SB296 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Keith KelleySenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Motor vehicles; off-road vehicles, operation requirements for use on public roads, provided

Summary

SB296 would allow certain off-road vehicles to be driven on select public roads in Alabama’s unincorporated areas, under registration, licensing, insurance, and equipment rules, with exemptions and penalties.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the operation of off-road vehicles on public roads that are in unincorporated counties and have a 55 mph or lower speed limit, provided they meet specified requirements. It requires registration, a state-issued tag, proper safety equipment, and liability insurance, and it sets age and licensing requirements for operators. It also outlines exemptions (private property, agricultural use, and certain governmental purposes), allows limited crossing of certain roads under strict conditions, and designates violations as traffic infractions; the Department of Revenue would issue related rules and a certification form, and fees would mirror those for private passenger cars.

Who It Affects

• Off-road vehicle owners and operators in Alabama who would be allowed to drive on certain public county roads if they meet registration, tagging, insurance, equipment, and licensing requirements.
• Counties and county governments, which receive liability protections for damages arising from operation and must support the regulatory framework (including rules and forms) established by the Department of Revenue.

Key Provisions

• Off-road vehicles may operate on certain public roads in unincorporated areas of counties with a maximum speed limit of 55 mph, not on interstates or within municipalities.
• Vehicles must be registered, have a state tag, be certified by a dealer as equipped with brakes, lights, horn, seat belts, roll bar, spark arrester, muffler, and windshield, and be insured at minimum liability levels.
• Operators must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Alabama license or an equivalent license from another state, and follow duties applicable to private motor vehicle operators.
• Exemptions apply for operation on private property (with owner permission), agricultural purposes, wildlife management, law enforcement, emergency services, and other government uses.
• Crossing a highway or interstate is allowed only under specific conditions (angle crossing, complete stop, yielding to traffic, and lights on if present).
• The Department of Revenue will adopt rules and create an off-road vehicle certification form; fees will match those for private passenger autos and be distributed similarly.
• counties or county governing bodies are not liable for damages arising from operation of off-road vehicles under this section.
• Operation in violation of the section would be treated as a traffic infraction.
• The act becomes effective 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

Motor Vehicles & Traffic