Bill > SB303

This bill allows certain off-road vehicles, defined as vehicles not originally manufactured for use on public roads, to be operated on public roads in Alabama under specific conditions. To be eligible, an off-road vehicle must be certified by a dealer as equipped with essential safety features including brakes, lights (headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals), a horn, seat belts for all passengers, a roll bar, a spark arrester, a muffler, a windshield, and compliant tires. Once certified, the owner can apply for a registration tag from the local licensing official, provided the vehicle is also covered by liability insurance. The operator must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver's license, and must obey all traffic laws applicable to private motor vehicles. Operation is restricted to public roads in unincorporated areas with a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour, and is prohibited on interstate highways or within municipalities. The bill also outlines specific conditions for off-road vehicles to cross state highways or other non-county roads, and provides exemptions for vehicles used for agricultural, wildlife management, law enforcement, or other official governmental purposes, as well as those operated on private land with permission. The annual license tax and registration fee will be the same as for a private passenger automobile. The Department of Revenue will create a certification form and adopt rules to implement these provisions, and local officials are protected from liability related to the operation of these vehicles. The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) will collect data on crashes involving off-road vehicles for the first 24 months after the bill takes effect and report findings to the legislature. This act becomes effective on January 1, 2027.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search