HB212 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip PettusRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Motor vehicles, Anti-Road Rage Act, established, right side driving required, exceptions, Sec. 32-5A-80 am'd.

Summary

HB 212 would require interstate drivers to stay in the right lane unless passing, with specific exceptions, and would start with warning citations for the first 60 days after it becomes law.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 32-5A-80 to require driving on the right half of roadways of sufficient width and to list when left lanes may be used. On interstates, no vehicle may stay in the leftmost lane for more than 1.5 miles without passing, with several exceptions (e.g., congestion, weather, tolls, exits, emergencies, construction). Slower traffic must stay in the right lanes, and driving conditions allowing left-lane use are specified. Law enforcement may issue only warnings for left-lane violations for the first 60 days after the act takes effect, and the act is designed to be known as the Anti-Road Rage Act. The act also includes an exemption from Amendment 621 requirements and specifies its effective date.

Who It Affects

• Drivers and motorists on Alabama interstate highways and other roadways, who would be required to use the right lane unless passing and to limit left-lane use on interstates to specified circumstances.
• Law enforcement and highway safety agencies, which would handle enforcement starting with warning citations only for left-lane violations during the first 60 days after the act becomes law.

Key Provisions

• The act is titled the Anti-Road Rage Act and amends Section 32-5A-80 to require driving on the right half of roadways of sufficient width, with specific exceptions (passing, obstructions, three-lane roadways, one-way roads).
• On all roadways, slower drivers must use the right-hand lane or stay as far right as practicable, except when overtaking, preparing for a left turn, or certain other conditions.
• On four-lane, two-way roadways, no vehicle may stay left of the center line, except as designated by traffic controls or as permitted by other provisions.
• On interstate highways, the leftmost lane may not be used for more than 1.5 miles without passing, with exceptions for traffic conditions, weather, legal compliance, exits, tolls, emergency vehicles, and construction-related movements.
• For 60 days after the act’s effective date, law enforcement may issue only warning citations for violations of the interstate left-lane rule.
• The act is exempt from Amendment 621 local-fund requirements because it creates or amends a crime definition, and it specifies the act’s effective date (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