SB 303 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Motor vehicles; off-road vehicles, operation requirements for use on public roads, provided

SB 303 protects county officials from legal liability when enforcing off-road vehicle operation rules on public roads. Specifically, it shields county engineers, governing bodies, probate judges, licensing officials, and their employees from lawsuits related to these regulations. The bill modifies liability protections under Alabama law for these officials. It does not change the actual requirements for off-road vehicle use but ensures officials cannot be sued for enforcing them. This is a procedural liability shield, not a policy change to vehicle operation rules.

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Apr 2026

Governor

Introduced Feb 12, 2026 Last action Apr 7, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 7 edits · Feb 19, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was updated from its original introduction to its final engrossed version, incorporating significant amendments to the equipment requirements and operational rules for off-road vehicles. The most critical change is the addition of new safety mandates, including seat belts, roll bars, spark arresters, and mufflers, which were not present in the initial draft. Additionally, the final version clarifies the age requirement for operators to 16 years old and expands the list of exemptions to include wildlife management and official government purposes.

Scope change

The scope of applicability was narrowed and clarified by explicitly prohibiting operation on interstate highways and within municipalities, while also defining specific conditions for crossing public roads without full certification.

REQUIREMENT

New mandatory equipment requirements were added, including seat belts for every passenger, a roll bar, a spark arrester, and a properly functioning muffler.

A windshield is now required for off-road vehicles, though wipers are optional.

Specific rules were added for crossing highways, mandating a 90-degree angle, a complete stop, yielding right-of-way, and illuminated lights if equipped.

ELIGIBILITY

The operator age requirement was clarified to be at least 16 years old, and the text was updated to ensure valid driver's licenses from other states are accepted.

EXEMPTIONS

Exemptions from equipment requirements were expanded to include use for wildlife management, law enforcement, emergency services, and other official governmental purposes.

ENFORCEMENT

New provisions require the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to collect crash data for two years and submit a report to the legislature by 2029.

TECHNICAL

The bill number was updated from QNYYA45-1 to QNYYA45-2, and the document header was changed from 'Introduced' to 'Engrossed' to reflect its final status.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 7, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Lost Roll Call 1225

lower

Feb 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

lower

Feb 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

Feb 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 495

upper

Feb 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Kelley motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 494

upper

Feb 19, 2026

Introduced

Kelley 1st Amendment Offered

upper

Feb 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (County and Municipal Government)

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors