SB194 Bill Summary

• Authorizes Alabama municipalities to adopt ordinances establishing civil parking violation procedures, with parking violations treated as non-criminal civil violations enforceable through civil action rather than criminal prosecution.

• Sets civil fines at maximum $100 for standard parking violations and $250 for handicap violations, plus up to $25 late fees, with municipal court jurisdiction and trial de novo appeals to circuit court without jury.

• Requires municipalities to mail certified notice of violations within 30 days to vehicle owners identified through registration records, with notices containing violation details, photographic evidence, penalty amounts, and procedures to contest liability.

• Establishes vehicle immobilization and impoundment procedures for owners with three or more unpaid parking tickets, including warning notices, removal fees up to $65, and 21-day redemption periods before vehicles can be sold at public auction.

• Allows vehicle owners to sue the actual driver for parking fines they paid, requiring 60-day written demand first, with attorney fees and damages recoverable if the driver doesn't reimburse within that period; cause of action expires two years after fine payment.