HB216 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Victor Gaston

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Motorcycles and bicycles, red lights, authorized to disregard traffic-control signal and proceed under certain conditions, Sec. 32-5A-32 am'd.

Summary

HB 216 would let motorcycle or bicycle riders disregard a traffic-control signal and proceed through an intersection under specific safety conditions if they believe the signal is inoperative due to the vehicle's lightweight design.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a new exception to allow a rider who has stopped at a signal to proceed through the intersection without obeying the signal if they reasonably believe the signal is inoperative because of the bike's lightweight design, and only if no other vehicle is within 500 feet and the rider proceeds cautiously while following other traffic rules. The rider must prove they acted according to these rules, and if an accident occurs while using this exception, it is prima facie evidence that they did not exercise proper caution. The term 'reasonable belief' depends on factors like how long the rider was stopped and how many signal changes were observed. The law would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Motorcycle riders in Alabama, who would be allowed to proceed through an intersection at a signal after stopping if they believe the signal is inoperative and no vehicle is within 500 feet, provided they act cautiously.
• Bicycle riders in Alabama, under the same conditions as motorcycles.
• Other drivers and pedestrians, who may encounter riders moving through intersections differently and must remain attentive and yield as appropriate under standard traffic rules.

Key Provisions

• Adds new subsection 32-5A-32(5)a allowing motorcycle or bicycle drivers to disregard a traffic-control signal and proceed through an intersection if they have stopped and reasonably believe the signal is inoperative due to the vehicle's lightweight design, with two conditions: (1) no other vehicle within 500 feet approaching or entering the intersection, and (2) the driver proceeds cautiously and in accordance with other traffic rules; this does not grant a right to turn under other provisions.
• The driver bears the burden of proving they acted in accordance with this subdivision; if an accident occurs, it is prima facie evidence that the driver did not exercise the required caution.
• Defines 'reasonable belief' by factors such as how long the stop lasted and how many signal changes were observed.
• Notwithstanding other laws, this provision applies only under the stated conditions and is subject to existing turn and pedestrian rules (i.e., it does not authorize certain turns).
• Section 2 sets the act to take effect on the first day of the third month after its 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