SB121 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

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

SB121 would define the safe passing distance when overtaking a bicycle as at least three feet.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 32-5A-82 to specify that, when a motorist overtakes and passes a bicycle, the safe distance must be at least three feet. The bill keeps existing rules about how overtaking should be done (pass to the left and stay cleared) and how the overtaken driver should respond. It also states the law becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and the Governor approves it.

Who It Affects

• Drivers of motor vehicles: must maintain a minimum of three feet when overtaking and passing a bicyclist.
• Bicyclists: have a defined, codified safe passing distance, which provides clearer protection from close passes.

Key Provisions

• Amends 32-5A-82 to define 'safe distance' for overtaking and passing a bicycle as not less than three feet.
• Retains existing overtaking rules: pass to the left and do not return to the right until safely clear; the overtaken vehicle must yield to the right and not speed up until fully passed.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and governor's 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