HB399 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Van SmithRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Motor vehicles, uniform vehicle width restriction, provided, Sec. 32-9-20 am'd.
Summary: HB399 would standardize the maximum vehicle width on Alabama state highways to a uniform limit, replacing a system tied to each highway’s width.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, it sets a uniform outside width limit of 102 inches for vehicles on highways with 12-foot-wide lanes or more, and 96 inches on highways with narrower lanes. The Director of Transportation may designate other public highways for the 102-inch width. It retains existing limits for height (13.5 feet) and length/weight rules, along with enforcement details and load-specific restrictions, and it becomes effective immediately after passage.

Who It Affects
Trucking companies and commercial drivers who operate on state highways, who must ensure their vehicles and loads fit within the new 102-inch or 96-inch width limits depending on the highway lane width.
State and local transportation and law enforcement agencies that design, designate, and enforce vehicle size limits on highways.

Key Provisions
Uniform width limits: 102 inches total outside width on highways with traffic lanes 12 feet or wider; 96 inches on highways with lanes narrower than 12 feet; the Transportation Director can designate other highways for the 102-inch limit.
Load restrictions within width limits: no passenger vehicle may have a load extending beyond the fender line; loads from forest products or culvert pipe shall not exceed 102 inches in width.
Continuation of other size rules: height limit remains at 13.5 feet; length and weight limits apply as specified for various vehicle configurations, with detailed provisions for different trailer and tractor setups.
Enforcement and tolerances: enforcement allows scale tolerances; portable scales and platform scales may be used to verify weight, with procedures to confirm compliance.
Additional weight-related provisions: up to 400 pounds extra weight allowed for auxiliary power idle reduction units if proof/certification is provided; natural gas-powered vehicles may exceed weight limits up to 82,000 pounds by the difference between natural gas system weight and a diesel system weight, under EPA-certified conditions.
Effective date: the act takes effect immediately after the Governor signs it.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles