SB171 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Clyde ChamblissSenator
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Navigable and non-navigable waters; operating motor vehicles on submerged lands prohibited, subject to exceptions; criminal penalties provided
Summary: SB171 would prohibit operating motor vehicles on land submerged below navigable or non-navigable waters in Alabama, with certain exemptions and criminal penalties.
What This Bill Does
The bill bans most motor vehicle use on land beneath any water in the state, including areas around creeks and streams. It defines motor vehicles broadly to include ATVs, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, and similar self-propelled or towed vehicles, but excludes boats and watercraft. Violations carry escalating criminal penalties: first offense is a Class C misdemeanor, second is a Class B misdemeanor, and third and subsequent offenses are Class A misdemeanors. The act becomes effective October 1, 2025, and includes specific exceptions allowing operation in certain cases.

Who It Affects
Individuals who operate motor vehicles on submerged lands, who would be prohibited unless they qualify for an exemption and could face misdemeanor penalties for violations.
Property owners, people with permission to be on submerged land, utilities, and others who may be exempt or authorized to operate on submerged lands under the bill’s exceptions.

Key Provisions
Definition of motor vehicle: includes any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle drawn by one, such as off-road vehicles, ATVs, motorcycles, motor scooters, and motorized trail bikes; excludes vessels or other watercraft designed for travel on water.
Prohibition: no one may operate a motor vehicle on land submerged below navigable or non-navigable waters, or on land within the natural boundary of a creek, brook, branch, or similar waterway.
Penalties: first violation – Class C misdemeanor; second violation – Class B misdemeanor; third and subsequent violations – Class A misdemeanor.
Exemptions: (1) operation on submerged lands while remaining on land the operator owns or has permission to be upon; (2) operation with written authorization from the Director of the State Lands Division; (3) operation by any utility engaged in providing retail or wholesale electric service.
Effective date: the act takes effect on October 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Environmental Protection; Motor Vehicles & Traffic; Waters & Boating