SB95 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Motor vehicles, overtaking and passing bicycles, must maintain safe distance of at least three feet from bicycle, definition of safe distance, Sec. 32-5A-82 am'd.

Summary

The bill defines a safe passing distance for overtaking a bicycle as at least three feet and updates Alabama law to require that standard.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 32-5A-82 to include a specific definition of 'safe distance' when a vehicle overtakes and passes a bicycle. The defined safe distance is not less than three feet. Drivers must maintain this distance until they are safely clear of the bicycle, with the rule applying to bicycles traveled in the same direction. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Drivers of motor vehicles who overtake bicycles (must maintain at least a three-foot clearance).
• Bicyclists riding on roads who gain a defined safety standard for passing vehicles.

Key Provisions

• Safe distance for overtaking and passing a bicycle is defined as not less than three feet.
• Amends Section 32-5A-82 to include the three-foot safe distance definition for bicycles.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.

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