SB58 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: Relating to motor vehicles; to prohibit certain motor vehicle speed contests, motor vehicle exhibitions of speed, and motor vehicle sideshows; to provide criminal penalties for a violation; 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: SB58 would ban motor vehicle speed contests, exhibitions of speed, and sideshows and create criminal penalties and enforcement tools for violations.
What This Bill Does
It defines terms such as burnout, donut, speed contest, exhibition of speed, and sideshow. It prohibits these activities on public roads, off-street parking facilities, or other property without the owner's consent. Violations carry escalating criminal penalties (Class C misdemeanor for a first offense, Class B misdemeanor for later offenses) and can include temporary driving bans; injuries or deaths trigger tougher charges (A felony for serious injury, B felony for death) and longer bans. The bill also allows towing and minimum 48-hour impoundment, sets up vehicle liens, permits seizure after multiple violations, and may suspend or restrict driving privileges; private private property with authorized activities is exempt, and there are provisions about costs, notices to lienholders, and a specified effective date.

Who It Affects
Individuals who participate in motor vehicle speed contests, exhibitions of speed, or sideshows would face criminal penalties (misdemeanors or felonies) and potential driving bans.
Vehicle owners and lenders, along with towing/storage companies, would handle impoundment of vehicles, incurrence of storage fees, and liens, with possible vehicle seizure or forfeiture after multiple violations.

Key Provisions
Defines: burnout (staying stationary while tires spin and heat), motor vehicle donut (zigzag/circular spinning), motor vehicle speed contest, exhibition of speed, and sideshow.
Prohibits these activities on public roads, off-street parking facilities, or other property without the owner's consent; private authorized venues are exempt.
Penalties: first violation a Class C misdemeanor; subsequent violations a Class B misdemeanor; driving bans up to six months may be imposed by the court.
If bodily injury to another person occurs, or property is damaged, penalties escalate (bodily injury: Class A misdemeanor; serious injury: Class C felony and two-year driving ban; death: Class B felony and at least two-year driving ban).
Enforcement tools: officers may tow and impound the vehicle for at least 48 hours at the owner’s expense; vehicles can be stored with a lien in favor of the tow company; owner can reclaim by paying fees; lien priorities and protections for lenders are listed.
Seizure/forfeiture: after three or more violations, the vehicle can be seized and forfeited under existing seizure procedures.
License suspension/restriction: courts can suspend or restrict driving privileges; state enforcement agency handles the suspension process.
Local government costs: cost-related provisions about housing charges are included, with specific rules for contracts and reimbursements; the bill is exempt from requiring local vote under the constitutional rule because it creates/amends a crime.
Exemption: not applying to private speedways or private land where racing or stunts are explicitly authorized by the owner/operator.
Effective date: takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

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; speed contests and exhibitions of speed, prohibited; criminal penalties, provided