Bill > SB218

This bill allows certain off-road vehicles, defined by Alabama law as vehicles not typically driven on public roads, to be operated on public roads under specific conditions. To be eligible, an off-road vehicle must be certified by a dealer as equipped with essential safety features like brakes, lights, a horn, seat belts, a roll bar, a spark arrester, a muffler, a windshield, and roadworthy tires. Once certified, the owner can register the vehicle with a special tag indicating restricted use, provided they have liability insurance meeting state minimums. The operator must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license and must follow general traffic laws. Operation is restricted to public roads in unincorporated areas with a speed limit of 45 mph or less, and is prohibited on interstate highways or within municipalities. The bill also outlines specific conditions for off-road vehicles to cross highways and provides exemptions for agricultural, wildlife management, law enforcement, and emergency use. The Department of Revenue will create the necessary certification forms, and counties will not be held liable for injuries or damages related to this operation, nor will they be required to modify roads for these vehicles. The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency will collect data on off-road vehicle crashes for the first two years after the bill takes effect on January 1, 2027, and report findings to the legislature.

Military Affairs and Security

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