HB128 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Nathaniel LedbetterRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
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: HB128 would require drivers to give bicycles at least three feet of space when passing.
What This Bill Does
It adds a clear distance rule for passing bicycles by defining a 'safe distance' and setting it at no less than three feet. This applies when a motorist overtakes a bicycle moving in the same direction and must be maintained until the cyclist is safely past. The bill would become law on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects
Motorists: must pass bicycles with at least a three-foot clearance.
Bicyclists: may ride with clearer expectations of space from passing vehicles, improving safety.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 32-5A-82 to define 'safe distance' for overtaking and passing a bicycle as not less than three feet.
Specifies that the three-foot safe distance applies specifically to vehicles overtaking and passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction.
Sets the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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