HB499 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip PettusRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Motor vehicles; Traffic-control signals; to provide procedures to be used when a traffic-control signal is out of operation or not functioning properly, Sec. 32-5A-32 am'd.

Summary

HB499 adds standard procedures for how drivers and pedestrians should behave when a traffic-control signal is out of operation or not functioning properly.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 32-5A-32 to specify what vehicles should do when a signal isn’t working: if the signal shows green or yellow, proceed with caution; if it shows red or is unlit, stop as you would at a stop sign and proceed only under the normal right-of-way rules. The rule also notes that traffic direction by police officers overrides these procedures, and the guidance applies to signals that may use detection technology. The law becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved.

Who It Affects

• Drivers/vehicular traffic in Alabama – must follow the new procedures (proceed with caution on green/yellow and stop at red/unlit, then proceed according to standard right-of-way rules).
• Pedestrians and other road users – their crossing and movement are governed by these changes through the interaction with driver behavior, and they should follow police directions when a signal is out of operation.

Key Provisions

• When a traffic-control signal is out of operation or not functioning properly, vehicles facing green or yellow may proceed with caution.
• When a signal is red or completely unlit, vehicles must stop as at a stop sign and proceed only after yielding according to the standard right-of-way rules (per 32-5A-112).
• Police officers may direct traffic in these situations, and drivers must follow the officer’s instructions.
• The bill clarifies applicability to signals that may fail due to detection technology (e.g., inductive loop sensors).
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and 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

Traffic-Control Signals