SB154 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Randy PriceSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Motor vehicles, uniform vehicle width restriction, provided, Sec. 32-9-20 am'd.
Summary: SB154 establishes a uniform maximum vehicle width on state highways (102 inches on wide-lane roads, 96 inches on narrow-lane roads) and updates height, length, and weight rules, including new allowances for natural gas-powered vehicles and idle-reduction tech, with local authority flexibility.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 32-9-20 to set a universal width limit for vehicles on state highways, allows the DOT to designate highways for the 102-inch limit, and preserves existing height and length restrictions with detailed exceptions for various trailer configurations. It also updates weight limits using a per-axle and gross-weight table, adds a 400-pound allowance for idle-reduction equipment, allows heavier weight for natural gas-powered trucks (up to 82,000 pounds), and authorizes counties and the DOT to post or impose lower limits as needed. The act takes effect immediately after governor’s approval.

Who It Affects
Trucking companies and commercial vehicle operators, who must comply with the new width, height, length, and weight limits and may need permits or route planning.
State and local transportation agencies, law enforcement, and county authorities, who enforce and possibly adjust local limits and designate highway usage.
Farmers and agricultural transport operators, who have exemptions from some axle and weight requirements and special allowances for farm-related transport.
Operators of natural gas-powered trucks and vehicles with idle-reduction technology, who receive a weight allowance and must provide certification for compliance.

Key Provisions
Uniform width limits: 102 inches on highways with 12-foot or wider lanes; 96 inches on narrower lanes; director may designate highways for the 102-inch limit; certain loads exempt or restricted (fenders, forest products, culvert pipe).
Height and length limits: maximum height 13.5 feet; general vehicle length limit 40 feet with detailed allowances for truck-trailer configurations, motor homes, and other combinations.
Weight limits and enforcement: axle weight cap of 20,000 pounds, a computed gross weight table by axle spacing, enforcement tolerances, and allowances to prevent violations if within tolerance; portables scales and use of platform scales for verification.
Special allowances and exemptions: 400-pound extra weight for idle-reduction/APU equipment; up to 82,000 pounds gross for natural gas-powered vehicles (interstate highways) with weight differences between gas and diesel tanks; exemptions for certain farm vehicle operations.
Local and DOT authority: counties can set lower limits; DOT can post lower limits and designate highways; enforcement by state and local agencies.

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