Alabama Bill Advances New Trucking Compliance Rules

Alabama Senate Passes Highway Fairness Act Affecting Commercial Drivers

Alabama Bill Expands CDL Verification and Penalties

The Alabama Senate has approved Senate Bill 242, widely known as the Highway Safety and Fairness Act, a measure that could introduce new compliance standards for commercial drivers operating in the state. The Alabama bill now moves to the House and could take effect Oct. 1, 2026, if enacted. SB242 focuses on CDL verification, documentation requirements, English language proficiency (ELP) standards, and expanded enforcement penalties for commercial drivers. Lawmakers said the measure aims to align state law with federal trucking regulations while strengthening roadside enforcement authority.

What SB242 Would Change for Truck Drivers?

The bill codifies certain federal trucking regulations into Alabama law while creating new state-level penalties tied to compliance.

Key provisions include:

• Requirement for a valid CDL and work authorization documentation
• ELP standards for commercial drivers
• Penalties for operating without proper documentation
• Creation of offenses involving false foreign CDLs
• Impoundment procedures for noncompliant commercial vehicles

The legislation aims to formalize federal safety standards and expand enforcement mechanisms within Alabama.

CDL And Documentation Requirements

The legislation requires commercial drivers to:

• Hold a valid CDL issued by a U.S. state or approved jurisdiction
• Maintain the required entry documentation if operating with a foreign-issued CDL
• Possess additional federal entry documents when applicable
• Maintain a valid work authorization to operate a commercial motor vehicle

The bill also creates a new offense for operating a commercial vehicle without proper documentation and establishes penalties for violations.

Alabama Bill Creates New Offense For False Foreign CDL

Under SB242, presenting a fraudulent foreign CDL while operating a commercial vehicle would constitute a violation subject to penalties. The legislation also targets drivers who fail to carry the required documentation tied to foreign CDL use.

Operating a CMV without proper documentation could result in felony charges, fines, and vehicle impoundment under the bill’s enforcement provisions.

Alabama Bill Codifies ELP Standards

SB242 requires drivers to read and speak English sufficiently to comply with federal safety rules, including communication with enforcement officers and understanding roadway signage. The legislation codifies federal English proficiency standards into Alabama law.

Failure to demonstrate proficiency could result in fines and potential vehicle impoundment depending on enforcement determinations and safety risks.

Penalties And Impoundment Procedures

The Alabama bill expands enforcement authority for violations involving CDL compliance and documentation.

Possible penalties include:

• Driver fines up to $1,000 for certain violations
• Carrier fines up to $2,000 for related offenses
• Vehicle impoundment if safety concerns exist
• Higher fines for repeat violations
• Criminal classification for documentation violations

The bill also outlines towing, storage, and release procedures for impounded commercial vehicles.

Carrier Responsibility And Liability

Under the Alabama bill, carriers could face fines tied to driver violations involving documentation or ELP requirements. The legislation creates shared compliance responsibility between drivers and motor carriers when violations occur.

These provisions could influence hiring verification practices, training procedures, and documentation review policies for carriers operating in the state.

Alabama Bill Moves To House Following Senate Approval

The Alabama Senate approved SB242 in February 2026, sending the Alabama bill to the House for additional review. Supporters stated the legislation aims to improve highway safety and prevent misuse of CDL credentials while aligning state law with federal trucking regulations.

If approved by the House and signed by the governor, the measure would become effective Oct. 1, 2026.

Alabama Bill Could Affect Interstate Trucking Operations

Because the legislation applies to drivers operating within Alabama, the Alabama bill could impact interstate carriers traveling through the state.

Potential operational impacts include:

• Increased roadside inspection scrutiny
• Expanded documentation verification
• Greater enforcement of English proficiency requirements
• Possible vehicle impoundment delays
• Additional compliance exposure for carriers

The bill’s incorporation of federal standards alongside state penalties may lead carriers to review compliance procedures for drivers operating through Alabama routes.

The passage of SB242 in the Alabama Senate represents a potential shift in commercial driver enforcement standards within the state.