset unless the vehicle has headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield. Violating the restriction would result in a $25 fine. The bill provides exemptions for farm tractors and agricultural equipment, mini-trucks registered under a specific statute, and higher-education vehicles on campus; it also preserves existing local laws and explains the local-funding amendment considerations and effective date.

Who It Affects

• Drivers/owners of nonconforming low-speed vehicles would be restricted from highway use unless their local government approves an ordinance or resolution and the vehicle meets stated conditions, with a $25 fine for violations.
• Counties and municipalities would have the authority to permit the operation of nonconforming low-speed vehicles on their roads by enacting ordinances or resolutions that specify the minimum standards.

Key Provisions

• Defines nonconforming low-speed vehicle as a four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed not exceeding 35 mph, a gross vehicle weight rating under 3,000 pounds, and not complying with 49 C.F.R. § 571.500.
• Prohibits operation of nonconforming low-speed vehicles on public highways unless authorized by county/municipal ordinance or resolution.
• Minimum authorization standards: vehicle speed limit of 35 mph (with crossing allowed), driver must have a valid license, and operation allowed only from sunrise to sunset unless equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.
• Penalty for violation: a traffic violation punishable by a $25 fine.
• Exemptions: farm tractors or agricultural equipment; mini-trucks registered under Section 32-6-59; and vehicles owned/operated by public institutions of higher education on their own property are exempt from the requirements and need not be registered on that property.
• Does not supersede existing local legislation in effect before the act's effective date.
• Constitutional amendment note: the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime, despite potentially requiring local funds.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles