HB192 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Regulating noise and heavy truck traffic in residential areas

Summary

HB192 would let Jefferson County regulate noise disturbances and nuisance vehicles in unincorporated residential areas by authorizing new ordinances and civil penalties.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the Jefferson County Commission to adopt ordinances that prohibit noise disturbances and nuisance vehicles in unincorporated residential areas. It provides definitions and specific noise limits (for example, 85 dBA daytime, 60 dBA nighttime, and vehicle-exterior limits) and lists exemptions. It creates a civil penalty system with fines: up to $200 for the first violation, up to $600 for the second, and up to $1,800 for the third, and allows the county to collect these fines as debts and pursue abatement or injunction for violations. It applies to unincorporated residential areas and becomes law after the governor signs, taking effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Residents of Jefferson County living in unincorporated residential areas, who could be cited for noise disturbances or nuisance parking and may owe civil fines or face abatement actions.
• Owners and operators of commercial and recreational vehicles, as well as property owners in unincorporated areas, who must follow parking rules and may be subject to fines, with several exceptions listed.

Key Provisions

• The County Commission may adopt ordinances prohibiting noise disturbances and parking nuisance vehicles in unincorporated residential areas.
• Definitions are provided for boundary line, commercial vehicle (GVWR > 10,000 pounds or specific trailers), dBA, noise disturbance, nuisance vehicle, and residential area.
• Noise and nuisance standards include specific thresholds and a set of exemptions (emergency services, schools, construction, security systems, lawn tools, generators during outages, vehicle/aircraft/trains, public gatherings, and garbage collection).
• A tiered civil fine system is established (up to $200 for first, $600 for second, $1,800 for third violation) with methods to collect fines and to seek abatement or injunction for ongoing violations.
• Parking-related provisions define nuisance parking and list numerous exceptions (e.g., emergency vehicles, certain parking in private driveways, garages, or for employment needs) and specify conditions for when parking is allowed.
• Residential area is defined as property zoned starting with 'R-'.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Jefferson County