SB65 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

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

Summary

SB65 would require motorcycle helmets to have reflective features for high visibility, with the Director of the Department of Public Safety approving the reflective designs.

What This Bill Does

It changes current law to mandate reflective headgear for riders and requires helmet features to be approved by the DPS Director. It gives the Director authority to approve or disapprove reflective features and to set and enforce standards, and to publish a list of approved helmets. It keeps existing rules about wearing shoes and includes provisions about juveniles and helmet sales to ensure only compliant helmets are sold. The measure also specifies an effective date after passage.

Who It Affects

• Motorcyclists and motor-driven-cycle riders who must wear reflective protective headgear when riding.
• Juvenile riders and their parents/guardians, who are subject to helmet requirements.
• Helmet manufacturers and retailers, who must comply with DPS-approved standards and cannot sell non-compliant helmets.
• The Department of Public Safety, which would administer, approve features, and publish approved helmet lists.

Key Provisions

• Helmet must be equipped with reflective features on both sides for high visibility and must meet standards set by Section 32-12-41, with approval by the Director of the Department of Public Safety.
• The Director of Public Safety is authorized to approve or disapprove protective headgear and reflective features, set standards, and publish a list of approved helmets.
• It remains unlawful for juveniles to ride without a helmet meeting the approved standards, and the law continues to require wearing shoes.
• Manufacturers, retailers, or other sellers must not sell motorcycle helmets that do not comply with the DPS-approved standards.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor’s 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

Motorcycles