HB103 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Victor Gaston

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

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

Summary

This bill would allow motorcycle or bicycle riders to disregard a traffic-control signal and pass through an intersection under specific safety conditions.

What This Bill Does

It adds an exception to traffic-signal rules for riders who have stopped at a signal and reasonably believe the signal is inoperative due to the vehicle's lightweight design, allowing them to proceed through the intersection. The rider may proceed only if no other vehicle is within 500 feet of the intersection and the rider goes through cautiously, without using the red-light exception to turn. The rider must prove they acted under this rule, and involvement in an accident can be considered evidence that they did not exercise proper caution; the bill also defines what counts as a 'reasonable belief' and states when the act would take effect.

Who It Affects

• Motorcycles and bicycles, who would be allowed to pass through intersections after stopping if they reasonably believe the signal is inoperative and the specified conditions are met.
• Other road users (drivers of cars/trucks and pedestrians), who may experience changes in traffic flow at intersections and could be affected by riders using this exception; liability and safety considerations apply.

Key Provisions

• Adds a new exception in Section 32-5A-32 allowing motorcycle or bicycle drivers who have stopped at a traffic-control signal and reasonably believe the signal is inoperative due to a lightweight design to disregard the signal and proceed through the intersection, provided no other vehicle is within 500 feet and the driver proceeds with reasonable care; the driver may not use this to make a turn under subdivision (3).
• Sets proof and safety rules for the exception: the driver must prove they acted under the provision; an accident can be prima facie evidence of not exercising proper caution; defines 'reasonable belief' by considering stop duration and observed signal changes; the act becomes effective on 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