SB283 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jay HoveySenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Motor vehicles and traffic; first responders operating upon roadways, distinguished from pedestrians

Summary

The bill requires drivers to yield to first responders on sidewalks and to exercise extra care to avoid them, while clarifying that first responders are not pedestrians when performing official duties.

What This Bill Does

Requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with first responders and to yield the right-of-way to first responders on sidewalks. Redefines 'pedestrian' to exclude first responders when they are performing public safety duties, clarifying who must be yielded to in certain situations. Lists specific activities that count as first-responder duties (e.g., directing traffic, responding to emergencies, rendering first aid, pursuing or apprehending violators, moving a vehicle, etc.). Takes effect on October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Drivers/vehicle operators in Alabama: must yield to first responders on sidewalks and exercise heightened care to avoid colliding with both pedestrians and first responders.
• First responders (police, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs): are not considered pedestrians when performing official duties, and have prioritized access/consideration on roadways and sidewalks described in the bill.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 32-5A-2.1 to define pedestrian as any person on foot, with first responders performing public safety duties explicitly excluded from that definition.
• Specifies seven activities that count as first-responder duties for the purpose of the pedestrian definition (e.g., directing traffic, responding to emergencies, rendering first aid, pursuing offenders, etc.).
• Amends §32-5A-213 to require drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or first responder, and to sound the horn when necessary while also exercising caution around children or obviously impaired persons.
• Amends §32-5A-218 to require drivers to yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian or first responder on a sidewalk.
• Defines First Responder and related terms within the act, including the status of official duties and the effective date of the act (October 1, 2024).

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 & Traffic