SB255 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Keith KelleySenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to all-terrain vehicles; to provide for the licensing and registration of certain off-road vehicles for use on certain public roads under certain conditions; to provide penalties for a violation; and to amend Section 32-12A-1, Code of Alabama 1975, as last amended by Act 2022-371, 2022 Regular Session, to further provide definitions; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Summary

SB255 would license and register ATVs and similar off-road vehicles for limited use on certain public roads, with safety requirements, fees, and penalties.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would allow licensed ATVs and off-road vehicles to operate on designated county roads after registration as motor vehicles and meeting safety standards. Operators must be at least 16 years old, hold a valid driver's license, and carry liability insurance; the vehicle must meet specified safety equipment requirements. A $5 registration fee would be charged to fund local law enforcement, and there are crossing rules for highways with exemptions; violations would carry penalties.

Who It Affects

• Owners and operators of ATVs and off-road vehicles who would need to register, meet safety requirements, carry insurance, and follow on-road rules.
• County and local governments, particularly sheriff's offices, which would collect the $5 registration fee and enforce the new rules.

Key Provisions

• Defines all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road vehicles and updates related definitions for on-road use.
• Authorizes licensing and registration of ATVs/off-road vehicles for use on certain public roads under specified conditions.
• Requires registration as a motor vehicle, payment of taxes/fees, and certification by the manufacturer or a local official that the vehicle has safety features (brakes, lights, horn, roll bar, seat belts, spark arrester, muffler, windshield or protective eyewear if no windshield).
• Requires operator to be at least 16 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and carry liability insurance meeting minimums.
• Requires the vehicle to comply with applicable motor vehicle duties and traffic laws, with certain exemptions for specific uses or areas.
• Establishes crossing rules for traversing noncounty roads/highways (approximately 90-degree crossing, complete stop, yield to immediate hazards, headlights and taillights on).
• Provides exemptions from certain requirements for use on private/public recreational trails, agricultural/work-related use, wildlife management, law enforcement, and emergency services.
• Imposes a $5 registration fee to the county sheriff's fund for law enforcement purposes.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage; notes related constitutional considerations regarding local funds.

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; all-terrain vehicles, use on public roads, authorized under certain conditions