SB19 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Speed limits on highways, enforcement by municipalities authorized, Sec. 32-5A-171 am'd.

Summary

SB19 would allow municipalities to enforce speed limits on interstate highways and set specific speed limits for different road types in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It repeals the ban that prevented small municipalities from enforcing speed limits on interstates, allowing any incorporated municipality to enforce speed limits on interstates within its borders. It establishes default maximum speeds by road type: urban districts 30 mph; unpaved roads 35 mph; county paved unincorporated roads 45 mph; non-interstate roads with four or more lanes 65 mph; other non-interstate roads 55 mph; interstates 70 mph, with possible Governor adjustments. Enforcement would occur within a municipality’s corporate limits, and speeds can be changed to meet federal requirements to keep federal highway funds.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement officers in all incorporated Alabama municipalities (including towns with fewer than 19,000 people) who would enforce speed limits on interstates within their jurisdiction.
• Drivers traveling on Alabama highways, whose maximum allowed speeds would depend on the road type and could be adjusted to meet federal requirements.

Key Provisions

• Repeals the prohibition on enforcement by certain small municipalities on interstates, permitting enforcement by any incorporated municipality on interstates within its borders.
• Sets maximum speed limits by road type: urban districts 30 mph; unpaved roads 35 mph; county-maintained paved roads in unincorporated areas 45 mph; non-interstate roads with four or more lanes 65 mph; other non-interstate roads 55 mph; interstates 70 mph (with Governor-authorized adjustments).
• Governor may authorize different speeds to satisfy federal law or funding requirements, and limits can be altered under related sections.
• Enforcement under these limits is limited to the municipality's corporate limits (not outside that jurisdiction).
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval, or as otherwise provided by law.

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

Subjects

Highways, Roads, and Bridges