The bill amends Section 13A-11-300 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the prohibition against motor vehicle speed contests and exhibitions of speed. It introduces the use of automated traffic enforcement systems to detect and record violations and provides for the impoundment of a motor vehicle for a violation. The bill defines terms such as "motor vehicle burnout," "motor vehicle donut," "motor vehicle exhibition of speed," "motor vehicle speed contest," "motor vehicle sideshow," and adds a new definition for "traffic enforcement officer." It also specifies that a person is deemed to give consent for their vehicle to be used in a violation if they knew or should have reasonably known that their vehicle would be used to commit a violation.
The bill outlines the penalties for various offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the severity of the violation and its consequences, such as bodily injury, serious physical injury, or death. It allows for the impoundment of vehicles involved in such offenses and establishes a lien on the vehicle for towing and storage fees. The bill also allows local governing bodies to use automated photographic or video traffic enforcement systems to assist in detecting and recording violations, but it specifies that this does not authorize the use of such systems for detecting red light or speed violations. The act is set to become effective immediately upon its passage.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 13A-11-300
Enrolled: 13A-11-300