Mobile, AL Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Mobile Code § 57-51 defines a food truck as a mobile food service establishment, whether self-propelled, towed, or pushed by human or animal power like a pushcart, where food or beverage is cooked, prepared, or served; the definition carves out coffee, frozen dessert, or ice cream trucks that stop for no more than fifteen minutes at a time. Section 57-53 then lists twenty specific operating rules layered on top of every other city ordinance. Every truck must display a valid City of Mobile business license and any food or health permit required by law, continuously contain and police its own waste and refuse, and provide a trash receptacle for customer use.

Trucks must restock fresh water and supplies daily, shield exterior lighting so it doesn't scatter onto neighboring property, and may not tap into city utility connections. A truck can't solicit or transact business with occupants of a passing vehicle, can't run a generator louder than 65 dBA, and can't otherwise emit loud or raucous noise, operate a loudspeaker, or play music to attract customers. On the public right-of-way, a truck must keep food preparation inside the vehicle, park at least 20 feet from any intersection, distribute food away from the flow of traffic, use no more than two parking spaces, and never sit overnight or unattended; burning wood or charcoal there is banned outright.

, except inside the downtown development district, where a truck may keep whatever hours bars and restaurants there are allowed. 00 a year, plus compliance with park rules and policies. Trucks still owe any applicable parking fees and can't obstruct traffic, sidewalks, or walkways.