SB256 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry StuttsSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald H. AllenWill BarfootWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyTom ButlerDonnie ChesteenJimmy HolleyAndrew JonesDel MarshRandy PriceDan RobertsBobby D. SingletonJack W. Williams

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Motor vehicles, authorized volunteer firefighter vehicles, authorized to be equipped with emergency lights, certain operating privileges, provided, Sec. 32-5A-7.1 added.

Summary

The bill would let volunteer firefighters drive privately owned vehicles as authorized volunteer firefighter vehicles with red lights and limited emergency driving privileges, under specific training, equipment, and insurance requirements.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes authorized volunteer firefighter vehicles to respond to emergencies and be equipped with red courtesy lights. It grants the driver limited privileges during an emergency (parking/standing, speeding up to 20 mph over the limit, and disregarding some traffic rules) with the obligation to drive safely and end those privileges when the emergency ends. It sets requirements for vehicle equipment, driver approval, training, and insurance, and imposes penalties for violations. It also notes an exemption from local funding controls for this act and specifies the effective date after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Volunteer firefighters who would operate authorized volunteer firefighter vehicles and must meet approval, training, and insurance requirements to use the privileges.
• Local fire departments and fire chiefs (and by extension local governments) who must approve drivers, issue letters of approval, ensure training and record-keeping, and enforce vehicle and insurance standards.

Key Provisions

• Creates Authorized Volunteer Firefighter Vehicle and Courtesy Light definitions, and clarifies the vehicle is not an authorized emergency vehicle.
• Drivers may use privileges during an emergency: park/stand, exceed speed limits by up to 20 mph, and disregard some traffic laws; privileges end when returning from the emergency.
• Vehicle equipment limits: up to two front courtesy lights and two rear courtesy lights; no siren or electronic siren-type devices.
• Driver requirements: letter of approval from fire chief or designee within six months identifying the driver as a current volunteer firefighter, and completion of an Emergency Vehicle Operations course through the Alabama Fire College; driver’s driving record must be reviewed.
• Insurance requirements: minimum primary liability of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident, plus $50,000 property damage, plus other state-mandated coverages.
• Penalties: if a driver operates outside licensed privileges and is convicted, fines are doubled and the courtesy light privilege for personal vehicle use is permanently revoked.
• Local funding note: the act is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements because it adds a new crime or amends a crime definition, not requiring local entity approval or a 2/3 vote for effect.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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