SB 222 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Motor vehicles; operation of oversized vehicles operated by automated driving systems, prohibited

SB 222 prohibits the use of automated driving systems (ADS) to operate oversized vehicles that require a permit under existing Alabama law (due to exceeding weight, width, length, or height limits). The bill also clarifies that state and local governments are not required to upgrade transportation infrastructure to accommodate ADS-equipped vehicles. Additionally, it prevents local or state entities from imposing new taxes or specific operational requirements on ADS vehicles. The law will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Issues: ✗ Technology ✗ Transportation

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 29, 2026 Last action Apr 1, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure 1st Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised to expand the width allowance for vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) from 102 inches to 122 inches, specifically to accommodate essential sensors and cameras. It also clarifies that ADS-equipped vehicles can now apply for oversized vehicle permits, whereas the original version prohibited them from doing so. The bill retains existing protections against requiring infrastructure upgrades for these vehicles.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to explicitly allow ADS-equipped vehicles to operate under oversized vehicle permits and to define the specific width exception for their safety equipment.

ELIGIBILITY

Replaced the original prohibition on oversized permits for ADS vehicles with language authorizing the Department of Transportation to issue such permits.

REQUIREMENT

Increased the maximum allowable outside width for ADS-equipped vehicles from 102 inches to 122 inches to include integral safety equipment like sensors and lighting.

Removed the original Section 32-9C-12 which explicitly prohibited ADS-equipped vehicles from operating if they required an oversized permit.

DEFINITION

Added a specific definition for the width exception to include sensors, cameras, and lighting equipment that are part of an automated driving system.

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

Apr 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

lower

Feb 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure)

lower

Feb 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 572

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Jan 29, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Transportation and Energy)

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors