HB218 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip PettusRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Motor vehicles, Anti-Road Rage Act, established, right side driving required, exceptions, Sec. 32-5A-80 am'd.

Summary

HB218 would require interstate drivers to stay in the right lane unless passing, limit time spent in the left lane, and start with warning-only enforcement for left-lane violations for 60 days after it takes effect.

What This Bill Does

It amends Alabama law to require vehicles on interstate highways to travel in the right lane except when passing or under certain exceptions. It adds a rule that the leftmost lane on interstates cannot be used for more than 1.5 miles without passing another vehicle, with several allowed exceptions. For the first 60 days after the law becomes effective, law enforcement may issue only warnings for left-lane violations. The bill notes it is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines or changes a crime.

Who It Affects

• Drivers on interstate highways, who must drive in the right lane and may use the left lane only to pass or under specific exceptions
• Law enforcement and highway safety officials, who will enforce the left-lane rule and issue warnings during the initial 60-day period

Key Provisions

• Interstate driving rule: vehicles on interstates must use the right lane unless passing, with specified exceptions
• Left-lane limit: on interstates, no leftmost-lane use for more than 1.5 miles without passing; several exceptions apply (e.g., traffic conditions, weather, tolls, emergencies, road work)
• Enforcement note: during the first 60 days after the act becomes law, officers may issue only warning citations for left-lane violations
• Funding and crime language: the bill is considered exempt from Amendment 621 local-fund requirements because it defines or amends a crime
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after 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