SB86 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry StuttsSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Jack W. Williams

Session

Regular Session 2022

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

SB86 would let volunteer firefighters operate authorized volunteer firefighter vehicles with red lights during emergencies, granting limited driving privileges and establishing required approvals, training, equipment, and insurance.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a new category of authorized volunteer firefighter vehicles (not full emergency vehicles) and allows their drivers to use red courtesy lights and certain driving privileges when responding to emergencies. Drivers could park or stand, exceed speed limits by up to 20 mph, and disregard some traffic rules while using courtesy lights, but must return to normal driving afterward and act safely. It requires a fire-chief-approved letter, driving-record review, and completion of an emergency vehicle operations course, sets lighting and equipment limits, requires insurance coverage, and imposes penalties (double fines and revocation of courtesy-light privileges) for violations; it also specifies when the act becomes effective.

Who It Affects

• Volunteer firefighters who would operate authorized volunteer firefighter vehicles, must obtain a letter of approval, complete the required training, and comply with driving-record checks and insurance requirements.
• Volunteer fire departments and local governments that oversee volunteers, issue approvals, maintain records, ensure insurance coverage, and enforce penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 32-5A-7.1 to authorize authorized volunteer firefighter vehicles and defines terms (authorized volunteer firefighter vehicle, courtesy light, emergency, volunteer firefighter).
• Driver privileges while responding: may park/stand, exceed speed limits by up to 20 mph, and disregard certain traffic laws when using courtesy lights.
• The vehicle is not an authorized emergency vehicle and must still be operated with due regard for safety.
• Driver must have a letter of approval from the fire chief (dated within six months) identifying them as a current volunteer firefighter.
• Vehicle must have no more than two front and two rear courtesy lights and no siren or electronic siren devices.
• Minimum insurance requirements: primary liability of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident, $50,000 property damage, plus other mandated coverage.
• Driver must complete an emergency vehicle operations course through the Alabama Fire College before receiving approval.
• If a driver violates the provisions, penalties include a double fine and permanent revocation of courtesy-light privileges for their personal vehicle use.
• Effective date: becomes the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.
• Section 2 notes the bill is exempt from local-expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends a crime definition.

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

Subjects

Motor Vehicles