SB209 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Greg AlbrittonSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Motor vehicles, Alabama Move Over Act, require vehicles to move over when approaching a parked Department of Transportation vehicle, Sec. 32-5A-58.2 am'd.
Summary: SB209 expands the Alabama Move Over law to include Department of Transportation vehicles with amber or white lights, adds specific driving-observation rules and fines, and requires a safety education campaign.
What This Bill Does
It adds DOT vehicles displaying amber or white lights to the list of roadside vehicles that drivers must move over or slow down for. On multi-lane interstates/highways, drivers must vacate the lane closest to the stopped vehicle or slow to at least 15 mph below the posted speed limit; on two-lane roads, drivers must move away as much as possible and slow to 15 mph below the limit (or 10 mph if the limit is 20 mph or less). Violations are misdemeanors with fines starting at $25, then $50, and $100 for the third offense and beyond. The Department of Public Safety must run an educational awareness campaign and include information about this section in new driver’s license materials. The act becomes effective the first day of the third month after passage, and it is treated as a new crime for local-funding purposes under Amendment 621.

Who It Affects
Drivers and motorists in Alabama, who must move over or slow down when approaching a DOT vehicle parked or performing duties with amber/white lights
Department of Transportation workers and other roadside workers (law enforcement, emergency responders, wreckers, utility crews, and garbage/trash/recycling collection crews) who gain increased protection from passing vehicles

Key Provisions
Includes Department of Transportation vehicles displaying amber or white flashing lights in the Move Over Act protections
Defines required actions: on interstates with 2+ lanes, vacate the lane closest to the stopped vehicle or slow to at least 15 mph below posted speed; on two-lane roads, move away as far as possible and slow to 15 mph below the limit (or 10 mph if limit is 20 mph or less)
Establishes misdemeanor penalties: $25 fine for first violation, $50 for second, and $100 for third and subsequent violations
Requires the Department of Public Safety to run an educational awareness campaign and to include information in new driver’s license educational materials
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage
Section 2 clarifies the act is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime

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