HB397 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Millican
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Motor vehicles, Corridor X/I-22, speed limit, considered an interstate for purpose of maximum speed limit, Sec. 32-5A-171 am'd.
Summary: HB397 would treat Corridor X/I‑22 as an interstate for speed-limit purposes, allowing higher posted speeds on that corridor.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends the speed-limit law to designate the Corridor X/I‑22 segment between the Alabama/Mississippi state line and the Jefferson County line as an interstate highway for maximum speed limits. On that segment, speeds would follow interstate rules (up to 70 mph on interstates and up to 65 mph on four-lane highways, with potential higher or different limits if authorized by the Governor or required by federal funding). The bill retains existing general speed rules for urban areas, unpaved roads, and county roads, and it clarifies that the Governor can set or adjust speeds to meet federal requirements. It becomes effective immediately after the Governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects
Drivers traveling on Corridor X/I‑22 who may be subject to interstate speed limits on that segment.
Municipalities with fewer than 19,000 residents, whose law enforcement cannot enforce these interstate speed limits on interstate highways.
Law enforcement agencies in larger municipalities or state authorities that would enforce the interstate speed limits on Corridor X/I‑22.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 32-5A-171 to treat Corridor X/I‑22 segment from the Alabama/Mississippi state line to the Jefferson County line as an interstate highway for maximum speed limit purposes.
Restates general speed limits: urban districts 30 mph; unpaved roads 35 mph; county-maintained paved roads in unincorporated areas 45 mph (with higher limits possible under certain authorities); other highways 55 mph; interstate highways 70 mph; four-lane highways 65 mph, with governor-approved deviations as allowed for federal funding or other authorities.
Allows the Governor to prescribe different speeds to meet federal funding requirements and to alter limits under related statutes (Sections 32-5A-172 and 32-5A-173).
Effective immediately after passage and the Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles