The bill establishes regulations for the operation of off-road vehicles on certain public roads in Alabama. It allows off-road vehicles, as defined in Section 32-8-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to be operated on public roads with a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour, provided they meet specific equipment requirements. The Department of Revenue is tasked with creating a certification form for dealers to verify that off-road vehicles are equipped with necessary safety features, such as brakes, lights, a horn, seat belts, and a roll bar. Owners can then present this certification to local licensing officials to register their vehicles and obtain a tag indicating restricted use. The bill also mandates that operators must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for liability limitations for county officials and requires the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to collect data on off-road vehicle crashes for two years following the bill's enactment. It specifies that the operation of off-road vehicles does not exempt owners from liability for damage to public roads and prohibits operation on private property without the landowner's consent. The bill also outlines penalties for violations and states that the annual license tax and registration fee for off-road vehicles will be equivalent to that of private passenger automobiles. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-8-2
Engrossed: 32-8-2