SB78 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: J.T. WaggonerSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Motor vehicles, overtaking and passing, vehicles to be driven in right lane, with exceptions, Sec. 32-5A-80 am'd.
Summary: SB 78 would require drivers on four-lane or wider, two-way roads to stay in the right lane except for passing or certain exceptions, with a $250 fine for violations.
What This Bill Does
On roadways with four or more lanes that allow two-way traffic, most vehicles must stay in the right-hand lane unless overtaking or preparing for a left turn, with specific exceptions listed. Driving in the left lane to pass is restricted: on four-lane roads you must pass and return to the right lane if possible, and on roads with more than four lanes you may not linger in the left lane to pass for more than two miles. Exceptions allow use of the leftmost lane for safety, merging, construction zones, interstate left exits, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, or when moving away from an emergency vehicle under the Move Over Act. Violating these lane-use rules would result in a fine of $250, and the bill includes provisions about funding requirements under the constitution, noting the bill is exempt from certain local-funding rules because it creates or amends a crime.

Who It Affects
Drivers on Alabama roadways that have four or more lanes and two-way traffic, who would be required to drive in the right lane except when overtaking or when an exception applies and who could be fined for violations.
Local government entities (cities/counties) in the context of state funding rules; the bill is structured to be exempt from the usual local-expenditure approval requirements because it is considered a new crime or an amended crime.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 32-5A-80 to require right-lane driving on four-lane or wider roadways with two-way traffic, except for overtaking or specified conditions.
On four-lane roadways, require travel in the right lane unless passing; prohibit long use of the left lane to pass (more than two miles) unless traffic prevents passing and return to the right lane.
On roadways with more than four lanes, prohibit using the leftmost lane to pass for more than two miles without fully passing, unless traffic prevents it.
List of exceptions allowing use of the leftmost lane: safety/merging needs, traffic markers requiring the left lane, left exits, HOV lanes, and moving away from an emergency vehicle under the Move Over Act.
Imposes a $250 fine for violations of these lane-use provisions.
Section 2 states the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
Section 3 provides the effective date: the first day of the third month after 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