Senate Bill 147 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Construction Zone Safety Act; automated photographic speed enforcement system in work zones, provided

Summary

SB147 would create the Alabama Construction Zone Safety Act to allow automated speed cameras in construction zones and impose civil penalties on vehicle owners who speed by 10 mph or more over the limit.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to install automated photographic speed enforcement in construction zones on state highways. The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency would operate the system and issue civil traffic citations to the registered owners of vehicles recorded traveling 10 mph or more over the posted speed limit in a construction zone. Citations are civil penalties (not criminal), with notices mailed to owners and defined procedures for paying, contesting, and appealing. It also outlines evidence rules, defenses, and how collected penalties are distributed.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle owners who are identified by the system as speeding in construction zones would receive civil traffic citations and owe a civil penalty (not a criminal fine). They would be given notice by mail, with information and deadlines, and have the right to contest or appeal.
• State agencies (the Department of Transportation and the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency) would implement, operate, and enforce the system, issue citations, process notices and appeals, and manage the distribution of collected penalties.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation to install automated speed enforcement in construction zones on public highways.
• Requires the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to operate the system and issue civil traffic citations for speeding 10 mph over the limit in construction zones.
• Civil penalties are set at $200; criminal penalties and points/suspensions are not part of this scheme; notices must be mailed within 30 days and include rights to contest.
• Notice and evidence requirements include description of the violation, date/time/location, copies of images, payment deadline, and information on contesting or appealing.
• Affirmative defenses include compliance with lawful police directions, operation of an authorized emergency vehicle, stolen vehicle or plate, hazardous road conditions, and not being the owner at the time of the violation.
• Appeals may be filed in circuit court with trial de novo; proceedings retain civil character and may involve attorney representation.
• Penalties collected are divided: 50% to the Public Safety Fund for law enforcement and 50% to the Public Road and Bridge Fund for DOT for road/bridge work.
• 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