HB205 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thad McClammy

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, buses, length and width requirements, increased, operation of articulated motor buses authorized on state highways, Sec. 32-9-21 am'd.

Summary

The bill raises the size limits for motor buses on Alabama highways: standard buses up to 45 feet long and articulated buses up to 60 feet long and 8.5 feet wide.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it allows standard motor buses to operate on any highway up to 45 feet in length (8.5 feet wide), with certain wind deflection devices excluded from length. It also allows articulated motor buses up to 60 feet in length and 8.5 feet in width to operate on any highway, excluding detachable wind deflection devices from the length measurement. The bill defines motor buses and articulated motor buses and notes that other bus regulations stay the same except for these length/width changes, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Motor bus operators and transportation companies, who may be able to use longer standard (up to 45 feet) and articulated (up to 60 feet) buses on state highways, subject to safety equipment requirements.
• State agencies and equipment suppliers (e.g., the Department of Transportation and wind deflection device manufacturers), which administer and supply approved equipment and enforce the updated size limits.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-9-21 to increase the maximum length of motor buses from 40 feet to 45 feet and maintain a width limit of 8.5 feet, with detachable wind deflection devices approved by the State Department of Transportation excluded from the length measurement.
• Allows articulated motor buses up to 60 feet in length and 8.5 feet in width to operate on any highway, with detachable wind deflection devices excluded from the length measurement.
• Provides definitions for 'motor bus' and 'articulated motor bus,' including how articulated buses are joined and how their turning radius differs from non-articulated buses.
• States that the act does not change other laws regulating motor buses except for the maximum permissible length and width.
• Sets the effective date to the first day of the third month after the act is passed and approved by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles