SB125 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Motor vehicles, following too closely, exemption provided for, truck platoons under certain conditions, Dept. of Transportation authorized to adopt rules, Secs. 32-1-1.1, 32-5A-89 am'd.
Summary: SB 125 lets certain trucks travel in electronically coordinated platoons with closer following distances, with rules to implement the plan set by the Department of Transportation.
What This Bill Does
The bill creates an exemption for trailing trucks in a truck platoon from the standard following-distance rule if the platoon uses electronic brake coordination and meets DOT requirements. It keeps other traffic rules in place, including general following-distance guidelines and safety provisions for caravans or motorcades. It authorizes the Department of Transportation to adopt implementing rules and takes effect on the date specified in the act (the first day of the third month after passage).

Who It Affects
Trucking companies and drivers operating in truck platoons, who could follow more closely than usual when electronically coordinated and DOT rules are met.
Other road users and the general public, who may share roads with platoons and are protected by existing safety provisions and any future DOT rules governing platooning.

Key Provisions
Exemption from the following-too-closely rule for trailing trucks in an electronically coordinated truck platoon, provided the platoon meets DOT rules and regulatory requirements.
Department of Transportation authority to adopt rules to implement and regulate truck platooning, with the act becoming effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

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