Alabama § 32-5A-139 - Officers Authorized to Remove Vehicles.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 32-5A-139 — Officers Authorized to Remove Vehicles., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-5A-139. Officers Authorized to Remove Vehicles.
(a) Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle standing upon a highway in violation of any of the provisions of Section 32-5A-136 such officer is hereby authorized to move such vehicle, or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move the same, to a position off the paved or main-traveled part of such highway.
(b) Any police officer is hereby authorized to remove or cause to be removed to a place of safety any unattended vehicle illegally left standing upon any highway, bridge, causeway, or in any tunnel, in such position or under such circumstances as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic.
(c) Any police officer is hereby authorized to remove or cause to be removed to the nearest garage or other place of safety any vehicle found upon a highway when:
(1) Report has been made that such vehicle has been stolen or taken without the consent of its owner;
(2) The person or persons in charge of such vehicle are unable to provide for its custody or removal;
(3) When the person driving or in control of such vehicle is arrested for an alleged offense for which the officer is required by law to take the person arrested before a proper magistrate without unnecessary delay; or
(4) When a vehicle has been left unattended for 24 hours or more on or adjacent to any public highway and it is determined by the police officer that the vehicle constitutes a hazard to traffic upon the highway.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 32-5A-139
What does Code of Alabama § 32-5A-139 cover?
Section 32-5A-139 ("Officers Authorized to Remove Vehicles.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 32-5A-139?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 32-5A-139" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 32-5A-139 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.