HB35 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ronald BoltonRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Motor vehicles; Alabama Squat Truck Law; prohibitions on the alteration of the height of the fender of a vehicle, provided

Summary

HB35 would create the Alabama Squat Truck Law to prohibit raising a vehicle's front fender four inches or more above the rear fender, with penalties, exemptions, and an effective date of October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would be unlawful to operate a passenger car or truck on Alabama highways if the front fender is raised four or more inches above the rear fender due to alterations. The height is measured vertically from the ground through the wheel centerline to the bottom of the front fender. There is a bona fide commercial or agricultural exemption for certain modifications. Violations would incur escalating fines (up to $50 for a first conviction, up to $100 for a second, up to $250 for third or subsequent) and would count prior offenses only if they occurred within the previous five years, with the act taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle owners and drivers of passenger cars and trucks in Alabama who have or might modify their vehicles in ways that raise the front fender height above the rear by four inches or more (subject to fines).
• Businesses or individuals who modify vehicles for bona fide commercial or agricultural purposes (exempt from the prohibition).

Key Provisions

• Prohibits operating a passenger car or truck on Alabama highways if the front fender height is raised four or more inches above the rear fender due to alteration of the suspension, frame, or chassis.
• Defines how height is measured: a vertical distance from the ground through the wheel centerline to the bottom of the front fender, with reference to vehicle definitions in state law.
• Provides a bona fide commercial or agricultural exemption from the prohibition.
• Imposes escalating fines for violations (up to $50 for first, $100 for second, $250 for third or subsequent) and uses a five-year look-back to determine prior offenses; effective date is October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles & Traffic