SB357 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Motorcycles, reflective protective headgear required, Sec. 32-5A-245 am'd.

Summary

SB357 would require motorcycle helmets to have reflective features approved by the Department of Public Safety to improve visibility, with an official approval process for helmet features.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a requirement that protective headgear worn by motorcyclists must have reflective features visible on both sides and approved by the Director of Public Safety, in line with existing standards. The Director would approve or disapprove helmet features, set standards, and publish a list of approved helmets. It also keeps the existing shoe requirement for riders, prohibits sale of helmets that don’t meet DPS standards, and specifies enforcement provisions related to juveniles.

Who It Affects

• Motorcyclists and passengers must wear helmets with DPS-approved reflective features for high visibility.
• Helmet manufacturers and retailers must ensure helmets meet DPS standards and cannot sell non-approved helmets.

Key Provisions

• Headgear worn by motorcyclists must have reflective features approved by the Director of the Department of Public Safety, visible on both sides, and comply with standards in Section 32-12-41.
• The Director of Public Safety is authorized to approve or disapprove protective headgear and reflective features, issue regulations, and publish lists of approved helmets.
• No helmet sold or offered for sale may fail to meet the DPS-established standards for protective headgear.
• The bill retains the existing requirement that riders wear shoes, and provides rules related to juveniles and parental responsibility for helmet use.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Motorcycles