Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB110

Introduced
2/5/25  
Refer
2/5/25  
Report Pass
2/12/25  
Engrossed
4/2/25  
Refer
4/3/25  
Report Pass
4/9/25  
Enrolled
4/29/25  
Passed
5/6/25  

Caption

Trucks; additions to those exempt from weight limits; procedures for portable scales enforcement revised and provided; enforcement authority revised

Impact

If enacted, the bill will significantly impact trucking operations within the state. It allows vehicles using auxiliary power units and natural gas-powered trucks to exceed standard weight limits, thereby providing more flexibility for truck operators. This change is intended to enhance operational efficiency for trucking companies, especially those involved in essential services. Moreover, the bill outlines clearer procedures for measuring vehicle weights using portable scales, which is intended to improve enforcement and compliance without unduly penalizing operators for minor infractions.

Summary

Senate Bill 110 aims to amend existing regulations regarding weight limits for vehicles on Alabama highways. The bill proposes to add certain trucks to those exceptions from weight limits and revises procedures related to the enforcement of these weight regulations. The legislation is part of a broader effort to streamline enforcement practices while accommodating the needs of various vehicle types, particularly in the trucking industry. It also makes technical revisions to the code for consistency and clarity.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 110 appears to be cautiously positive, with supporters highlighting the importance of balancing regulatory compliance with operational flexibility for the trucking industry. Proponents argue that the revisions will support economic growth by facilitating better trucking practices. However, there are concerns among some legislators regarding the potential for increased weight limits to lead to road damage and heightened safety risks, prompting a debate over the sustainability of the proposed changes.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB 110 include the appropriateness of allowing certain vehicles to exceed weight limits and the reliability of enforcement measures involving portable scales. Critics advocate for maintaining strict weight regulations to protect highway infrastructure and ensure safety. The bill's provisions on adjusting loading allowances for specific vehicle types from the trucking industry also sparked discussions on fairness and equity among all road users, leading to calls for further assessments and potentially stricter oversight.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB266

Motor vehicles, maximum weights on state roads further provided

AL HB241

Motor vehicles and traffic; first responders operating upon roadways, distinguished from pedestrians

AL SB283

Motor vehicles and traffic; first responders operating upon roadways, distinguished from pedestrians

AL HB192

Regulating noise and heavy truck traffic in residential areas

AL HB233

Motor vehicles; off-road vehicles, certificate of title required

AL HB51

Taxation, sales tax exemptions, sales and use tax exemption provided for purchases of hearing instruments, including hearing aids.

AL HB269

Taxation; exemption for certain air carriers

AL HB474

Motor vehicles, exhibition driving, further provided; automated traffic enforcement system, authorized to be used to detect and record violations; impoundment period, further provided

AL HB105

Transient occupancy tax, lodging tax, further exemptions for certain registered vehicles

AL SB91

Motor vehicles; additional license tax and registration fee; distribution of proceeds to the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund

Similar Bills

MT HB165

Notaries not required for vehicle title transfer

AR SB133

To Increase The Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Used Motor Vehicles; And To Repeal The Special Rate Of Tax For Certain Used Motor Vehicles, Trailers, And Semitrailers.

LA HB278

Requires trailers with a certain gross weight capacity to be equipped with a safety device

MT HB670

Notaries not required for vehicle transfers

MS HB1548

Trailers and semitrailers; revise alternative highway privilege tax for.

MS HB776

Trailers and semitrailers; revise alternative highway privilege tax for.

LA SB406

Requires trailers with a certain gross weight capacity to be equipped with a safety device. (1/1/13) (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

VA SB1196

Permanent farm use placards; owner or lessee of vehicle claiming exemption from registration, etc.